B737-500
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 148
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Environment - Non Weather Related
The Number 2 engine thrust deteriorated slightly during initial climb; and unusual rudder inputs were required indicating asymmetric thrust as a result of the Number 2 engine loss of thrust.  An emergency was declared and ATC vectored the aircraft for a visual approach to Runway XL.  We had an uneventful landing and taxi into the gate.  Maintenance advised the crew of indications of a possible bird strike in the Number 2 engine.
[No additional information contained in reporter's narrative]
B737-500 flight crew noticed a deterioration of engine thrust during initial climbout; an emergency was declared and flight returned to departure airport.  Post flight maintenance inspection revealed a bird strike was the probable cause.