EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
A few seconds after takeoff while climbing through approximately 500-800 FT AGL the First Officer and I saw a flock of birds right in our path. I quickly determined that the birds were very large seagulls and we needed to deviate from our standard climb path. In my opinion the size of these birds warranted a relatively aggressive maneuver to avoid severe damage to the aircraft. Both altitude and speed permitted; so I banked the aircraft to the right. The flock split; 2 seagulls went low left 2 or 3 went high right. In the initial bank we did get an oral warning 'Bank Angle' from the aircraft. Once we were clear of the flock I rolled wings level and returned to a standard climb profile. Both the First Officer and I agreed that we did avoid the birds and that continuing was acceptable and safe.
EMB-170 Captain reports taking evasive action shortly after takeoff to avoid a flock of seagulls. No bird strikes occur and the flight continues to destination.