A319
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related
We departed [and] at 3;000 feet we encountered a flock of birds. We felt an impact and started getting some vibration. We leveled off and the vibration lessened when the power was reduced.  First Officer was flying. I gave him the radios and he started heading us back to [departure airport]. There were no ECAM messages. I looked at the non-routine landing considerations checklist. I then briefed the flight attendants and passengers. I sent an ACARS message to Dispatch. I called Ops and told them we were returning. I ran the overweight landing checklist and did a landing assessment. When I was done [the First Officer] has us on a downwind for RWY XX. We did a Descent/Approach Checklist and returned for an uneventful landing. We stopped after we cleared the runway for ARFF to look the aircraft over. They stated the number 1 engine had a dent in the cowling. We shut the number 1 engine down and taxied to the gate. We went to check the damage. It appeared only the #1 engine was hit. Besides the cowling dent there appeared to be fan blade damage.
After cleaning the aircraft up (flaps and landing gear up) and accelerating to climb speed; we flew through a flock of birds at approximately 3;000 feet and 250 KTS. Immediately; I noticed a large vibration and noise coming from the left engine as well as confirmed on the ECAM engine system page. The engines continue to operate normally and within limits and did not present any ECAM messages. However; there was a large vibration and Captain [asked ATC] for our return to [departure airport]. The engines continued to develop normal power and vibration was reduced when I slowed the aircraft and thus reduced power.After completing our procedures for return to [departure airport] and completing the Overweight Landing Checklist; I proceeded to land as pilot flying under VFR conditions. Landing was uneventful and I touched down with a rate of approximately 200 FPM at 142;000 LBS. After clearing the runway; the aircraft was stopped to allow inspection [by ground personnel]; [who] confirmed left engine damage and Captain asked for the left engine to be shut down. Captain then taxied us to the gate.
A319 flight crew reported returning to departure airport after a bird strike damaged the left engine on departure.