Some reports have suggested that the bird/s the aircraft hit were Canada Geese.
These large geese are known for travelling great distances at great heights, being recorded as high as 8000'. To compound the danger they often fly at night and can fly for up to 16 hours in a stretch.
Last year a flock of 4 Canada Geese were located along the south coast of NSW. These birds were thought to have come from New Zealand, and spent nearly a month in various locations from Ulladulla in the south to Shellharbour near Wollongong.
Thankfully they were 'removed' at Shellharbour before they could establish a population here.
Here's a picture of one I took at 'The Farm' near Shellharbour the day before they were removed.
