Word of the Day - Snarge

Lately the airwaves have been filled with news about the US Airways pilot who made the miraculous emergency landing on the Hudson river after hitting a flock of geese. We've all been amazed by the stories and pictures. It's been educational, too. Many people didn't realize that a few birds can bring down a big jet. That angle of the story leads to today's word of the day:

Snarge - what remains of a bird after it strikes a plane.

Birds are actually a significant hazard in aviation and crashes of this sort occur regularly. So regularly that there is a lab at the Smithsonian Institution for identifying the bird species from whatever goo and feathers is left. This information helps experts understand how to improve the safety of airplanes and airports. And who heads the Feather Identification Lab at the Smithsonian? Her name is Carla Dove! Gotta love that.