A DHC8 hit a flock of seagulls on takeoff damaging an engine and hydraulic system. An emergency was declared with a return to land.

Narrative

Holding short of Runway 36 a CRJ-200 had just landed with a bird strike and taxied to the gate without further incident. Flocks of seagulls were flying around the airfield. An airport operations truck had been sent to inspect the runway as well as set off charges to scare the birds away. We continued holding short for around 10 to 15 minutes and observed the birds clearing the runway area moving to the west side of the field. After being cleared for takeoff the runway appeared clear. At rotation (Vr) we observed birds crossing the departure end of the runway. Heard a few birds (2-3) impact the aircraft. We elected to return to the field for inspection and reported the bird strikes to the Tower. After leveling off at 4000 FT the number two engine began to surge and the number two engine hydraulic pump caution light illuminated. Lost number two system pressure but number two quantity was normal. Declared an emergency and read the QRH which instructed us to turn on the PTU. Pressure returned to normal for the number two system and the engine surge subsided. We advised ATC we needed to burn fuel to avoid an overweight landing limitation. We then entered the traffic pattern for Runway 27. Tower advised us that 27 had the most favorable winds and the least birds. Emergency equipment was standing by near the runway. As pilot flying; I wanted to land in as short of a distance as possible to avoid hitting more birds so touchdown was quick and a little firm. Landed and returned to the gate without further incident.