B757 crew experienced a bird strike at 4;000 FT during departure with a very large bird. The crew elected to return where a normal landing ensued and the aircraft was taken out of service.

Narrative

During the takeoff climb segment the aircraft encountered what appeared to be one bird strike by a large bird at 250 KTS clean at approximately 4;000 FT MSL. The impact was very loud and unexpected. I had visual contact with the bird a split second before impact. It appeared to have a large wingspan; 4-5 FT. The impact was just in front of the pitot tube on the right side. The force of impact made it highly likely there was damage to the radome. Seconds later we could smell a foul burning odor from the remnants of the bird ingested in the number two engine. The engine operated normally; however my airspeed indicator momentarily fluctuated slower before returning to normal speed. A decision was made to extinguish the right recirculation fan and return to the field ASAP; with a smooth uneventful approach and overweight landing (202;000 LBS) approximately 8-10 minutes after the bird strike event. A normal taxi to the gate commenced with all maintenance issues concluded upon shutdown and parking checklist. The aircraft was taken out of service for appropriate maintenance. The entire crew was pulled off the remainder of the trip and given an opportunity to rest.