A Lancaster man used his flannel shirt to rescue an injured bald eagle that had plopped down in the middle of a Route 30 bypass, stopping traffic, in Downingtown, Chester County, on Saturday, according to media reports.
Dandon Miller was on his motorcycle when he encountered the traffic jam and then saw the injured eagle, according to a report from ABC television affiliate Channel 6 Action News in Philadelphia.
Dandon told “the dodo” website that another motorist tried to nudge the bird off the road, but it wouldn’t move.
Needing to get the eagle off the busy highway but knowing the birds have sharp, powerful talons, Miller took off his favorite flannel shirt and threw it over the bird to try to safely pick it up.
The shirt worked: “I picked her up and she was very calm,” Miller told “the dodo.” He kept the bird bundled in the shirt.
Dandon called 911 who sent a local rehabilitation center, Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, Inc., to collect the bird.
Miller told “the dodo” he waited, holding the bird swaddled in the flannel shirt for about 45 minutes for the animal rehabilitators.
“It was just amazing to hold that bird and for her to be calm like that,” Miller told the website.
On Wednesday, the Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research released a statement on the “Downington eagle,” which they described as rescued by a good Samaritan: The female eagle is “resting comfortably” after wing surgery and a cleanup of various abrasions. She is self-feeding.
This is the 45th bald eagle that has been admitted to the wildlife clinic so far in 2019. The nonprofit is asking the public for donations to cover the costs for veterinary care. Those making donations can make it specifically for the Downington Eagle by visiting the clinic’s website.
