Search continues for Steller's sea eagle that escaped from National Aviary

The search continues for Kodiak, the Steller’s sea eagle that escaped his habitat Saturday at the National Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Aviary officials tweeted Saturday evening they recognize that getting the raptor, nicknamed Cody, back home safely could take some time.

“While our efforts continue, it is important to note that eagles are very resilient birds and in the wild they do not eat every day,” they wrote. “Kodiak is in excellent health and body condition, and this species is acclimated to a multitude of weather conditions.”

In a post to the aviary’s Facebook page, officials said the eagle’s habitat appeared to have been “recently compromised in one area — this is highly unusual and while we continue to investigate, we may never know exactly what happened.”

While several people who’ve encountered Cody have posted their experience to social media, others are just hoping for a glimpse of such a sizable bird, and some can’t resist a few good-nature jokes.

This birdwatcher thinks he’s going to be in trouble:

Rare birdwatching opportunity: a Steller's sea eagle. In Pittsburgh. And he's gonna be SO grounded when he gets home. https://t.co/ygYSgW4iV3

— Beth Skwarecki (@BethSkw) September 25, 2021

That is indeed, very Pittsburgh:

extremely pittsburgh twitter that the eagle that escaped from the aviary already has a parody account

— Matthew, *unintelligible* sphere (@orphir_) September 26, 2021

Here’s a link to “Kodiak’s” account, where he claims to be on a well-deserved vacation:

Here's my portrait. I know, right? If you see my ripped and majestic self, give my friends at The National Aviary a call. I'm kinda skiddish, and as I said, on *VACATION*, so just let me chill and let my friends know. I told them to keep tabs on me, but strangers are not my jam. https://t.co/j8kO6TfS1W

— Kodiak the stellar Steller's Sea Eagle (@FollowThatBurgh) September 25, 2021

This gentleman is playing “Six Degrees of Cody the Eagle” — he heard from a guy who knows a guy:

My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with a girl who saw Cody the Eagle pass-out at 31 Flavors tonight. I guess it's pretty serious. https://t.co/DgbuEqx2N2

— morgan (@mport56) September 26, 2021

And finally, what would life be without a little avian humor from Pittsburgh’s most famous bird himself, poking fun at social media itself:

"Tweets"? Really? Rude. Get your own verb. I'm a Steller's Sea EAGLE. If I am going to go on a jaunt for a taste of the outside world, must I demean myself to achieve connection?

— Kodiak the stellar Steller's Sea Eagle (@FollowThatBurgh) September 25, 2021

Aviary officials said Kodiak is likely to avoid people and pets, and asked the public not to approach him if they see him, since he is likely to fly away from anyone unfamiliar.

Sightings can be reported to the Aviary at 412-323-7235.