An injured bald eagle snarled metro traffic in the nation’s capital Wednesday afternoon, causing transit authorities to reduce trains on the blue and silver lines and redirect traffic.
“We are currently single tracking on the Blue/Silver lines as appropriate animal resources respond to an apparently injured bald eagle on the tracks near Morgan Boulevard. Our apologies for delays as we work to get him/her to care,” the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) tweeted Wednesday, with a picture of the injured eagle.
We are currently single tracking on the Blue/Silver lines as appropriate animal resources respond to an apparently injured bald eagle on the tracks near Morgan Boulevard. Our apologies for delays as we work to get him/her to care. #wmata pic.twitter.com/PpACF06cjv
— Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019
The adult eagle in question was near Morgan Boulevard, which is the second-to-last stop on the eastern-most part of the silver and blue lines, which terminate in Largo, Maryland. Metro traffic to Largo was rerouted north to New Carrollton, Maryland.
Silver Line trains are being rerouted to New Carrollton, rather than Largo, to keep things moving as we await wildlife personnel for the bald eagle on the tracks between Addison Road and Morgan Boulevard. Blue Line continues to/from Largo. #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019
The WMATA Twitter feed offered periodic “bald eagle updates” throughout the evening on the welfare of the bird, which necessitated a rescue team of eight people.
Bald Eagle Update: Animal Control personnel have arrived on scene and are getting safety briefings from Rail officials before going out on the tracks. We’ll keep you updated. #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019
Bald Eagle Update: The rescue team has received safety briefings and is preparing to board a train to travel to the eagle’s location on the track. Updates will follow… #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019
Bald Eagle Update: The rescue team of 8 individuals is being dropped off by train near the eagle. They will confirm third rail power is down and then make their approach…. #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019
WMATA posted live video of the eagle rescue:
Live footage of bald eagle rescue #wmata https://t.co/H85DpuGa4g
— Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019
UPDATE: The bald eagle has been rescued and taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center. Normal metro traffic has resumed.
Bald Eagle Update: Rescued! The eagle has been recovered from the tracks by MTPD and wildlife personnel. They are walking back to Addison Road Station now. #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019
Bald Eagle Update: All personnel are clear of the tracks. Train traffic is being restored on both tracks, both directions. The injured eagle has been turned over to the care of @dccitywildlife. Thanks again to all delayed customers for your understanding! #wmata
— Metro (@wmata) March 13, 2019