Clark the Eagle flies out of Reagan National Airport

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Clark the Eagle was ticketed to fly out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), but like all passengers, he needed to go through the TSA security screening process.

DCA STSO Jonathan Villatoro and bird handler Daniel Cone (Photo by Lisa Farbstein)

Clark, a 21-year-old bald eagle, lives at the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri where his job is a conservation ambassador. With no specific job description, he just wings it.

When Clark and his handlers arrived at DCA, they were given VIB (very important bird) treatment. Screening a bird that can weigh up to 15 pounds and is nearly 40 inches tall (Clark is 30 inches; male eagles are smaller than females.) can be a daunting task.

Clark's bird carrier was extremely large and needed to be wheeled on an oversize luggage cart to the rear of the checkpoint. There, he waited until his handler passed through the screening process. The bird received expedited screening, but unfortunately his handler was not enrolled in TSA PreCheck® and received regular passenger screening.

DCA STSO Jonathan Villatoro and Clark the Eagle's flight accommodations. (Photo by Lisa Farbstein)

To complete the screening process, Clark was removed from his carrier so Officers could clear the carrier. Clark's handler donned a thick, leather, protective glove, and as he opened the case, Clark hopped onto his padded arm. The bird looked all around the checkpoint in a matter-of fact manner as the two posed for photos.

Post-security passengers - young and old - quickly flocked to snap photos and selfies of the large bird. It was hard to say who was more curious, Clark or the passengers.

While onlookers flew over to see Clark, DCA Supervisory TSA Officer (STSO) Jonathan Villatoro screened the case with assistance from fellow Officers Emileyshka Diaz and Gregory Delissaint while the bird patiently waited. A little search of his cage certainly wasn't going to ruffle his feathers.

After the informal photo session and Clark clearing TSA security, the bald eagle hopped back in to his cage, headed to the gate and waited for his flight.

By Lisa Farbstein & Wayne Carey, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs