Large Scale Central

Golden eagle trapped in UP loco 7426's snow plow

General Discussion
#1

From the “Betcha’ didn’t see this coming” files.

"Union Pacific @UnionPacific Mar 6

UP employees in Stockton, California, made an unexpected discovery on Valentine’s Day. A Golden Eagle became trapped in a locomotive’s plow somewhere between Nebraska and California – and survived."

https://twitter.com/UnionPacific/status/971149681098141697

Twitter links to Facebook where the post says,
https://www.facebook.com/unionpacific/posts/10155530154463506

"Union Pacific Railroad added 4 new photos.
March 6 at 2:09pm ·

Union Pacific employees in Stockton, California, made an unexpected discovery on Valentine’s Day. A Golden Eagle became trapped in locomotive No. 7426’s plow somewhere between Nebraska and California – and survived.

The employees called the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Game Wardens Brad Mello and Justin Cisneros came to the Stockton Yard to help. The team carefully dismantled the locomotive’s plow, piece by piece. When the last piece was removed, the eagle fell into a blanket. The warden quickly placed it inside an empty dog crate for safe transport.

Union Pacific employees cut foliage from nearby trees, ensuring the eagle was comfortable as possible. The bird was treated at Tri County Wildlife Care in Jackson, California, for minimal injuries and released back into the wild this morning."

#2

That is amazing the eagle survived. I wonder when the eagle stopped struggling to get out and settled in for the ride?

#3

That’s a good question, hadn’t thought about that.

Can’t you just see it thinking, “What is this, some kind of alien abduction?”

#4

I was thinking a different plow… maybe he was just hitching a ride?

#5

He has a nice front row seat, ah, perch…whatever.

#6

What an awesome, beautiful bird! I’m glad he wasn’t badly injured.

#7

It is known as a “Snow plough pilot”…Variations, considered almost standard equipment on the locomotives of most manufacturers.

The days of “Footboard Pilots” generally are over due to safety considerations.

Locomotives of most large railroads in North America, can find all types of conditions, in their travels, due to long runs, rental/leasing agreements, or through sales on the used locomotive market. The snow plough pilot is appropriate for just about every condition. And yes, even works well for clearing “Cows” (As in "Cow Catcher) off the tracks.

It was nice to hear of the consideration, and care, those railroaders showed towards the Eagle…Thank you for post some caring, and compassionate news…

Fred Mills

#8

I would think a large bird like that would have feather protection from hypothermia, naturally. The altitude they fly at has to be cold. However, the steel of the plow and the constant buffeting of the wind in such an exposed way, had to be a different level of cold. I’m also, amazed it survived.

#9

My question is how the heck did it get wedged in the plow?

#10

Train faster than bird?

#11

My guess he was feeding on the tracks and the train ran over him from behind, he rolled under the blade and popped up behind it with wings opening to fly, hence his right one through the supports and the left out to the side. Hypothermia is understood with the wind coming from below as well.

Very lucky to survive the trip.

#12

John Caughey said:

Very lucky to survive the trip.

As in, Now there’s an eagle who’s one lucky duck. ?

#13

After the long ride, the eagle may become a rail enthusiast.

#14

Or, he may look both ways before landing on the tracks.