Passengers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina had an unexpected break in Transportation Security Administration checkpoint fatigue when a bald eagle, perched on its handler’s arm, spread its wings at the security line Thursday. “His airline notified us and we checked him and his operator,” the agency wrote. “Clark is trained to spread his wings and even shows off a bit during the screening.” The agency also posted a video on Clark’s Instagram showing his impressive wingspan. High Point University, a Methodist university based in North Carolina, said Clark was returning home from a trip to their campus when he was spotted at TSA. It flew over the heads of 1,600 freshmen at their convocation ceremony, the university tweeted. The World Bird Sanctuary where Clark lives cares for more than 200 animals outside of St. Louis, Missouri. He treats and rehabilitates injured birds at his wildlife hospital and also permanently houses a number of non-releasable residents — like Clark. However, he was born with deformities in his legs that prevented him from being released, according to the sanctuary. Thus, he became one of the organization’s “flying ambassadors” and travels the United States to fly to various events, such as High Point’s convocation ceremony and professional baseball games.
