Photos: Struck cormorant bird rescued on San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Motorists on Monday afternoon spotted an “unlucky bird” while traveling on Interstate 80 westbound on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, said the California Highway Patrol.

Several callers told CHP that the large, distressed seabird looked like it was unable to move or fly within the Number 2 lane, just east of Treasure Island, as drivers swerved around it.

“The bird, later determined to be a Cormorant, was safely detained and appeared to have sustained injuries to its legs and wing, possibly having been struck earlier by a vehicle,” said CHP. “This unlucky bird won’t be flying under its own power for some time, but it did receive an unplanned free ride in the back seat of Officer Lim’s patrol vehicle to remove it from the bridge.”

The coastal water bird, known for its superb diving skills, is now with San Francisco Animal Care & Control for medical evaluation and care.