LA PLATA, Md. — Officers from the La Plata Police Department responded to a call on Sunday from residents of the Hawthorne Green community who reported an injured juvenile waterfowl, believed to be a Horned Grebe, in the roadway near Camden Circle and Nicola Lane. Cpl. B. Smith #643, with assistance from Cpl. Gustafson #584, successfully captured and released the bird into a nearby water source, earning appreciation from the community.
The incident began when residents noticed the bird struggling in the street and tried to help. Unable to catch it as it evaded them, they contacted the La Plata Police Department. Cpl. Smith arrived and located the waterfowl at the intersection of Camden Circle and Gramby Court. Using a blanket provided by a community member, he secured the bird. After determining it was not endangered, the officers released it into a local water body. Animal control was notified and confirmed this was the appropriate course of action.
The Horned Grebe, a migratory waterbird, is not listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fws.gov. Its presence in Charles County aligns with its seasonal migration, as documented by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology allaboutbirds.org, which notes its use of inland waters during this period.
Residents thanked Cpl. Smith and Cpl. Gustafson for their quick response and care. “This is just another example of the many hats police officers wear throughout their daily duties to make our communities safe for all,” a statement from the La Plata Police Department read.
Animal control’s approval of the release matches guidance from the National Wildlife Federation nwf.org, which suggests relocating injured but viable birds to suitable habitats. The officers’ actions ensured the bird’s safety without unnecessary escalation.
