PHOTOS: "Indy" the bald eagle navigates Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

News

PHOTOS: "Indy" the bald eagle navigates Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The resident raptor from the Auburn University Raptor Center is an experienced commercial airline traveler. She was on her way to attend the 250th anniversary festivities at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

Assistant Director of Raptor Training and Education Amanda Sweeney escorts Independence, otherwise known as “Indy," as the bald eagle's crate is checked by security at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Independence stands still while her crate is checked by security at TSA at Hartsfield-Jackson on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Raptor specialist Katie Pnewsji (right) speaks with young travelers about Indy the bald eagle before boarding their plane on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Assistant Director of Raptor Training and Education Amanda Sweeney pushes Independence, whose nickname is “Indy,” the bald eagle into the bag drop-off counter at the South Domestic Terminal of the airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Barrie Stern and her son, Lev Karpay, 3, attempt to look into Independence’s crate at the airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Delta flight attendants react to finding Independence the bald eagle at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Christi Mitchell snaps a photo of Independence the bald eagle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Independence is from Auburn University and travels in a crate through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Delta pilot Mike Cheri meets with the Auburn University Raptor Center team ahead of a flight to Philadelphia that will transport Independence the bald eagle to July Fourth festivities. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Travelers attempt to look into Independence’s crate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Travelers attempt to look into Indy's crate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

José Luis checks out Indy the bald eagle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Indy's handlers bring ear plugs for travelers on the Delta flight with Independence. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

1/13

Credit: Estela Muñoz/AJC

Assistant Director of Raptor Training and Education Amanda Sweeney escorts Independence, otherwise known as “Indy," as the bald eagle's crate is checked by security at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 3, 2026. (Estela Muñoz/AJC)

Today's Gallery Headlines

aajc 070426 lnx eagle delta

PHOTOS: "Indy" the bald eagle navigates Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

1h ago

PEACHTREE JUNIOR

PHOTOS: Kids take off for Peachtree Junior race

MLK childhood home reopens

PHOTOS: Childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr. reopens after renovations

Centennial Yards apartment rendering

PHOTOS: Next apartment tower at Centennial Yards in downtown Atlanta

More Galleries

aajc 070226 wc atlanta day 6

PHOTOS: England, Congo fans brave heat for World Cup

AAJC070226_WC_England_Congo

PHOTOS: Congo faces England in Atlanta at World Cup match

aajc 062826 wc atlanta day 5

PHOTOS: FIFA Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park was at capacity for Saturday's matches

AJC06272026_WC_Congo_Uzbekistan

PHOTOS: Congo faces Uzbekistan in World Cup game at Atlanta Stadium