Officer saves bird from traffic

An immobilized blue jay escaped being killed in traffic Saturday afternoon in unincorporated Sonoma County, thanks to the efforts of an observant California Highway Patrol officer.

Around noon, the officer came to a stop in his vehicle near River and Olivet roads, when he noticed a blue jay in the turn lane of Olivet Road, according to CHP.

The officer saw the bird standing in the roadway, not moving and nearly getting hit by traffic, CHP officials said.

The officer stopped traffic and picked up the bird.

With the bird sitting in his hand, the officer then drove the animal to the Bird Rescue Center, at 3430 Chantae Road in Santa Rosa, CHP officials said.

According to CHP, the officer felt it his duty to save the bird, just as he would if it were a child or an intoxicated person.