Christie Brinkley injured while trying to save bird

MIAMI, April 7 (UPI) -- Christie Brinkley was rushed to the hospital over the weekend.

The 61-year-old model was vacationing in Turks and Caicos when she was injured trying to save a bird. Brinkley had to be transported to Miami, where she underwent a cat scan and received stitches for a cut above her eye.

"My grateful heartfelt thanks goes out to our wonderful Parrot Cay Family who got me to the boat and plane, and my friends in Miami who found my A Team at University of Miami Hospital led by Dr Askari and his professional caring and adorable team and to my bestie @artminister who spent her much needed and deserved holiday by my bedside," she captioned a photo of her injuries on Instagram.

Brinkley and best friend Mindy Moak shared several snapshots prior to the incident, including a picture of the model standing in the ocean. Brinkley later posted a photo of Alexa Ray Joel, her daughter with ex-husband Billy Joel, writing, "I may be CONCHED out lol, but My Little Moonbeam Alexa Ray glows in the Sunshine!"

Brinkley came to fame as a model in the 1970s, and served as the face of Cover Girl for 25 years. She is known for portraying Gayle Gergich on NBC series Parks and Recreation, and recently launched new skincare line Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare.