Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 7:11
Residents across the San Bernardino Mountains are mourning the loss of Jackie, a beloved bald eagle whose presence captivated locals and global audiences alike. In place of grief, the community is celebrating her memory through newly unveiled life-size wooden monuments and organized public ceremonies.
Paul Waclo, a professional chainsaw sculptor, dedicated significant time to recreating Jackie in wood. Using dozens of photographs, he captured her distinctive posture mid-flight with a fish in her talons. The intricate carving now stands prominently in Fawnskin Freedom Park, where park owner Mike Wayman noted that longtime visitors immediately recognize the eagle.
People that know Jackie, especially from that side, will recognize that's Jackie, said park owner Mike Wayman.
The installation quickly became a focal point for mourners. Visitors left flowers, handwritten notes, and photographs at the base of the sculpture. Nancy Koch, a long-time watcher of the eagle nest, described the monument as a personal way to express her devotion to the bird she followed for years.
Beyond the physical statues, the tribute extends into active community programming. Visit Big Bear, the Yuhaaviatam Nation of San Manuel, and Friends of Big Bear Valley are coordinating a multi-day celebration at Bear Mountain Resort. The schedule features welcome music, local speakers discussing wildlife stewardship, and interactive booths featuring nature advocates. Additionally, October four marks a Wildlife Education Day, offering guided bird-watching hikes and seed collection activities throughout the valley.
Big Bear Lake sits within the San Bernardino National Forest, a region heavily reliant on outdoor recreation and ecological preservation. Jackie became a cornerstone of local identity, drawing thousands of tourists annually to watch the live nest stream. Her passing sparked immediate discussions among regional conservationists about protecting vulnerable raptor populations from habitat stressors and human encroachment.
Jackie spent approximately fourteen years soaring over the lake alongside her mate, Shadow. She gained international fame through a twenty-four-hour livestream operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley. In late July, she was found grounded after competing with younger eagles near the shoreline. Despite intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center for nearly three weeks, she suffered from severe blood clots and kidney complications before passing away on August tenth.
The wooden monuments and upcoming educational events ensure Jackie remains a living part of Big Bear culture. Residents are encouraged to visit the memorials respectfully and participate in scheduled conservation workshops to continue her legacy of environmental stewardship.
