A chainsaw sculptor has fashioned a life-sized wood sculpture of Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle, and it now stands in a park where fans have placed flowers, notes and photographs in her memory.
A woman named Jackie passed away in August following an illness that began in July. That sickness came about after she fell ill from a fight with young eagles close to the lakeshore. Many knew her through a livestream of her nest, where she was frequently seen beside her mate at the time, Shadow.
A great many photographs served as references for the artist, who sought to render Jackie’s distinctive features accurately. Mike Wayman, the park owner, expressed hope that visitors would come to recognize her.
“If people that know Jackie, especially from that side, will recognize, that’s Jackie,” Wayman said. “They like the idea that there is someplace that they can go and see something that they really had an attachment to.”
A Big Bear North Shore park is now home to the sculpture, and many of Jackie’s fans have already set up tributes at the spot.
“I’ve been watching the nest for several years, and this is just my way of showing my love,” Nancy Koch said.
The Sculpture’s Journey
From photographs, the artist produced a likeness that was faithful enough for those who knew Jackie to recognize her.
The reaction to the memorial has come fast and warm, Wayman said. People who followed Jackie’s livestream for years now have a physical spot where they can pay tribute to her memory.
“They like the idea that there is someplace that they can go and see something that they really had an attachment to.”
What Made Jackie Special
For years, a nest camera tracked Jackie, and it was her presence alongside Shadow that drew viewers to check in daily. The fame she earned came from that camera.
She died in August, after her condition worsened in July, following a struggle with young eagles near the lakeshore.
The Park Where She Is Remembered
A statue stands within a Big Bear North Shore park, surrounded by tributes from admirers who came to honor it. The area holds flowers, notes and photographs left behind by those who wished to show respect.
The years Koch spent observing the nest prompted her to add to the memorial, and her words carry the sentiments of many who felt the same way.
Key Facts Box
- Jackie died in August
- She fell ill in July following a fight with young eagles
- The memorial is installed in a Big Bear North Shore park
- Fans have left flowers, notes and photographs in her memory
The statue honors the eagle who built up a devoted following and whose memory has inspired visitors to recall her while visiting the park.
See the a run of 22 images at ABC7 Los Angeles.
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