Jackie
Hard Feathers To Fill

By now, everyone has heard of the passing of the great American Bald Eagle, Jackie--fourteen years old and a wonder to behold. Jackie, along with her mate, Shadow, and all their fledglings living in the Big Bear Valley, held us rapt for years.

Jackie and Shadow have represented innumerable things for people the world over. Hope, freedom, the beauty, awe and wisdom of nature, the indomitable spirit, and good parenting, just to name a few. In observing their lives, thanks to Friends of Big Bear Valley and the incredible Sandy Steers, who passed away this February, we witnessed nature at her finest and fiercest. Hours of exhilaration, peace, and education have been made possible. Community has formed. Conservation has been awakened.

We are so grateful to have witnessed some of the life of this extraordinary eagle, Jackie. She has given so much to so many. She was the emblem of our hopes and dreams, and she was the majestic reality of life. She rallied us to save Moon Camp. She filled our hearts, and now, in having to let go, she is teaching us to grieve and mourn. Born the first bald eagle chick in Big Bear Valley, and living her full life there, she was truly a daughter of the Valley.

The nest is empty. The fledglings have made their way into the world. Shadow adjusts. He has our hearts, and we hope to be the wind at his back as nature does its dance. The journey continues. We are forever grateful.

friendsofbigbearvalley.org/eagle-history