08/11/2026
Jackie. For those who know, she and her partner Shadow were an internet phenomenon. The first documented eagle to be born in Big Bear Lake California, she took over the nest in which she was born to, year after year, raise her own eaglets. Friends of Big Bear Lake (FOBBL) installed a nest cam years ago so that the world could watch this amazing couple just be eagles - giving us a glimpse into the simplicity and power of this life in the wild. For years, I’ve watched them eagerly get the nest ready in the early spring, watched her lay eggs and incubate them loyally. In February 2024 she braved 26” of snow and did not leave the nest for over 61 hours in order to protect her eggs.
Jackie died yesterday. She was found on the ground about 3 weeks ago after a territory fight with another raptor. She was immediately taken to a rehab facility, then another that specializes in raptors. Over the last three weeks, nine different veterinarians, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other wildlife specialists worked to save her life. They did everything they could, and never found a cause for her illness that ultimately took her life. Millions of people around the world are feeling her loss today.
She was not ‘just an eagle’. She was an example of what is pure and good in these complicated and tumultuous times. She and Shadow demonstrated the importance of wildlife conservation and habitat protection and what a community can achieve when motivated. Recently, when a developer threatened to sell the parcel of land on which their nest is, volunteers and donors pulled together $10 million to purchase the property for their protection. I find that totally amazing.
to honor this amazing creature, and to continue to tell her story, I’ve created this canvas in her honor. It is not yet available, but can be pre-ordered, understanding I have no idea when it will be ready. All net proceeds will be donated equally to Friends of Big Bear Lake, for their ongoing conservation efforts, and the Ojai Raptor Center who gave her the best possible care.
She is on 13 mesh and measures roughly 4x4”. Feel free to PM me or comment here for preorders.
Thank you Jackie. Fly high. 💕💔🦅🌸
