Big Bear Valley will host Wings Over Big Bear on Oct. 3–4 to honor Jackie the bald eagle and celebrate wildlife conservation. The two-day event combines a public commemoration with educational activities across the area.
Jackie gained worldwide attention through the Friends of Big Bear Valley nest camera, where viewers watched her and her mate, Shadow, raise young near Big Bear Lake. She was rescued in July near the lake after being found weak and unable to fly, and she died on Aug. 10 at age 14 following three weeks of care.
The weekend opens Saturday, Oct. 3, at Bear Mountain Resort with a free public commemoration from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation will open the formal ceremony at 10:30 a.m., followed by music and remarks from wildlife, conservation, and government officials.
Visitors can explore community and wildlife booths from 12:10 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participating groups include the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, U.S. Forest Service, Friends of Big Bear Valley, and the Sierra Club Big Bear Group. Food and beverage service will be available on-site, and advance RSVP is encouraged.
On Sunday, Oct. 4, Wildlife Education Day will feature decentralized activities throughout Big Bear Valley. Planned events include birdwatching, a guided hike at Grey’s Peak, native seed collecting on National Forest lands, and raptor viewing at Butler Peak.
The Sunday schedule also includes educational programs on local eagle history, a Youth Eagle Ambassador Program, art displays, and a postcard remembrance activity. Some activities require advance registration or have limited capacity, and final schedule updates will be posted to BigBear.com.
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