As a bookend to Saturday’s celebration of the famous livestreamed Big Bear bald eagle Jackie, who died in August, the tourism organization Visit Big Bear invited people to participate in wildlife education activities on Sunday, including birdwatching, seed collection and guided hikes.
“Wildlife Education Day,” as Visit Big Bear spokesperson Dan McKernan put it, was “aimed at getting people outdoors and into nature to learn how wildlife lives and thrives in our community and how humans can help protect them and recreate responsibly to ensure our environment stays as healthy as possible.”
Participants were invited to walk along Big Bear Lake, guided by naturalists from the Big Bear Discovery Center to learn about native and migratory bird species.
The Southern California Mountains Foundation also volunteered to help eventgoers collect native seed for future restoration projects in the San Bernardino National Forest.
San Bernardino National Forest Spokesperson Lyn Sieliet said in a Thursday news release that the agency mourns the loss of Jackie.
In mid-July, the world-renowned raptor was found grounded for hours after a fight with two younger eagles.
The Ojai Raptor Center, a wildlife rehab facility in Ventura County, provided medical care for Jackie for nearly a month until she died on Aug. 10. The center noted that Jackie had been suffering from health issues, including large blood clots in both wings and a kidney, but the cause of death remains unknown.
“She will be remembered through ongoing conservation work and the community’s deep appreciation for wildlife. We are deeply grateful to everyone who assisted Jackie in her time of need. To all who have watched, supported and advocated for Jackie and all eagles and wildlife conservation, we extend our sincere appreciation,” Sieliet said.