Chirp Nature Centers

09/04/2026

Wings Over Big Bear
Wings Over Big Bear, A Community Tribute to Jackie

Some stories become part of a place forever. For Big Bear, Jackie was one of those stories.

Through the famous Big Bear Eagle Cam, Jackie gave millions of people around the world a window into the beauty, strength, heartbreak, and wonder of life in the wild. She reminded us to look up. To care deeply. To protect the places and wild creatures that make Big Bear so extraordinary.

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Visit Big Bear, Care for Big Bear, Friends of Big Bear Valley, the City of Big Bear Lake, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Big Bear Mountain Resort, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, the San Bernardino National Forest, Southern California Mountains Foundation, and many community partners will gather for Wings Over Big Bear, a commemorative ceremony honoring Jackie’s life and legacy.

The ceremony will take place at Bear Mountain, with the venue opening at 10:00 AM and the tribute beginning at 10:30 AM. Guests are invited to come together for music, remembrance, reflection, and an opportunity to connect with wildlife agencies and local organizations dedicated to protecting Big Bear’s natural world.

The remembrance continues on Sunday, October 4, with community activities, conservation experiences, and family-friendly ways to explore the valley, learn more about Big Bear wildlife, and support the habitats Jackie helped so many people fall in love with.

Jackie’s wings carried Big Bear farther than we ever could have imagined. Now, we come together to honor her, celebrate her legacy, and recommit to protecting the wild places she called home.

Please save the date and join us for Wings Over Big Bear.

RSVP here: https://www.bigbear.com/wings-over-big-bear/?A360=98016722&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid.com

Send a message to learn more

09/02/2026

LABOR DAY WEEKEND - THURSDAY, SEPT. 3 & SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 2026

Chirp's Environmentally Friendly Deck Sale - Join us in our Backyard for heavily discounted items from our store, or shop the Seed Sale inside, along with carefully curated wild bird supplies, guides, and gifts. Plus lovely bird-themed treasures for home and garden. And uniquely inspiring educational books & toys. Offers valid September 3 & 5, 2026 while supplies last, cannot be combined with other offers, and reasonable restrictions apply.

Chirp will be open Thursday and Saturday from 10am-6pm.

08/26/2026

Missed our last bird walk? Mark your calendars!

Join Chirp Nature Center for a free guided bird walk on September 12, 2026, led by birding expert Matthew Schreiner. Birders of all levels are welcome to take part in this fun morning outing and explore some of Big Bear Lake’s favorite birding areas.
Please register in advance so we know who to expect. Space is limited.

Find more information at https://chirpforbirds.com/events-in-big-bear-lake/september-wild-bird-walks/.

Swing by Chirp on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

08/19/2026

The skies of Southern California’s Big Bear Valley are a little quieter this week. With heavy hearts, we say farewell to Jackie, the legendary wild bald eagle whose resilience, grace, and indomitable spirit captured the world’s attention along with her partner Shadow. She was more than a bird; she was a symbol of strength, hope, and the wild beauty of nature. Rest easy, Jackie.

-Chirp Nature Centers
(Open Thursday & Saturday 10am-6pm)
Image: Friends of Big Bear Valley

08/12/2026

Don't miss this month's blog on the "Southern California Monthly Bird Feeding Guide."

Here's a preview: What’s on your backyard birds’ menu this month? It depends! Just like our own appetites change with the seasons, birds’ nutritional needs shift throughout the year. A cold January morning in Big Bear Lake calls for something very different from a warm July afternoon. Add spring and fall migration, nesting season, and changing natural food supplies to the mix, and keeping your feeders stocked can start to feel a little complicated. And that’s where this guide comes in.

Read the full article tomorrow at 10 am at https://chirpforbirds.com/wild-bird-resources/southern-california-monthly-bird-feeding-guide/

Swing by the center for all of your summer bird-watching needs! Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

08/05/2026

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, Big Bear’s diverse habitats are a haven for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers tapping on pine trees, owls nesting in quiet corners, and migratory birds passing through. It’s a symphony of sights and sounds waiting to be discovered!

Join us on our next Wild Bird Walk on Saturday, August 8th, from 8-9:30am. Find more information at https://chirpforbirds.com/events-in-big-bear-lake/august-wild-bird-walk/.

Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

07/29/2026

Big Bear’s crisp mountain air and beautiful hiking trails make it a paradise for birdwatchers. From the cheerful chirps of mountain chickadees to the striking sight of a Steller’s jay, every trail offers a chance to connect with nature. Grab your binoculars, your copy of Best Birds of Big Bear Lake Field Guide, and explore the beauty of Big Bear’s feathered residents!

Don't have a copy? Make sure to swing by the Center to pick up one today. Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

07/22/2026

Summer birdwatching is a treasure hunt for the senses, where every outing holds the promise of spotting something rare and breathtaking. Whether it’s a flash of bright feathers or the song of a hidden warbler, these moments turn a simple walk into an adventure. Even though we don’t have the painted bunting close to home, the trails are alive with the sights and sounds of summer birds.

Swing by the center for all of your summer bird-watching needs! Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.

07/15/2026

The biggest threat to many of Big Bear's cavity-nesting birds isn't a lack of food—it's a lack of places to nest. Here in Big Bear Lake, we’re fortunate to share our forests, neighborhoods, and mountain landscapes with an incredible variety of birds, including several rare species. From Mountain Chickadees and White-breasted Nuthatches to Western Bluebirds and House Wrens, many species rely on tree cavities to nest and raise their young. Read more at https://chirpforbirds.com/nature-advocacy/how-birdhouses-help-protect-bird-populations-in-big-bear-lake/.

Swing by the center for all of your summer bird-watching needs! Chirp is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-6pm.