a tribute to jean and her eagles

This past Saturday was the memorial eagle feeding, on the Homer Spit, and services for Jean Keene, the "Eagle Lady", held at Land's End Resort. Known for feeding eagles on the Homer Spit for the past 30 years, she recently passed away at age 85.

Being present for the feeding of the eagles was quite an experience. People were allowed to get out of their cars, but not cross a secured-off area. It was much more dynamic than sitting in one's car, observing behind a car windshield, as was the usual routine. The huge birds circled overhead, diving down to catch a morsel thrown to them. Sometimes they grabbed it even before it reached the ground, and then found a safe place to land and inhale the meat.


I cannot describe the emotions that flooded me when a swooping eagle came in for a landing only a couple feet over my head! The strength of their wings, and the whooshing sound of air against their open wingspan took my breath away! Many photographers crowded near Jean's home, where one feeder threw scraps to the birds. It was a mix of locals, and others who had traveled long distances for the events of the day. I took pictures from the north, and enjoyed observing things from a different angle. People watched from the beach, with everyone cheering and amazed at the gallant birds and their gathering.

When my fingers grew numb from the cold, and would not take even one more picture, it was time to move to Land's End for the Memorial Service.

It was a packed out crowd in attendance, filling every little nook of the upstairs room at Land's End.

Jean's son Lonnie spoke about her, sharing stories of humor and warmth, including her lifelong love of animals. A slide show played with photographs of her through the years. She was once a talented daredevil horseback rider, until she was injured. It was explained how she used up fish scraps for the eagles that would otherwise be tossed out, from Icicle Seafoods, where she worked for many years. Many people spoke in Jean's honor, including the mayor, Jim Hornaday. Cary Anderson, who wrote a book about Jean, ("The Eagle Lady"), explained his fascination with her dedication to the eagles. He and his family had grown quite close with Jean through the years.

Steve Tarola, who was Jean's assistant in feedings, as her health declined, spoke of his experience surrounding these amazing animals, and working with such a dedicated woman.

A recent decision by the city council has allowed extra time for authorized feeding, until March 27th, near the time when they naturally disperse in the spring.

Italian photographer, Luca Bracali shared next, recounting his meetings with Jean and his fascination with the beauty of eagles and the bay. One of his photographs decorated the back of the memorial program.

Tim Hamilton talked about Jean during the "Icicle Seafoods" days, and his experience working with her at the plant. He spoke of his amazement at how she could outwork the young college kids, there for summer work. It spoke volumes about her work ethic. Another worker from the plant spoke about Jean's beautiful flower garden that she tended in the summer, that was enjoyed by visiting guests. Exploding with color, it was an oasis on the Spit, where winds sometimes blew sideways.

With an open microphone roaming around the room, many shared stories about Jean, including the Chapple family. Their close friendship was fostered through the years, and they came to accept her as family.

It was a fitting tribute to an amazing woman and her love for Alaskan eagles.

She will be missed very much, by many, around the world.

This certainly represents a passing of an era.

Along with a real shaker earthquake here this week, experts are carefully monitoring a reawakening volcano, approximately 90 miles west of us, across Cook Inlet. Although we've returned to moderately cold temperatures, we are in need of fresh snow, to cover ice on local ski trails. Today, the treetops are swaying in the brisk wind, clouds flying across the bay, mimicking time-lapse photography.

Sunrise: 9:28 am

Sunset: 5:11 pm

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