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What’s Next for the Great Black Hawk? State Display and a Bronze Statue

It’s been a few months now since Portland’s beloved Great Black Hawk lost its battle with the Maine winter. However, the story is far from over.

The first news is about the future of the bird’s remains. Once the bird died, there was debate about where the specimen would end up. In the end, Maine’s people won out and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife determined that the bird will be mounted and displayed at the Maine State Museum in Augusta. We are eager to see the bird on display, and will keep Maine Audubon members informed about developments!

The second news is about Deering Oaks Park in Portland, where the bird spent its last two months and was enjoyed by thousands of visitors. Friends of Deering Oaks, working with a group that includes the City of Portland, Maine Audubon, Avian Haven Rehabilitation Center, and others, has commissioned award-winning bronze sculptor David Smus to create a life-size reproduction of the Great Black Hawk to go on display in the park! Maine Audubon is thrilled that the incredible story of the bird will a permanent part of the experience at Deering Oaks.

Friends of Deering Oaks is currently working to raise the funds needed to complete and install the sculpture.

Click here if you could like to support the effort!

Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox points out the Great Black Hawk to a student from King Middle School.
Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox points out the Great Black Hawk to a student from King Middle School.