Eastern Lake community members gathered recently to dedicate a sculpture honoring the memory of a beloved Great Blue Heron in a ceremony at the Eastern Lake Neighborhood Access.
The Lady of the Lake, as she came to be known, watched over the Eastern Lake community for many years. “It really felt like this bird had connections, somehow, with every person that encountered it,” said Ann Clifford, an avid photographer and Eastern Lake resident of almost 30 years.
Eastern Lake community members attending the ceremony shared fond memories of the Lady of the Lake and celebrated the bonds they formed with her. In 2016, an off-leash dog chased the heron, grabbed her foot as she flew off, severing it and making her unmistakable among other birds. “We all thought, at that time, ‘she’s never going to make it,’” said Clifford. However, she thrived in the face of adversity. “Nature perseveres, and so did the heron,” Clifford recounts.
The Lady of the Lake’s resilience and constant presence was an inspiration to many, as she was often found wading in the inlet. Local fishermen shared bait with her, and local photographers often considered the bird their own personal model.
Many in the community had personal, unique encounters with the bird, as well as their own special nicknames for her, including Matilda, Weird Bird and Dior. Ultimately, they decided to memorialize her as Our Lady of the Lake.
In January 2022, an unknown person shot the heron, gravely injuring it. Community members sought help and Alaqua Animal Refuge–a local non-profit, no-kill facility serving animals in need–took her in, but unfortunately, her injuries proved fatal.
Eastern Lake community members started a GoFundMe campaign to memorialize the heron with a sculpture. “Within two weeks, half of the money was raised,” said Clifford. In total, $12,735 was donated for the memorial, and Tallahassee artist Mark Dickson was commissioned to create the sculpture. Dickson spoke at the dedication about his technique and the inspiration behind his work. “I like to take the basic nature of the actual bird, the characteristics, and then play upon those with negative space and abstract suggestions,” he shared.
