The Black Bird
Statue
Standing 29 feet tall, this "grotesque" yet beloved mascot has been greeting Medford locals and I-5 travelers with its bulging biceps and yellow speaker-beak for over 60 years.
The Bird & The Builder
A Grotesque Icon
Affectionately known as "The Bird," this statue is famous for its unique features: bulging human-like biceps, hands with three twisted fingers instead of wings, and a bright yellow beak equipped with a speaker system that once greeted customers.
Fabrication History
Designed and built in 1965 by store founder Lee Hobbs. He utilized fabrication skills learned at Boeing to construct the massive bird using a skeleton of rebar and hog wire sprayed with fiberglass.
Community & Context
The Store
The Black Bird Shopping Center began as an army surplus store and evolved into a massive, family-owned destination for sporting goods and hardware.
Traditions
A living part of the community calendar. The store occasionally dresses "The Bird" in holiday costumes, most notably donning a giant Santa hat during Christmas.
Photo Op
Located in the parking lot, it is a popular, free photo opportunity for travelers passing through Medford on the I-5 corridor.