A Soaring Tribute in Steel

They might not be the most well-known feature of the Old Mill District, but the osprey nesting platforms overlooking the Deschutes River were a favorite of Bill Smith, the visionary who developed this thriving retail entertainment and recreation area.

Smith loved watching the raptors swoop into their nests, tend to their chicks and soar away to hunt for fish in the waters below. Every fall he lamented the osprey’s annual migration to Mexico and eagerly awaited their return.

Now, in tribute to Smith, who passed away in November 2022, one larger than life osprey will remain in the Old Mill District year-round for decades to come.

A Monumental Tribute

A giant steel sculpture of a soaring osprey clutching not one but two fish in its talons now graces the small pond on the north end of the district near Café Yumm! on SW Powerhouse Drive.

Titled “Bountiful”, the sculpture celebrates all that the Deschutes River provides. The vision of local artist Chris “Buffalo” Folsom, the piece was years in the making with input from Bill Smith himself.

“I liked him a lot,” Folsom said of Smith. “And to have (his daughter) Marney call me up and ask me to do this was just the best. I’ve done a lot of different pieces but it always feels good to hear someone say ‘We like your work, can you do this for us?’”

A Vision 15 Years in the Making

Folsom first spoke with Smith 15 years ago about creating artwork for the Old Mill District but other projects took priority at the time. It wasn’t until 2023 when Marney Smith reached out that the idea was finally brought to life.

“We talked about Bill’s love for osprey so that was kind of a no brainer,” Folsom said. “As soon as she said it, a picture came into my head of what I wanted to do.”

Folsom was particularly drawn to the rare ability of osprey to catch two fish at once, a skill that demanded an equally striking artistic treatment.

A Sculpture That Stands Out

Standing nearly 13 feet wide, the sculpture more than doubles the typical five and a half foot wingspan of an osprey. Crafted from hundreds of pieces of steel welded together, it weighs a staggering 550 pounds.

“The wingspan adds some interesting aspects to the sculpture that help make it supportable,” Folsom explained. “I like doing large items but this is the perfect size, not too big not too small.”

Folsom is no stranger to large-scale artwork. His past creations include the towering 27 foot tall mama bear at the Grizzly Road roundabout in Madras.

Still, this piece holds special significance.

“I want people to be wowed, that’s the bottom line,” Folsom said. “The sculpture I did in Madras is off the beaten path but this will be seen by millions of people over time. I really like that idea. I don’t think anyone can look at it and not be wowed by it.”

Now, thanks to his artistry, the legacy of Bill Smith soars on year-round in the heart of the Old Mill District.