Big Bear’s celebrity eagles Jackie and Shadow welcome two new eaglets after tense nesting season
Big Bear Valley’s celebrity bald-eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, hatched two eaglets on April 4–5, 2026, after a raven raid destroyed part of their first clutch; the nest camera lets viewers watch the family round-the-clock.
- Two eaglets hatched: eggs hatched April 4 and April 5, 2026, and are viewable via the Friends of Big Bear Valley livestream.
- First clutch lost: two eggs in the original clutch were destroyed in a raven raid; a replacement clutch laid Feb. 24 and Feb. 27 produced the new chicks.
- Camera-driven community engagement: the nest cam has aided early detection of threats and serves as an educational resource for schools and volunteers.
Hatching timeline and what viewers heard and saw
Close monitoring by volunteers and live viewers captured the hatch process. The first egg showed an external pip on Friday, April 3; the chick breached the shell and the shell movement and faint chirps were recorded on the nest camera when it popped its head out about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 (CBS Los Angeles coverage of pip and hatch, Fox 11 Los Angeles hatch and timeline reporting).
Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) reminded watchers that a chick is not officially counted as hatched until it is completely free of the shell; that can take 24–48 hours after the initial pip. FOBBV noted the chick “popped its head out of the shell to say a happy hatch day to mom and dad” on social media before full emergence (Friends of Big Bear Valley — Eagle nest information and livestream, CBS Los Angeles coverage).
The second egg showed a pip on Saturday and the second eaglet completed hatching shortly before 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 5 — roughly 12 hours after its sibling. On the live stream, a parent sheltered both chicks under its wings after they saw sunlight for the first time (Fox 11 Los Angeles).
Parents, feeding and early care
Jackie and Shadow began immediate care routines: warming, brooding and feeding. Volunteers observed Shadow delivering a large fish that Jackie consumed on Friday evening to sustain the pair during the long hatch period and early chick care (Fox 11 Los Angeles; BigBear.com community blog on Jackie and Shadow).
Eaglets grow rapidly: experts note they can approach about three feet in height within roughly 10–14 weeks, though weight and wingspan develop on different schedules. Keeping chicks warm and well-fed during the first two weeks is critical. (Friends of Big Bear Valley; CBS Los Angeles).
Nest camera and community engagement
The year-round nest camera maintained by Friends of Big Bear Valley — Eagle nest information and livestream turned Jackie and Shadow into local and national figures since 2018. The nonprofit posts updates, hosts the live feed and helps volunteers spot threats early — including the raven raid that damaged the first clutch (ABC7 Los Angeles reporting).
The livestream functions as an educational tool for schools, nature groups and residents. The audio allowed watchers to hear the faint chirps during a chick’s first breaths — an intimate, teachable moment captured because of responsible camera placement and volunteer moderation (CBS Los Angeles; Friends of Big Bear Valley).
Investigative note: nest threats and response
This season’s raven raid highlighted nest vulnerability. Ravens can be opportunistic nest predators and sometimes damage eggs or harass nesting birds. The live camera allowed volunteers to flag the raid immediately, document the loss and focus attention on the replacement clutch. Local wildlife officials and volunteers use such documentation to evaluate disturbance patterns and plan education and mitigation efforts (ABC7 Los Angeles; BigBear.com community blog; Friends of Big Bear Valley).
“Early detection via the nest cam allowed rapid documentation and community response,” volunteers said, underscoring how non-intrusive monitoring can protect nests while educating the public.
Background on Jackie and Shadow
Jackie (believed born ~2012) and Shadow (believed born ~2014) have nested near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest for years. Since the camera’s launch in 2018 the pair have successfully raised chicks in multiple seasons, including 2019, 2022 and 2025 (Friends of Big Bear Valley; Background on Jackie and Shadow (Wikipedia)).
What comes next for the chicks
Volunteers will monitor feeding frequency, growth and parental behavior. Milestones to watch include when the eaglets begin to stand and flap, acceptance of whole prey, and fledging attempts later in summer. FOBBV and local experts will continue documenting changes on the livestream and social channels (Friends of Big Bear Valley; Fox 11 Los Angeles).
Implications for California
The hatch has several local and regional implications across economic, political, social and cultural lines.
Economic impact
Wildlife tourism and local businesses benefit when animals attract national attention. The nest cam drives visitors to Big Bear’s online channels and can increase interest in visiting in person, supporting lodging, dining and outdoor-recreation businesses.
Political consequences
The story highlights effective local stewardship led by nonprofits and volunteers. For a politically moderate-conservative audience, it emphasizes community-driven conservation and public-private cooperation rather than top-down regulation, shaping local budget and education priorities.
Social effects
The nest cam creates a shared experience across demographics and political lines. It’s a teaching tool for students, a hobby for residents, and a rallying point for volunteerism — fostering respect for wildlife and reducing risky human-wildlife interactions.
Cultural relevance
Bald eagles are a national symbol. Watching an iconic species thrive in the San Bernardino National Forest resonates with Californians who value natural heritage and responsible outdoor recreation.
Practical applications for residents
Residents and visitors should respect nesting areas and avoid disturbance. Supporting or volunteering with groups like Friends of Big Bear Valley — Eagle nest information and livestream helps maintain the camera, fund outreach, and provide on-the-ground monitoring. The nest cam offers a nonintrusive way to engage with local wildlife.
Sources and further reading
- Friends of Big Bear Valley — Eagle nest information and livestream
- CBS Los Angeles coverage of pip and hatch
- Fox 11 Los Angeles hatch and timeline reporting
- ABC7 Los Angeles reporting on nest challenges and pip watch
- BigBear.com community blog on Jackie and Shadow
- Background on Jackie and Shadow (Wikipedia)
Fans can continue watching the nest live and follow Friends of Big Bear Valley for updates as Jackie, Shadow and their two new eaglets settle into the busy weeks ahead.
