Big Bear Lake bald eagles Jackie and Shadow hatch two eaglets in second 2026 clutch
Famed Big Bear Lake bald eagles Jackie and Shadow have hatched two eaglets from their second 2026 clutch — the first late Saturday, the second about 12 hours later — all witnessed on the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) nest livestream.
Key takeaways
- Parents: Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) nest livestream documents Jackie and Shadow’s nesting activity 24/7.
- Hatch timing: The first egg hatched late Saturday after pipping Friday; the second egg hatched just before 9 a.m. Sunday, ~12 hours later.
- Clutch context: These eggs came from Jackie’s second clutch of the season (laid Feb. 24 and Feb. 27) after a previous four-egg clutch was destroyed; see LA Times background.
- Live coverage and context: Live video and sound are available 24/7 from FOBBV; general context on the lake’s eagles is at the Big Bear visitor and wildlife guide.
A close look at the hatching
The nest livestream operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley gave viewers an intimate view of the process. On Friday, watchers heard small chirps as the first egg showed a pip — the moment the chick breaks the internal membrane and begins to breathe air — a process documented in live video and updates from Fox Los Angeles.
FOBBV reminded followers that a chick is not considered fully hatched until it is completely free of the shell; full emergence can take 24–48 hours after the initial pip. Late Saturday the first eaglet finally popped free and was visible on camera.
“popping its head out of the shell to say a happy hatch day to mom and dad,” — Friends of Big Bear Valley Facebook post describing the first chick’s emergence.
The second sibling followed roughly 12 hours later Sunday morning. After both chicks were visible, one parent covered them for warmth as sunlight reached the nest — a tender scene watched by thousands of livestream viewers.
Why this season mattered
This success came after a difficult start: Jackie’s initial four-egg clutch was destroyed when ravens raided the nest. The new eggs were laid on Feb. 24 and Feb. 27, representing a resilient second clutch for the pair (Wikipedia summary; LA Times background).
Jackie and Shadow’s history and fan base
Jackie (hatched about 2012) and Shadow (born about 2014) became widely known after taking over the FOBBV nest camera in 2017. They remain among the few bald eagles to stay in Big Bear Valley year-round and have previously had successful hatches in 2019, 2022 and 2025 (Wikipedia; LA Times).
The livestream has created a global following and turned local volunteers into active stewards of the birds. Fans tune in for real-time behavior, feeding, and parental care updates.
Nest monitoring, protection and local advocacy
FOBBV has run the nest camera since 2018 and uses the feed to educate the public and advocate for protections around the eagles’ foraging habitat (Friends of Big Bear Valley; Big Bear visitor and wildlife guide).
Volunteers post clips, answer viewer questions, and raise concerns about development pressures that could fragment the habitat these eagles rely on for food and safe nesting. The livestream serves both as an educational tool and a platform for local conservation advocacy.
Investigating the raven attacks
Ravens are opportunistic nest predators and scavengers that can damage eggs or stress nesting adults. The raid that destroyed the first clutch is a reminder of natural threats to eagle reproduction.
Local investigators and volunteers are asking key questions: Were ravens attracted by nearby human food sources or habitat changes? Could timed human activity restrictions or improved shoreline waste management reduce risks? These are active discussion points among FOBBV and wildlife managers (FOBBV; LA Times).
What comes next for the eaglets
Eaglets grow quickly. FOBBV notes chicks can reach about three feet in wingspan in just over two months. In the coming weeks viewers will follow feeding routines, parent shifts, and the fledging process.
Decisions by local wildlife managers and supporters — from protecting foraging waters to limiting disturbance near the nest — will influence survival rates. The public feed will remain a primary way to observe and document early development.
Implications for Redding, California
Although Jackie and Shadow nest hundreds of miles south of Redding, their story has regional resonance for tourism, conservation, and community engagement.
- Economic & recreational impact: Interest in famous nests can spur nature tourism across California, potentially benefiting outfitters, guides, and small businesses near Redding.
- Conservation & policy: FOBBV’s local, volunteer-driven protection model mirrors debates in Shasta County about balancing property rights, water use, and habitat protections.
- Social & community effects: The livestream fosters cross-partisan interest and can be used by schools and local groups as a teaching tool for biology and citizen science.
- Cultural relevance: Bald eagles symbolize resilience and national pride; Jackie and Shadow’s success can reinforce civic pride and local stewardship.
Practical actions for residents:
- Improve waste management to reduce scavenger attraction.
- Practice safe boating to minimize shoreline disturbance.
- Report injured birds to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
- Host livestream viewing events or classroom partnerships to engage youth.
Ongoing watch
FOBBV continues to stream nest activity around the clock, allowing the public to follow the eaglets’ first weeks. For Californians who value local control of conservation, these chicks are a reminder that community engagement matters in protecting iconic species — watch via the FOBBV livestream.
Sources and reporting
- Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) — live updates, posts and nest livestream.
- Fox Los Angeles — local reporting and hatch/pip updates.
- ABC7 — regional coverage.
- Los Angeles Times — background reporting.
- Wikipedia: Jackie and Shadow — public summary of the pair’s history.
- Big Bear visitor and wildlife guide — context on lake eagle activity.
