Beloved Bald Eagle Couple, Jackie and Shadow, Anticipate Arrival of Third Eaglet
Southern California’s most celebrated avian couple, Jackie and Shadow, are on the cusp of expanding their family once more, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third and final eaglet. The dedicated followers of these magnificent bald eagles have been glued to a live camera feed provided by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FBBV), witnessing the unfolding drama within the nest.
On Thursday afternoon, the FBBV announced via a Facebook post the exciting news of "Pip movement" detected in the third egg around 10:21 a.m. A pip, a small crack in the eggshell, signifies the initial efforts of the chick to break free from its confines. The live feed captured the eaglets’ siblings, recently hatched, playfully frolicking in the snow, their innocent actions seemingly mirroring the anticipation and excitement surrounding the impending arrival of their new sibling.
The FBBV continued to provide updates on the hatching progress. By Friday morning at 9:07 a.m., the pip site on the third egg had visibly enlarged, accompanied by increased movement within the egg. However, the FBBV cautioned viewers that the hatching process is a protracted one, potentially spanning a day or more before the chick fully emerges from the shell. The forecast of sunny weather further fueled the anticipation, creating an ideal backdrop for the arrival of "Chick3!"
Jackie and Shadow’s journey to parenthood this season began with the successful hatching of their first two eaglets on Monday night and early Tuesday morning. The FBBV expressed their joy and admiration for the eagle couple in a heartfelt Facebook post on Thursday morning, stating, "The past few days have been full of excitement as well as joyful tears as we have witnessed our beloved pair, Jackie and Shadow, become parents once again." The organization lauded Jackie and Shadow’s dedication to their newly hatched chicks, noting their diligent efforts in ensuring the eaglets were well-fed, warm, and protected from the elements.
Prior to the hatching events, the FBBV had captured footage of Jackie and Shadow diligently preparing their nest for an approaching snowstorm that eventually arrived on Thursday afternoon. The organization highlighted the couple’s remarkable teamwork and foresight in the Facebook post, remarking, "Once again, Jackie and Shadow continued to work together and were busy preparing in advance. The chicks were fed as much as their little crops could hold, and the nest was full of soft fluff." As the snow began to fall, Shadow was observed perched high above, vigilantly monitoring Jackie and the chicks, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The bald eagles successfully weathered the storm, demonstrating their resilience and preparedness as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the final member of their family. The FBBV expressed their admiration for the couple’s parenting skills, stating, "Parenthood is finally here once again for this beautiful couple and it sure suits them well. This new adventure has only just begun, so hold on for the ride eagle family. Here we go!"
While the current hatching season has been filled with excitement and success, Jackie and Shadow have faced challenges in the past. Last year, the couple’s eggs failed to hatch, exceeding the typical 35-day incubation window by several days. Sandy Steers, the executive director of FBBV, told USA TODAY in March 2024 that environmental factors such as altitude and temperature may have contributed to the hatching failure.
"As to why the eggs have not hatched, we have no way of knowing," Steers explained. "It could be environmental, such as temperatures, humidity percentages, oxygen levels at high altitude, etc. It could be biological with something just being off at the time the eggs were created."
Jackie and Shadow have experienced both triumphs and setbacks in their journey as parents. They successfully welcomed chicks into the world in 2019 and 2022, but unfortunately lost eggs in 2023 and 2024. Despite these challenges, their enduring bond and commitment to each other and their offspring continue to inspire and captivate their devoted fanbase.
The couple laid their current clutch of eggs on January 22, January 25, and January 28, according to the FBBV. The dedicated followers of Jackie and Shadow eagerly await the arrival of their third eaglet, continuing to monitor the live camera feed and share in the joys and challenges of this remarkable bald eagle family.
The ongoing story of Jackie and Shadow serves as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and unwavering love found within the natural world. Their journey resonates with people of all ages, providing a glimpse into the complexities of wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts. The Friends of Big Bear Valley play a crucial role in protecting and preserving the habitat of these magnificent creatures, ensuring that future generations can witness the beauty and wonder of bald eagles in their natural environment. As the world eagerly anticipates the arrival of "Chick3," the story of Jackie and Shadow continues to unfold, capturing hearts and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us.
The anticipation is high as the eagle-eyed viewers from around the world stay tuned to the live feed, hoping to catch a glimpse of the newest member of the Jackie and Shadow family. The arrival of this third eaglet marks not only a joyous occasion for the bald eagle couple but also a reminder of the importance of preserving the delicate balance of nature and the remarkable stories it holds.
