California Bald Eagles Jackie And Shadow Welcome Two Chicks
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Jackie and Shadow, a beloved bald eagle couple in Big Bear Valley, California, welcomed two chicks on Easter weekend. It marked a bright moment after a difficult start to the 2026 nesting season for the pair.
The year began with Jackie laying two eggs in early January. As in past years, the pair took turns incubating them. But in early February, ravens attacked the nest and destroyed both eggs. Despite the setback, Jackie and Shadow remained at the site and began a second nesting attempt. In late February, Jackie laid a new clutch of two eggs. This time, the adults were more vigilant. One remained with the eggs at all times, while the other hunted and defended the nest.
The first signs of hatching appeared in early April. Small cracks, known as "pips," formed in the shells as the chicks began to break through. The first chick hatched late at night on April 4, 2026. The second one emerged the following morning on April 5, 2026. The newborns are doing well. Jackie keeps them warm in the nest, while Shadow brings food. The eaglets will take their first flight in about 10 to 14 weeks. Even after they begin flying, they will continue to return to the nest for some time.
Chick naming contest
On April 15, 2026, Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that monitors the nest and operates the live camera, launched a naming contest. Open through April 26, 2026, it asks the public to suggest names for the newborns. Each entry requires a donation. The funds will be used for ongoing conservation work, educational outreach, and the operation of the live nest camera. Once the contest ends, the nonprofit will narrow the list to about 20 finalists. They will then ask local third-graders to pick their top two favorites.
Jackie and Shadow's enduring love story
The couple's love story begins with Ricky and Lucy, Big Bear Valley's first full-time bald eagle residents. In 2012, the pair hatched a chick, Jackie, who left the area as soon as she was ready to fly.
Years later, a female eagle returned to Ricky and Lucy’s former nest. Locals suspected it was Jackie. Although it could not be confirmed, the name remained. She soon paired with a new mate, Mr. B, and the two settled in. Eager to observe their lives, Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a live camera in the nest.
The couple had a chick named Stormy and seemed to be doing well until the arrival of an adult male eagle in 2018. Despite repeated efforts to drive him away, the eagle — later named Shadow — refused to leave. Mr. B eventually left the nest, and Shadow became Jackie’s new mate. The two have been inseparable since.
Bald eagles were once on the brink of extinction in the US. However, they have made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts. Jackie and Shadow’s successful nesting in Big Bear Valley proves that with proper protection, these majestic birds can thrive. Beyond helping to restore their species, Jackie and Shadow are inspiring a growing community of young eagle watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Resources: theguardian.com, friendsofbigbearvalley.org
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77 Comments
freerangekid7 days(Names) For the Eagles! (Girl) Wren, Daisy, June, Willow, Piper (Boy) Dalton, Lane, Beau, Cody, Finn
ilovebananas7 daysName the prince and princess- js5475237 daysSo Cute
huntr_x_is_cool8 daysthey should name them snowfether and fethersterip, like in the warriors books!
denisseisthebes8 daysCUTE!- denisseisthebes8 daysI think they should name them Marco and Polo
- ilovebananas8 daysSuper Cute!!!!!
bipymizinatu8 daysawwwww for a girl i would want, freya and for a boy, malachi! so cute
zysytosorago8 daysSO CUTE!!!
buzocycifiki8 daysShadow and Jackie's babies are so cute!!!
