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Veterinarians in Ojai, California continue to care for Jackie, the internet-famous mother bald eagle. According to the latest update, she is still in critical condition, but continues to eat assisted and alone. She remains severely anemic, has received a life-saving blood transfusion and her kidney values have improved. There are also no signs of lead in his blood.
“Initial testing has allowed us to rule out several potential causes, including lead toxicosis and the presence of foreign items such as fishing hooks, lines and weights,” Eliza Cameron, hospital and rehabilitation manager at the Ojai Raptor Center, said in a statement. “The inflammation in his kidneys also appears to have improved. The eagle continues to roost and eat, which is a slight improvement in his energy. His condition remains critical.”
While he recovers, his two young eagles, Sandy and Luna, are becoming more independent. And they have some company. Big Bear Lake is the perfect place for immature eagles to learn to stretch their wings, hunt, and become independent adults. It is full of mature trees and surrounding forests to live in, and the lake is stocked with fish.
According to the Ojai Raptor Center, there are four age classes for eagles:
- Fledgling (newborn): These eagles recently left their nest, but are still dependent on mom and dad while they learn survival skills.
- Juvenile (one year): these young people in their first year have mostly dark plumage and will be more independent.
- Subadult (about two to four years old): Subadults are gradually acquiring the bald eagle’s characteristic white feathers, but are not yet considered sexually mature.
- Adult (Four to five years): The white feathers are already in place and the bird is ready to establish breeding territories and have its own eaglets.
Eventually, they will leave the area where they were born and begin a period called natal dispersal. Younger bald eagles can travel hundreds or thousands of miles in search of other places to roost and establish their own territories.
This is a developing story and we will continue to provide updates. Viewers can continue to monitor Jackie’s companion, Shadow, and eaglets Sandy and Luna on the nest camera.
Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest – Camera 1
It’s been another roller coaster nesting season for Jackie and Shadow, a pair of internet-famous bald eagle parents who live in the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. After crows destroyed two of their eggs in January, Jackie and Shadow laid two new eggs that hatched successfully.
Chick 1 hatched on April 4 at 9:33 p.m. PDT, while chick 2 hatched on April 5 at 8:30 a.m. Their large nest in Big Bear Valley, east of Los Angeles, is broadcast live 24 hours a day by the nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and has captivated millions.
On May 1, FOBBV announced the names of the chicks: Sandy and Luna.
How long will the chicks stay in the nest?
Chicks usually remain in the nest until 10 to 14 weeks of age.
What challenges do harriers face?
Before leaving the nest, the chicks face threats from other birds of prey, including hawks, crows, other eagles, and owls. Inclement weather can also present challenges for chicks. In 2025, a snowstorm in March caused the death of one of Jackie and Shadow’s three chicks.
During fledging, only 70 percent of the eaglets survive. One of the biggest threats is cars that can injure or kill birds as they forage for roadkill.
Who are Jackie and Shadow?
The pair first met in 2018 and successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. However, their eggs did not hatch in 2023 and 2024. Only 50 percent of eagle eggs hatch successfully, so this couple has already beaten the odds.
What happened to Jackie and Shadow’s 2025 eaglets?
In 2025, Jackie laid three eggs that hatched in early March. On March 13, a severe snowstorm dumped up to two feet of snow and battered the nest with high winds. Only two of the chicks were visible on the live camera when the storm passed the next morning. The FOBBV later confirmed the death of one of the chicks. The two surviving chicks were later named Sunny and Gizmo after fans submitted 54,000 names.
What happens after the chicks fledge?
Young eagles usually fledge (or leave the nest and fly) when they can flatten their wings and have feathers capable of flight. This usually occurs when the birds reach 10 to 14 weeks of age. Males also tend to take their first flight a little earlier than females.
According to FOBBV, Southern California chicks have been seen as far south as Baja California, as far north as British Columbia, and as far east as Yellowstone National Park.
About 70 percent of bald eagles survive the initial stage. The FOBBV does not tag its eagles, so it is not possible to follow the chicks’ journey after they flee the nest.
Can I help Jackie and Shadow?
Yes. Environmental groups are currently fundraising $10 million to protect the Jackie and Shadow feeding area from development. Learn more at SaveMoonCamp.org.
You can also help the rescue organizations helping nurse the eagle (which is most likely Jackie) back to health by donating to the Ojai Raptor Center’s Bald Eagle Recovery Campaign.
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