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The Ojai Raptor Center in Southern California is currently caring for adult bald eagle 26-519, believed to be the internet-famous mother eagle named Jackie. On July 18, San Dimas Raptor Rescue found the eagle weak, vulnerable and unable to fly. The eagle was transported and is being evaluated by the veterinary team at the Ojai Raptor Center.
The bird is underweight but alert, and even perches and eats with help. Test results should be received in the next few days to confirm or rule out any suspected issues.
“Wildlife medicine is different from working with domestic animals in many ways. Our patients do not have owners or caregivers who can tell us what happened to them or what symptoms they have been experiencing in recent days,” the Ojai Raptor Center wrote. “Each case begins with many unknowns, and recovery depends on factors we are still investigating, including blood tests and toxicology results, which take time. Until we understand the full picture, we cannot responsibly predict a timeline or outcome. What we can promise is thorough, attentive care every step of the way.”
Millions of people around the world have watched the daily lives of Jackie, her companion Shadow, and her current chicks Sandy and Luna via a 24/7 live stream from their nest. Meanwhile, Shadow has been taking care of both Sandy and Luna, ahead of his impending endeavor.
This story is developing and we will continue to monitor the situation. Viewers can continue to monitor Shadow, Sandy, and Luna via the Eagle Nest camera’s live feed.
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.
Why isn’t Jackie in the nest?
On July 18, San Dimas Raptor Rescue found an eagle weak, vulnerable and unable to fly after a reported encounter with other eagles. The bald eagle is believed to be Jackie.
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