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While mother eagle Jackie recovers at the Ojai Raptor Center, her companion Shadow and her subadult eagle pair Sandy and Luna continue their lives in their nest in Big Bear Valley. Shadow feeds and cares for the pair, and protects the nest from other subadult eagles seen near Big Bear Lake. Luna even helped out a little, chasing away an intruder before he could get into the nest.
A representative from Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) spoke with an eagle expert about what Shadow can do while Jackie is away. It is important to remember that Shadow is a wild eagle who can do whatever he pleases. However, the anonymous expert said that Jackie and Shadow’s close bond that has existed for years may prevent him from having another partner for now. I probably wouldn’t go looking for another female eagle until her hormones kick in around late December or early January.
“We noticed that Jackie’s hormones seem to kick in sooner and she gets frisky… and Shadow usually has a case of the December grumpiness until he starts acting up,” FOBBV writes. “But once again, Shadow will do what Shadow wants, and we have nothing to say about it.”
Meanwhile, Jackie is about 170 miles east in Ojai. Despite being in critical condition, she eats alone, has more energy and even fights against the staff caring for her. And staff aren’t the only group he’s been battling with recently. Video shared with KTLA 5 shows Jackie in a fight with two other adult eagles near Dana Point that left her in critical condition.
New video shows Jackie in a fight with 2 other bald eagles
According to the Ojai Raptor Center, Jackie has anemia and inflammation that affects her kidney function. The team is unsure of the underlying issues causing these symptoms and is working with veterinary specialists to determine the best treatment. They are also still waiting for a toxicology report to see if he has any rodenticides, zinc or lead in his system. Lead is particularly toxic to eagles. According to the American Eagle Foundation, a lead fragment the size of a grain of rice is lethal to an adult bald eagle. A standard 150-grain lead bullet can poison 10 eagles.
This is a developing story and we will continue to provide updates. Meanwhile, viewers can monitor Shadow, Sandy, and Luna on the nest cam.
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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