Receive the daily Popular Science newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries and DIY tips delivered six days a week. By registering, you confirm that you are over 16 years of age, will receive newsletters and promotional content, agree to our Terms of Use, and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
UPDATE, July 20, 2026, 3:21 pmEDT: Friends of Big Bear Valley posted an update Monday afternoon confirming that they were in contact with the rehab center where Jackie is receiving treatment. In a Facebook post, they wrote: “Jackie is stable and they are awaiting diagnostic results which may take several days. When we have additional information we will post it here. Jackie is a strong eagle and we as a community will get through this.
Meanwhile, Shadow is an excellent companion and father, continuing to care for Sandy and Luna while protecting the nest and territory.”
An adult bald eagle recently rescued by Los Angeles County Parks’ San Dimas Raptor Rescue is likely an Internet-famous mom eagle named Jackie. Millions of people around the world have tuned into the daily lives of Jackie, her partner Shadow, and their current chicks Sandy and Luna via a 24/7 live stream from their nest.
According to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), they are in contact with the rescue organization and other facilities involved in the eagle’s care.
“She is in the best place she can be and is receiving the care she needs. We have not received any updates, but the facility has assured us that they will contact us when they have information,” writes FOBBV, while sharing a video of the rescue from the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
On July 17, an adult bald eagle was found on the ground near Dana Point Park. The same bird had also been observed there the previous day. The eagle was also seen during a brief altercation on the ground with two other sub-adult eagles. Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to defend itself from the other eagles by turning around and using its talons, but was unable to fly. The eagle was then picked up by Los Angeles County Parks’ San Dimas Raptor Rescue and transferred to an unnamed specialized care facility.
At the same time, FOBBV reported that they had not seen Jackie on their cameras for several days. However, it is unclear how many visiting eagles there are currently in the area around Big Bear Lake and she is not banded, so it has been difficult to officially confirm if this is Jackie.
This story is developing and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. Meanwhile, viewers can monitor Shadow as he takes care of Sandy and Luna before his imminent start.
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.
2025 PopSci Best of what’s new
For more tech updates, stay tuned to our blog.
