Full Breakdown
Big Bear Eagles Jackie and Shadow Welcome Two Eaglets
4/6/2026, 12:56:10 PM
Hatching Milestones in Big Bear Valley
On April 4 and 5, 2026, the beloved bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow welcomed two eaglets into their nest located near Big Bear Lake, California. The first eaglet emerged from its shell at approximately 9:33 p.m. on April 4, followed by the second eaglet, which hatched at around 8:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 5. The hatching process, monitored by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, took about 36 hours for the first chick, with both eaglets reported to be healthy shortly after their births.
Background on Jackie and Shadow
Jackie and Shadow have been a mated pair since 2018 and have gained significant attention through live-streaming cameras set up by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Their previous nesting seasons included successful hatches, such as those of eaglets Sunny and Gizmo in 2025. However, this season began with tragedy when their first clutch of eggs was destroyed by ravens in January 2026. Following this loss, Jackie laid a second clutch of eggs on February 24 and 27, leading to the recent hatching.
The Hatching Process
The hatching of the eaglets is a complex process. According to Jenny Voisard, media and website manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley, the eaglets must break through an inner membrane before fully emerging from their shells. This arduous process typically takes 24 to 48 hours after the initial "pip," or breach in the eggshell, is observed. The eaglets are initially weak and require assistance from their parents for feeding, often referred to as "bobbleheads" due to their lack of neck strength.
Community Engagement and Conservation
The hatching of Jackie and Shadow's eaglets has sparked excitement among eagle enthusiasts worldwide. The Friends of Big Bear Valley reported numerous requests to name the chicks, with suggestions including "Sandy" in honor of Sandy Steers, a former executive director of the organization who passed away in February 2026. However, the naming process will follow a traditional fundraiser and local school voting.
Official Statements & Responses
Friends of Big Bear Valley celebrated the hatching on social media, stating, “It’s a very fun day and weekend for many, and they couldn’t have picked a more perfect time to say hello to the world.” The organization emphasized the importance of the hatching as a conservation success story, highlighting the resilience of bald eagle populations in California.
What's Next for the Eaglets?
As the eaglets grow, viewers can expect to follow their development through the live cam, which has become a significant educational tool and source of joy for many. The eaglets will be closely monitored as they prepare to fledge the nest in the coming months, marking another chapter in the ongoing story of Jackie and Shadow.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s a very fun day and weekend for many, and they couldn’t have picked a more perfect time to say hello to the world,” — Jenny Voisard, Media and Website Manager, Friends of Big Bear Valley
- “We have seen hundreds of requests and suggestions to name one of the chicks Sandy in honor of Sandy Steers, her years of tireless environmental work in the valley and her love for the eagles,” — Friends of Big Bear Valley Facebook Post
- “The chicks are fed small bits of fish or other prey. You can also see Jackie salivating quite a bit. The parents’ saliva is full of electrolytes and antibodies which gives the little ones a good healthy start!” — Friends of Big Bear Valley Instagram Post
The successful hatching of Jackie and Shadow's eaglets not only brings joy to their followers but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting these majestic birds.
