The pair of bald eagles that call Big Bear Valley home are back. Jackie and Shadow have been busy preparing their nest over the past several months. Several times a day, they bring twigs and sticks to the nest, rearranging it each time to make it just right. Jackie often brings softer, cozier material to line the nest. This nest has been in active use since the fall of 2013.
Egg-laying typically occurs in early January, and “pip” watch will begin in mid-February. After about 35 days of incubation, the eaglet inside the egg is ready to hatch. When a small hole or crack appears in the eggshell, it is called a “pip.” The eaglet uses its “egg tooth,” a small structure on the top of its beak, to puncture the membrane inside the egg. Hatching can take up to two days, and the parents do not assist in this process.
Bald eagles are well adapted to harsh weather, including freezing temperatures, snow, and rain. Their down feathers, which are close to their skin, trap body heat. These are covered by approximately 7,000 waterproof feathers that keep moisture and cold out while retaining warmth. Jackie and Shadow’s nest is located near the top of a 155-foot Jeffrey pine tree in Big Bear. Jackie is 12 years old, and Shadow is 10.
Jackie and Shadow can be observed thanks to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, who operate a live feed of the nest. The solar-powered eagle camera and sound system stream 24/7. To watch, visit friendsofbigbearvalley.org or go to http://www.youtube.com/fobbvcam.
