The pair of Bald Eagles that have made Big Bear Valley their home are back. They, Jackie and Shadow, have been prepping their nest for the past several months. Many times a day they bring in twigs and sticks to the nest and each time they rearrange their nest. On January 11th egg #1 was laid during a winter storm followed by egg #2 on January 14th. “Pip” watch will begin February 15th.

After about 35 days, the eaglet inside the egg is ready to hatch. When a tiny hole or crack appears this is called a “pip”. The eaglet uses it’s “egg tooth”, which has formed at the top of its beak, to puncture the membrane inside the egg. It can take up to 2 days for the eaglet to hatch. The parents do not assist in this process.

Jackie is 10 years and Shadow is 8 years old. Their nest is located about 145 feet up in a Jeffery Pine tree in Big Bear. Bald Eagles are well equipped to handle harsh weather; the cold temperature, snow and rain. Due to their down feathers against their skin, which can hold in the heat their bodies generate, and topped with approximately 7000 water proof feathers that keep the wet and cold out while keeping the heat inside.

The observation of Jackie and Shadow can be followed thanks to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, owners and operators of the live feed. The live Eagle camera and sound system is solar powered and runs live stream—available to watch 24/7. Visit their website: http://friendsofbigbearvalley.org and consider donating to their organization.