Jackie and Shadow, Big Bear Valley’s resident eagles, have been prepping their nest for nesting season for the past several months. They both bring in sticks of all shapes and sizes and strategically place each one to make the perfect nest while constantly watching for uninvited visitors flying around. Jackie makes sure every stick is properly placed in time for the eggs. Egg-laying season is January through April. As it gets closer, softer materials are brought in, and Jackie will spend more time at the nest. The nest has been in active use since the fall of 2013.
Normally, the eggs are laid in early January. “Pip” watch will begin mid-February. 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 its “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.
Bald Eagles are well equipped to handle harsh weather, including cold temperatures, 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 waterproof feathers that keep the wet and cold out while keeping the heat inside. Their nest is located near the top of a 155+ foot Jeffrey Pine tree in Big Bear. Jackie is 13 years old and Shadow is 11 years old.
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 nest tree is equipped with an infrared light (IR) so the camera can view the nest, eagles, and other visitors at night. The light is not visible to the eagles or humans. For Jackie and Shadow, the nest is in complete darkness.
The live Eagle camera and sound system is solar powered and runs a live stream—available to watch 24/7. Visit their website: http//www.youtube.com/fobbvcam
