Big Bear’s resident eagles, Jackie and Shadow, laid their first egg of the season on Jan. 22, 2025, with the second egg arriving on Jan. 25. And, surprise—Jackie laid a third egg on Jan. 28 at approximately 5:40 p.m. Eagles typically lay their eggs about three days apart. A normal eagle clutch has two eggs, but this is the second consecutive season that Jackie has laid three.
Leading up to egg-laying, Jackie and Shadow spent time maintaining and reinforcing their nest, a common behavior for bald eagles before the breeding season. The pair worked together to clear debris, add sticks, and create a soft lining of grass and moss to ensure the nest was ready to support their growing family. Their nest, near the top of a 155-foot Jeffrey pine tree in Big Bear Valley, provides a high vantage point for security and protection from potential predators.
Jackie and Shadow do not begin full-time incubation until the final egg of the clutch is laid, a common practice known as delayed or intermittent incubation. This helps the chicks hatch closer together and increases the chances of survival for the younger ones. Now that all the eggs have been laid, Jackie and Shadow will take turns incubating. Both have a brood patch low on the abdomen that regulates heat to the right temperature for the eggs.
Incubation typically lasts about 34 to 36 days, meaning “pip” watch will begin in late February or early March. The first sign of hatching, known as a “pip,” occurs when a small hole or crack appears in the eggshell. The eaglet inside the egg uses its “egg tooth,” a tiny, temporary structure on its beak, to puncture the membrane and begin breaking free. This process can take up to two days, and the parents do not assist in hatching, as the eaglet must develop the strength needed for survival.
Winter conditions in Big Bear can be harsh, but bald eagles are well adapted to freezing temperatures, snow, and rain. Their down feathers trap body heat close to their skin, while their approximately 7,000 waterproof feathers help keep moisture and cold out. Recent storms have covered the nest in snow, but Jackie and Shadow have remained steadfast, taking turns keeping the eggs warm and protected despite the elements.
Jackie, now 12 years old, and Shadow, 10, have been nesting together in Big Bear since 2018. Over the years, they have faced both success and failure, including harsh weather and natural predation. Their dedicated bond and parenting instincts have made them very popular among wildlife enthusiasts.
Jackie and Shadow can be observed thanks to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, which operates a live feed of the nest. The solar-powered eagle camera and sound system stream 24/7, allowing viewers to witness every moment of the nesting season. To watch, visit friendsofbigbearvalley.org or go to YouTube.
As hatching time approaches, eagle watchers around the world will be keeping a close eye on the nest, hoping for a successful and healthy season for Jackie, Shadow, and their growing family.
