Jackie & Shadow, Big Bear’s resident bald eagles have laid their second clutch of the season. Unfortunately the three eggs of the first clutch laid on January 6th, 9th, and13th did not make it to the incubation time. Two were preyed on by ravens and the other broke during laying process.
Second clutch– Jackie laid the first egg February 9th with second egg arriving February 11th. During the next month or so whether there is wind, rain or snow they will take turns sitting on the eggs during incubation. Pip watch begins around March 15th. A pip is the first small hole in the egg when the chick is working its way out.
A few interesting facts. When the eagles walk around the eggs, they curl in their talons under so they don’t damage the eggs. Eagles frequently roll the eggs throughout the day & night. This keeps the membranes from sticking to the shell and helps to evenly distribute heat to the egg. Shadow sleeps in nearby roost trees at night, why he does not stay in the nest tree is not known. Seems each eagle pair has their own preference. Jackie and Shadow’s nest is near the top of a 120 foot Jeffrey pine. At some nests, the male does sleep in the nest tree.
The observation of Shadow and Jackie can be followed thanks to the Friends of Big Bear Valley. 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
The camera was installed by a biological tree-climber, someone who understands how climb trees and install cameras with federal and state permits required to handle bald eagles. Eagles are a federally protected and state endangered species.
