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Two Down, One to Go! Big Bear Eagle Eggs Hatching
Big Bear Lake, CA – Excitement is soaring in Big Bear Valley as two of Jackie and Shadow’s three eggs have successfully hatched! The world-famous bald eagle pair are back on parenting duty, and their dedicated online fanbase is watching with bated breath.
The third egg remains a hopeful prospect, with biologists noting it’s still within the typical 35-day hatching window. Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit responsible for the nest cam, expressed her joy at the new arrivals while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
The eaglets, still lacking waterproof feathers, rely entirely on their parents for warmth and protection, especially crucial given the unpredictable mountain weather. Space under mom will also be at a premium if the third egg hatches.
This season’s nesting journey began in late January, with Jackie laying three eggs over several days. Viewers of the popular livestream watched patiently as Jackie braved snow and rain to incubate the eggs. The first “pip,” or crack in the shell, appeared on March 2nd, and by Tuesday morning, two fluffy chicks had emerged.
While the past two nesting seasons ended in disappointment for the eagle pair, they successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. Over the next few weeks, Jackie and Shadow will be kept busy feeding their rapidly growing brood.
In just 10 to 14 weeks, these tiny newborns will transform into majestic birds of prey, standing over three feet tall. Stay tuned for updates!