Jackie and Shadow, the renowned bald eagles of Big Bear Valley, celebrated a joyous Easter weekend by welcoming two eaglets into their nest.The first chick emerged late Saturday night at 9:33 pm, followed by the second eaglet at 8:30 am on Easter morning.Both chicks appear to be in good health, according to Jenny Voisard, media and website manager for the Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit organization that oversees the eagles' live webcam feed.
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sbsun.comocregister.comThe hatching process was noted to be quite arduous, with only about 50% of eagle eggs typically surviving to hatching.Voisard explained that after breaking through an inner membrane, the chicks take their first breaths, which can be heard before they are seen.The first eaglet took a total of 36 hours to fully emerge from its shell, showcasing the determination of these young birds.
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sbsun.comocregister.comJackie and Shadow have been a mated pair since the fall of 2018, gaining fame across social media platforms, where they have amassed over 2.5 million followers.Their nest has become a beloved spectacle for wildlife enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, with thousands tuning in to watch their lives unfold through live webcams installed in 2015 and 2021.
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ocregister.comlatimes.comLast season, Jackie and Shadow faced a setback when three eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived due to predation by ravens.In response, Jackie laid two new eggs in February, and their successful hatching this weekend is seen as a significant triumph for the pair.Observers had noted the first signs of hatching as early as Friday, when a pip—an indication of the eaglet breaking through the eggshell—was spotted on the webcam feed.
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sbsun.comlatimes.comThe eaglets will be temporarily referred to as Chick 1 and Chick 2 until they receive official names, which will be determined through a naming contest involving local third graders, a tradition that Jackie and Shadow's fans hold dear.This year, there has been a request to name one of the chicks after Sandy Steers, the late executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, who passed away in February.However, the organization has stated that the naming process will continue as a fundraiser, honoring her legacy and impact on the community and the eagles.
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sbsun.comocregister.comlatimes.comThe livestream of Jackie and Shadow's nest has become a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, frequently featured on morning television shows and attracting attention for its engaging content.The couple's nurturing behavior and the eaglets' rapid growth are closely monitored by viewers, who eagerly anticipate the day the young birds will fledge, which typically takes about 10 to 14 weeks after hatching.
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ocregister.comAs Jackie and Shadow embark on this new chapter of parenthood, the community continues to support them, hoping for the healthy growth and development of their new eaglets.The next few weeks will be critical as the young birds receive care and sustenance from their attentive parents, all while drawing the admiration of viewers around the world.
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latimes.commaryannsteggles.comThe arrival of the eaglets not only marks a celebratory moment for Jackie and Shadow but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife in their natural habitats.As the community rallies around these beloved eagles, their story continues to inspire and connect people to nature.
