Eagles Jackie and Shadow Lay Third Egg at Big Bear Lake, Renewing Hopes After Raven Attacks
Big Bear’s bald eagles Jackie and Shadow laid a third egg Feb. 24, 2026, after two eggs were destroyed by ravens in January — renewing hope as viewers watched on the Friends of Big Bear Valley live nest cam.
Key takeaways
- Third egg laid: Jackie laid the egg about 2:30 p.m. Pacific on Feb. 24, 2026; observed on the Friends of Big Bear Valley live nest cam. Sources: CBS News, ABC7.
- Earlier losses: Two eggs laid Jan. 23 and Jan. 26 were destroyed by ravens on Jan. 30 after an apparent nest invasion. Source: ABC7.
- Incubation window: Bald eagle eggs typically incubate about 35 days, making the new egg a focal point for the live-viewing community. Source: CBS News.
- Community watch: The Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle cam draws global viewers who document, report and support nest protection efforts. Sources: CBS News, ABC7.
The new egg and what viewers saw
On Tuesday afternoon, watchers of the Friends of Big Bear Valley live nest cam saw Jackie appear to lay a fresh egg at roughly 2:30 p.m. Pacific. Jackie briefly stood to inspect the egg before settling back; Shadow returned a few minutes later, according to the live feed. Observers noted clear skies and mid-50s temperatures, and a recent blanket of snow around the site had melted in days leading up to the laying. Sources: CBS News, ABC7.
“Jackie did a great job and she is now resting,” Friends of Big Bear Valley said in a statement; the group added it was unclear whether Jackie would lay additional eggs this season. — Friends of Big Bear Valley (statement reported by media)
The current nesting season and the raven attacks
This egg represents the pair’s second clutch attempt after the first two eggs (laid Jan. 23 and Jan. 26) were destroyed during a Jan. 30 raven invasion while the adult eagles were away. Friends of Big Bear Valley noted one egg appeared damaged before ravens arrived, then both eggs were destroyed; the parents may have left the nest because they sensed a problem with one egg or to defend territory against other bald eagles reportedly in the valley. Source: ABC7.
After the loss, Jackie and Shadow resumed courtship and nesting behavior: Jackie was observed flattening and preparing the nest and mating activity resumed. With bald eagle incubation typically lasting about 35 days, the new egg will be closely watched by the online community as it progresses toward a possible hatch. Source: CBS News.
Historical context and conservation importance
Big Bear Valley’s eagle nesting activity has been recorded since at least 2012; roughly a dozen eggs have been laid in the area since then, with only a fraction hatching and reaching maturity. Jackie and Shadow have raised several eaglets in recent years, including chicks nicknamed Sunny and Gizmo in 2025 and fledglings in 2019 and 2022. Source: CBS News.
Survival statistics underscore the fragility of each season: about half of eaglets survive to adulthood on average, which makes each successful hatch and fledging significant for regional populations. Protection of nesting habitat, vigilance against disturbance, and community support for conservation are critical to improving those odds.
The Big Bear Eagle Cam and its community
The Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Live Nest Cam streams 24/7 and has become an educational resource and community focal point, drawing thousands of viewers worldwide. The camera enables scientists, students and casual bird fans to observe nesting, feeding and parenting behaviors in real time, and it has built an active online community that tracks the pair’s fortunes and shares information about eagle behavior and local conservation. Sources: CBS News, ABC7.
The audience also helps with near-real-time reporting: followers documented the January raven invasion and egg loss almost immediately, providing useful documentation for conservation groups and local officials monitoring disturbance.
Questions the community and scientists are watching
- Will Jackie lay more eggs? Nesting can continue into April, leaving room for additional eggs this season. Source: ABC7.
- How high is the risk from ravens and other predators? January’s losses show the vulnerability of unattended eggs when parents leave the nest.
- What role should people play? Observers and recreationists must balance viewing opportunities with rules that limit disturbance; conservation groups urge respecting buffer zones and following Friends of Big Bear Valley guidance.
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic impact
The eagle cam and Jackie and Shadow’s fame attract tourists and online viewers, supporting local lodging, restaurants and outdoor guides. Live viewership also benefits environmental education programs and fundraising for conservation groups — making eagle success an eco‑tourism asset for the region. Sources: CBS News, ABC7.
Political consequences
Local officials and land managers may face renewed calls to protect nesting habitat and enforce buffer zones during the breeding season, influencing policy discussions on zoning, recreational access and funding for wildlife management.
Social and cultural effects
The eagle cam has created a shared interest across the Inland Empire, providing a nonpartisan rallying point for families, schools and civic groups. The emotional response to January’s losses and Feb. 24’s new egg highlights how wildlife stories can strengthen community ties and support for volunteer organizations.
Practical guidance for residents and visitors
- Stay on marked trails and respect posted buffer zones around nests.
- Keep pets under control and avoid approaching nesting areas.
- Report any harassment or disturbance to local authorities and support Friends of Big Bear Valley through donations or volunteering to help maintain the nest cam and habitat protection efforts.
Sources and further reading
- CBS Los Angeles: Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow lay third egg (Feb. 24, 2026)
- ABC7: Beloved Big Bear bald eagles Jackie & Shadow lay another egg after nest was invaded (Feb. 24, 2026)
- Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Live Nest Cam — live streaming and organization updates available from the group that operates the camera (see Friends of Big Bear Valley channels for live feed and statements)
