Bald Eagles in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is home to a well-known bald eagle population that attracts visitors, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts throughout the year. While eagle activity varies by season, sightings are common around the lake and surrounding valley, making bald eagles one of Big Bear’s most iconic wildlife species.

Famous Residents

About the Bald Eagles of Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is one of the most well-known places in Southern California to observe bald eagles, thanks to its high elevation, abundant fish, and protected forest habitat. Each year, bald eagles return to the area to nest, hunt, and raise their young, drawing attention from wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of these iconic birds. 

Big Bear Lake surrounded by green pine trees and forest, viewed from rocky area on a sunny day.

Where to See Bald Eagles in Big Bear Lake

By Discover Big Bear Lake • November 12, 2025
Want to see Big Bear’s bald eagles in real life? Find the best places to spot Jackie & Shadow safely — plus tips for respectful eagle watching.
Bald eagle with white head, yellow beak and intense gaze, dark plumage.

Jackie & Shadow – Nesting History of Big Bear’s Bald Eagle Pair

By Discover Big Bear Lake • November 12, 2025
Follow the nesting history of Big Bear Lake’s famous bald eagles, Jackie & Shadow — from Stormy to Sunny & Gizmo, and what’s ahead for 2025.
Two bald eagles perched on a tree branch with green and yellow leaves, against a blue sky.

Jackie and Shadow: Big Bear's Famous Bald Eagles

By Discover Big Bear Lake • October 20, 2025
Learn about Jackie and Shadow, Big Bear Lake’s famous bald eagles. Watch them live on the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam, explore their history, nesting updates & more
Bald eagle in flight, wings spread wide against a blue sky. White head and tail feathers, dark brown body.

Big Bear Bald Eagles: Live Bald Eagle Cam

By Discover Big Bear Lake • October 20, 2025
See bald eagles in Big Bear! Watch the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam live & learn where to spot bald eagles around Big Bear Lake this winter.

Why Bald Eagles Are Found in Big Bear Lake

Bald eagles are drawn to Big Bear Lake because of its high elevation, open water, and reliable food sources. The surrounding forest and protected areas provide suitable habitat, allowing eagles to return year after year and establish long-term nesting territories.

When to See Bald Eagles in Big Bear Lake

Bald eagle activity in Big Bear Lake changes throughout the year. Sightings can happen in any season, but eagle behavior becomes especially noticeable during the nesting period, when adults are more active and visible as they travel between nesting and feeding areas.

How to See Bald Eagles Responsibly

Many visitors are able to see bald eagles flying over the lake or perched in tall trees from public areas. Viewing eagles responsibly is essential—keeping distance and respecting closures helps protect the birds and ensures they continue to return to Big Bear Lake.

Resident Bald Eagles

Meet Jackie and Shadow

Jackie and Shadow are the resident bald eagles of Big Bear Lake. Every winter, they prepare their mountaintop nest for the next season — offering breathtaking views via the live cam operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Follow their story, nesting updates, and watch live from anywhere.

Watch Live online

Watch the Big Bear Eagle Live Cam

About Friends of Big Bear Valley

The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FBBV) is a local nonprofit organization that operates the live Big Bear Eagle Cam and works to protect wildlife and their natural habitats in the San Bernardino Mountains. They’re dedicated to conservation, education, and helping people connect with the incredible wildlife that calls Big Bear home.

All live Eagle Cam footage and nesting updates are provided by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Visit their official website or YouTube channel for more information and real-time updates from the nest.

What's Going on

2025 Nesting Season Updates

Jackie and Shadow have begun preparing their nest for the 2025 season. As of early November, they’ve been seen bringing sticks and soft grasses to reinforce their massive treetop home. While successful hatches aren’t guaranteed each year, the pair remains active and committed to maintaining their territory.

Location Guide

Where to Watch Eagles in Big Bear Lake

While the general area of the bald eagle nest is known among locals and longtime wildlife watchers, the exact location is intentionally kept quiet to protect the eagles and their habitat. During nesting season, these areas are clearly marked and officially closed, and those closures are enforced to give the eagles the space they need to successfully raise their young. Respecting posted signs and viewing eagles from a distance is critical to their continued return to Big Bear Lake.


Fortunately, you don’t need to be near the nest to see them — bald eagles are often spotted flying over the lake, fishing near open water, or perched in tall trees around the shoreline, especially in winter and early spring. Watching from designated viewpoints, lakeside areas, and open public spaces allows visitors to enjoy these incredible birds while helping keep their habitat safe for years to come.

Grout Bay Picnic Area

The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk is well known among birders, and early mornings tend to offer the best chance of eagle activity. Visitors have reported sightings of Jackie fishing in this area when water levels are favorable and the marsh is active. The boardwalk allows for respectful viewing without disturbing wildlife.

The Alpine Pedal Path runs along the north shore of Big Bear Lake and offers open sightlines where bald eagles are sometimes seen flying low over the water or fishing. Because it’s relatively flat and quiet, it’s a good spot to pause and scan the lake, especially during calmer parts of the day. You don’t need to leave the trail to spot wildlife here — patience and distance are key.

Grout Bay Picnic Area is closed seasonally to protect eagle habitat, and those closures should always be respected. When the area is open, it can be a place to occasionally spot bald eagles flying over the lake rather than near the shoreline. Even when access is limited, eagles are often visible from surrounding public viewpoints at a safe distance.

Egg History

Jackie & Shadow’s Nesting History

Over the years, Jackie and Shadow have had many nesting seasons filled with hope, heartbreak, and triumph. From first eggs to fledglings taking their first flight, every year tells a unique story.


🗓️ Recent Highlights:

2024: 3 eggs laid, 2 survived and fledged (Sunny and Gizmo). Third eaglet did not survive a storm.
2023:  2 eggs were laid but did not hatch.
2022: 2 eggs laid, 1 hatched and fledged. Named Spirit

Faq's

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When do Jackie and Shadow lay eggs?

    Usually between January and March, depending on weather.

  • Can you visit the eagle nest in person?

    No. It’s in a protected forest area closed to the public, but you can watch live online.

  • Are Jackie and Shadow together year-round?

    Yes. While bald eagles migrate in some regions, this pair stays in Big Bear year-round.

  • What happened to their eaglets from past years?

    Some fledged successfully, while others didn’t survive harsh weather—a natural part of eagle life.