Jackie and Shadow: Big Bear's Famous Bald Eagles

If you’ve ever watched the Big Bear Eagle Cam, chances are you’ve already fallen for Jackie and Shadow — the bald eagle pair that has made Big Bear Lake one of the most-watched nesting sites in the country. They’re fierce, loyal, dramatic, and oddly relatable. Every winter, they return to the same pine overlooking the lake, giving viewers around the world a front-row seat to life at 7,000 feet.

From Ricky & Lucy to Jackie’s Nest

Before Jackie took over the spotlight, a pair of bald eagles named Ricky and Lucy called this same nest home. They were among the first eagles to be seen nesting in Big Bear Valley and helped reestablish bald eagles in the region.



Sometime after their departure, a new female appeared — and locals named her Jackie. She’s believed to be Ricky and Lucy’s daughter, though no one can be certain since she was never banded or tracked. Regardless of her lineage, Jackie quickly claimed the nest as her own and carried on the legacy that began with her predecessors.

A Change in Partners

When Jackie first arrived, she wasn’t alone. Her original mate, known as Mr. B, joined her at the nest. Together they raised one surviving eaglet, Stormy, who fledged successfully from Big Bear in 2017 and was banded by the U.S. Forest Service.



But nature always writes its own story. In early 2018, a new male appeared at the nest — a strong, dark-feathered eagle who would soon be known as Shadow. He challenged Mr. B for both territory and partnership. After a short period of competition (and plenty of camera-worthy moments), Mr. B left the area, and Jackie accepted Shadow as her new mate.

That bold newcomer would go on to become one of the most famous eagles in California.

Jackie & Shadow: A True Eagle Pair

Jackie and Shadow’s partnership has endured through storms, snow, and several nesting seasons — some successful, others heartbreaking. Viewers have watched them rebuild their nest after heavy winds, shield their eggs through snowfalls, and take turns bringing sticks and food with remarkable teamwork.



Shadow is known for his constant nest-tending and dedication — often adding sticks even when Jackie clearly thinks the nest is finished. Jackie, on the other hand, has become famous for her no-nonsense attitude and clear leadership in the pair. Together, they’ve formed a bond that’s both powerful and endearing.

Raising Chicks in the Mountains

Since pairing up in 2018, Jackie and Shadow have had their share of ups and downs. Their first eaglets together, Simba and Cookie, hatched in 2018. Cookie sadly didn’t survive a storm, but Simba fledged successfully and left the area later that year.

The following years brought challenges — eggs that didn’t hatch and storms that tested their resilience — but Jackie and Shadow never gave up. In 2021, they successfully raised another eaglet named Spirit, chosen by local third graders after a community vote. Spirit, believed to be female, hatched and fledged successfully that summer, marking one of the most hopeful seasons for the pair.

Their most recent success came in 2024, when Jackie laid three eggs. One was lost during a storm, but the remaining two eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, survived, fledged, and left Big Bear in summer.



Sadly, two of the earlier eaglets — Simba and Stormy (Jackie’s chick from her time with Mr. B) — were both later found deceased and identified by their leg bands in the summer of 2023. They were discovered separately and were not together at the time.

Through every high and low, Jackie and Shadow have continued to show remarkable devotion to each other and their nest — proving that even in the wild, persistence and partnership can carry through any season.

Life on Camera

Thanks to the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FBBV), Jackie and Shadow’s lives are streamed live 24/7 for the world to see. The Eagle Cam allows anyone, anywhere, to witness the drama, the humor, and the quiet beauty of bald eagles in their natural environment.

From stick deliveries and egg laying to moments of loss and triumph, every season tells a new story. The camera doesn’t interfere — it simply captures nature as it happens. And that’s exactly what makes Jackie and Shadow so captivating.

What Makes Them So Special

Jackie and Shadow’s nest sits high above Big Bear Lake — one of the few places in Southern California where bald eagles live year-round. The elevation, lake access, and surrounding forest make it an ideal habitat.

But it’s not just about the scenery. What makes this pair special is how much of their journey the world has witnessed. Viewers have laughed at Shadow’s endless stick rearranging, cheered when chicks hatch, and felt heartbreak when storms take their toll. Through it all, Jackie and Shadow remind everyone that wildness still thrives, even in a world full of screens.

Latest 2025 Nesting Season Update

As winter approaches each year, Jackie and Shadow return to reinforce their nest — a sure sign that nesting season is near. Egg-laying typically happens between January and March, and viewers once again gather online to see what the new season brings.

Whether they hatch eaglets or simply weather another year together, one thing is certain: Big Bear’s skies wouldn’t be the same without them.

See the Latest Updates for 2025 on our Big Bear Eagles Page

FAQ: Everything You Want to Know About Jackie & Shadow

Here are a few frequently asked questions about Jackie and Shadow.