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

Each winter, thousands of people tune in to the Big Bear Eagle Cam to follow the lives of Jackie and Shadow, the resident bald eagles who call Big Bear Lake home. Their nest—set high in a Jeffrey pine overlooking the lake—has been the center of excitement, heartbreak, and hope since the camera first went live.

Here’s the complete history of this famous eagle pair and how their story began.

From Ricky & Lucy to Jackie’s Reign

Before Jackie, the nest belonged to Ricky and Lucy, an earlier pair of bald eagles that helped establish the site as a known nesting area in Big Bear Valley. In the years following their departure, a young unbanded female—believed by many to be their offspring—took over the nest. That eagle became known as Jackie.

Because Jackie was never tracked or banded, no one can confirm her lineage, but her timing and behavior make the theory plausible. By the time cameras were installed, Jackie had already claimed the nest and began her new chapter.

Jackie’s Mate Change: Mr. B to Shadow

During the 2017–2018 nesting season, Jackie was paired with a male known as Mr. B. Together they tended to eggs and raised a single surviving eaglet named Stormy.

Stormy was banded by the U.S. Forest Service and successfully fledged from Big Bear later that season.

Near the end of that same season, a new male eagle appeared—Shadow. After a brief but noticeable territorial struggle, Mr. B left the area, and Jackie accepted Shadow as her new mate. The pair quickly bonded and have remained together ever since, becoming the focus of viewers around the world.

Season-by-Season Nesting Timeline

2018 – First Year Together

Jackie and Shadow’s first breeding season as a pair brought promise and heartbreak.  Jackie laid two eggs, which hatched into eaglets later named Simba and Cookie by local third graders.

Sadly, Cookie did not survive a severe winter storm, but Simba fledged successfully and was banded before leaving Big Bear Valley.

2019 – Unhatched Eggs

In 2019, Jackie laid two eggs that never hatched. Viewers saw the pair dutifully incubate and protect them through challenging weather, reinforcing the bond between them even without chicks that season.

2020 – False Start and Second Attempt

Jackie laid her first egg of 2020 early in the year, but neither she nor Shadow incubated it. A second egg followed, also left unattended, and a third appeared to have broken.


Later, in February, Jackie laid a new set of two eggs. This time, both eagles incubated them faithfully, but unfortunately, neither hatched.

2021 – Spirit Takes Flight

In 2021, Jackie laid two eggs. One hatched and was named Spirit after a local classroom vote. Spirit, believed to be a female, successfully fledged from Big Bear that summer, giving viewers a hopeful reminder of the resilience of this pair.

2022 – Unhatched Clutch

Jackie once again laid two eggs, but neither hatched. Even so, both eagles continued to care for the nest through the winter, reinforcing their reputation for dedication.

2023 – Three Eggs, No Hatchlings

In 2023, Jackie laid three eggs—the most since pairing with Shadow—but none hatched. Despite disappointment, the pair remained active at the nest and prepared for the following season.

2024 – A Successful Season

The 2024 nesting season brought long-awaited success. Jackie laid three eggs; one was lost during a storm, but two eaglets survived. They were later named Sunny and Gizmo.
Both eaglets fledged successfully, marking the pair’s most successful season since 2021.

2025 – The Next Chapter

As the 2025 nesting season approaches, both Jackie and Shadow are once again preparing the nest—bringing sticks, adding greenery, and strengthening their bond. Viewers eagerly await to see if new eggs will appear in the months ahead.

What Became of the Eaglets

Sadly, both of Jackie’s first fledglings—Stormy and Simba—were found deceased and identified by their bands in the summer of 2023. They were discovered separately and were not together at the time.

Spirit, believed to be female, has not been observed since fledging, and no banded record of her location exists. The 2024 eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, both successfully fledged and left the area, marking a hopeful close to the most recent season.

Why This Nest Matters

Jackie and Shadow’s story has reached people far beyond Big Bear Valley. Their nest is a rare opportunity to witness wild bald eagles living and breeding naturally at high elevation. The live Eagle Cam—operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FBBV)—has educated viewers about eagle behavior, weather challenges, and the balance of survival in nature.

Each season brings something new: the quiet patience of incubation, the tension of storms, the joy of a first flight, and sometimes, the heartbreak that comes with the wild. Through it all, Jackie and Shadow have shown unwavering devotion to each other and their nest.

What We’re Watching for in 2025

As snow begins to dust the mountains and the lake freezes at the edges, Jackie and Shadow are once again busy reinforcing their nest. Based on past years, egg-laying typically occurs between January and March.