Jackie and Shadow: Big Bear's Famous Bald Eagles

Jackie and Shadow are a bonded pair of adult bald eagles who nest in Big Bear Lake. Jackie is known for her darker plumage and bold personality, while Shadow, her devoted mate since 2018, is often calm and attentive.

Jackie originally hatched around 2012 — making her the offspring of Big Bear’s first resident eagle pair, Ricky and Lucy, who began nesting here in 2012. Shadow is slightly younger, likely born around 2014.

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Jackie first gained fame in 2017, when she and her former mate claimed a nest equipped with a live camera installed by FOBBV. In 2018, Shadow appeared and replaced Jackie’s earlier mate. The two have been together ever since, becoming the stars of the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam.

Most bald eagles in the San Bernardino Mountains are seasonal visitors, but Jackie and Shadow are permanent residents. Why? Big Bear Lake provides:

Abundant fish (their primary food source)

Excellent nesting sites in tall pines

A protected territory with limited eagle competition

By staying year-round, they maintain their nesting site and territory.

Since pairing in 2018, Jackie and Shadow have laid over 14 eggs, with 5 eaglets hatching successfully. In March 2025, they welcomed three eaglets — though sadly, one did not survive a late winter storm.

Their nest is 145 feet high in a Jeffrey pine tree near Fawnskin on Big Bear’s north shore. For the eagles’ protection, the exact location is not public — but you can watch them on the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam 24/7:

👉 Watch Jackie & Shadow Live — Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam

Jackie: Hatched around 2012

Shadow: Estimated to be born around 2014

Bald eagles typically live 20–30 years in the wild, so both are in their prime breeding years.

Bald eagles in Big Bear typically lay eggs between January and March. The eggs incubate for about 35 days before hatching.

Eaglets remain in the nest for about 10–12 weeks after hatching, preparing to fledge (take their first flight). In 2025, viewers can expect to see Jackie & Shadow’s eaglets fledge around late May to early June.

The Big Bear Eagle Cam was installed in 2015 by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Positioned 145 feet high in a Jeffrey pine, the live cam allows fans to watch Jackie, Shadow, and their chicks from egg-laying to fledging — all in real time.