Jackie Lays Second Egg | Big Bear Eagle Update 2026

Last Updated: March 2, 2026

2026 Nesting Season Update (Second Clutch)

Jackie laid a new egg on February 24, marking the beginning of her second clutch of the 2026 nesting season. 

She followed with a second egg on February 27, bringing the current clutch to two eggs.

Earlier this season, Jackie laid two eggs that were unfortunately lost after a raven raided the nest. Despite the setback, Jackie and Shadow remained at the site — and Jackie has now laid again.

Jackie and Shadow are now actively incubating both eggs. Bald eagle eggs typically hatch in about 35 days.

• Estimated hatch window: Late March to early April 2026.
• First egg (second clutch): February 24
• Second egg: February 27
• Current Clutch: 2 eggs
• Incubation: Active
• Estimated Hatch Window: Late March to early April 2026

Both Jackie and Shadow are taking turns incubating.

👉 Watch Jackie & Shadow live on the Big Bear Eagle Cam below.

What Is a Second Clutch?

A second clutch occurs when a bald eagle lays another set of eggs after the first set is lost early in the nesting season. While not guaranteed, it’s possible when the loss happens soon enough for the pair to try again.

Earlier this season, both Jackie and Shadow left the nest for an extended period of time. During their absence, a raven accessed the nest and the two eggs were lost. Wildlife experts note that nest predation is a natural part of the ecosystem, especially in mountainous forest environments.



Jackie’s February 24 egg marks a renewed attempt after that early-season loss.

The History of Jackie & Shadow in Big Bear Lake

From Ricky & Lucy to Jackie

Before Jackie became the most recognized bald eagle in Big Bear, the nest was home to another pair: Ricky and Lucy.

Ricky and Lucy were among the first bald eagles documented nesting in Big Bear Valley in modern times. Their successful nesting helped signal the return of bald eagles to the San Bernardino Mountains after decades of population decline.

After Ricky and Lucy disappeared from the area, a new adult female eagle arrived at the nest. Locals began calling her Jackie. While some believe she may be the daughter of Ricky and Lucy, she was never banded, so her exact lineage is unknown.

What is certain is that Jackie claimed the same nest site overlooking Big Bear Lake and continued the legacy.

Jackie’s First Mate: Mr. B

When Jackie first appeared at the nest, she was paired with a male eagle known as Mr. B.

Together, Jackie and Mr. B raised one surviving eaglet named Stormy, who successfully fledged in 2017. Stormy was later banded by the U.S. Forest Service, confirming the chick’s survival beyond the nest.

In early 2018, however, a new male eagle entered the territory — setting the stage for a change that viewers would witness live on camera.

How Shadow Became Jackie’s Mate

In early 2018, a dark-feathered male bald eagle began appearing at the nest. The newcomer — later named Shadow — challenged Mr. B for territory and partnership.

After a brief period of competition, Mr. B left the area, and Shadow became Jackie’s new mate.

Since then, Jackie and Shadow have remained paired, returning to the same Big Bear nest each winter to reinforce it ahead of nesting season.

Jackie & Shadow’s Eaglets Over the Years

Since pairing in 2018, Jackie and Shadow have experienced both success and setbacks.

2018: Simba & Cookie

Their first clutch together produced two eaglets: Simba and Cookie. Cookie did not survive a severe storm, but Simba fledged successfully.

2021: Spirit

In 2021, the pair successfully raised another eaglet named Spirit, a name chosen by local elementary students. Spirit fledged later that summer and was believed to be female.

2024: Sunny & Gizmo

In 2024, Jackie laid three eggs. One was lost during a storm, but two eaglets — Sunny and Gizmo — hatched and fledged successfully.

Remembering Stormy & Simba

In summer 2023, Stormy (Jackie’s eaglet with Mr. B) and Simba were both found deceased in separate locations and identified through leg bands. Wildlife officials noted they were discovered independently and not together.

Like all wild raptors, survival beyond fledging is never guaranteed, and many young eagles face natural challenges in their early years.

The Big Bear Eagle Cam (Friends of Big Bear Valley)

Jackie and Shadow’s nest is streamed live 24/7 by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FBBV).

The Big Bear Eagle Cam allows viewers worldwide to watch:



• Nest building
• Egg laying
• Incubation
• Hatching
• Feeding
• First flights

The camera is non-intrusive and does not interfere with the birds, offering a rare opportunity to observe bald eagle nesting behavior in real time.

Read more about the history of the Big Bear Lake Eagle Cam

Why Jackie & Shadow Matter

Jackie and Shadow nest high above Big Bear Lake in Southern California, one of the few places in the region where bald eagles live year-round.

Their visibility through the Eagle Cam has made them one of the most recognized bald eagle pairs in the country. But beyond the camera, they represent the continued recovery of bald eagles in California’s mountain ecosystems.

Each season — whether successful or difficult — contributes to our understanding of raptor behavior, nest fidelity, and survival in the wild.