Jackie & Shadow: Big Bear's Famous Bald Eagles
Jackie and Shadow are Big Bear’s most famous bald eagle pair, often spotted on the Bald Eagle Cam raising chicks and guarding their nest.
Who are Jackie and Shadow?
Jackie and Shadow are Big Bear Lake’s resident pair of wild bald eagles — and the stars of the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam. Jackie, hatched in 2012, is the daughter of the lake’s first known nesting eagles. Shadow became her mate in 2018. Together, they are Big Bear’s only year-round bald eagle pair, raising eaglets high in a Jeffrey pine overlooking the lake. Their story, streamed live by Friends of Big Bear Valley, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these majestic birds in the wild.
Meet Jackie & Shadow — Big Bear’s Bald Eagle Royals
Jackie and Shadow are Big Bear Lake’s most beloved residents — a wild bald eagle pair that has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide thanks to the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam. Nesting high above the lake in a Jeffrey pine, Jackie and Shadow are unique as year-round bald eagle residents in the San Bernardino Mountains. They are the stars of the live camera operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) — offering an intimate look into their nesting, egg-laying, and parenting season each year.
Latest 2025 Nesting Season Update
As of April 1, 2025, Jackie and Shadow are actively raising two healthy eaglets in their Big Bear Lake nest. This season:
✅ Jackie laid 3 eggs in late January 2025
✅ The first eaglet hatched on March 3
✅ The second eaglet hatched on March 4
✅ The third chick hatched around March 8 but sadly did not survive after a harsh winter storm in mid-March
Viewers of the Big Bear Eagle Cam watched the eaglets develop their flight feathers and practice wing-flapping ("wingersizing") for ultimately fledging - expected around 12–14 weeks after hatching.
After weeks of nurturing and watching their eaglets grow and prepare for flight, the entire family has now left the nest as the young birds have fledged and begun exploring their surroundings. Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) continues to monitor and share updates on their ongoing adventures through the live Eagle Cam and social media channels.
FAQ: Everything You Want to Know About Jackie & Shadow
Here are a few frequently asked questions about Jackie and Shadow.
Who Are Jackie & Shadow?
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.
How Did Jackie & Shadow Become a Pair?
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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.
Why Do Jackie & Shadow Stay in Big Bear Year-Round?
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.
How Many Eggs Have Jackie & Shadow Laid?
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.
Where Is Jackie & Shadow’s Nest?
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:
How Old Are Jackie & Shadow?
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.
When Do Jackie & Shadow Lay Eggs?
Bald eagles in Big Bear typically lay eggs between January and March. The eggs incubate for about 35 days before hatching.
How Long Do Eaglets Stay in the Nest?
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.
What Is the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam?
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.
