The beloved Big Bear eagle duo, Jackie and Shadow, have recently become a family of four, as two of their three nest eggs have hatched. According to NBC Los Angeles, the first eaglet appeared to break free from its shell late Monday, with a second following suit by Thursday morning. This event was witnessed by eagle enthusiasts from around the world, thanks to a live cam provided by the Friends of Big Bear Valley.
Jackie and Shadow's new additions have brought joy to observers, especially after the disappointment of last year's unfruitful hatching attempts. The couple have been diligently nesting despite the cold weather in their San Bernardino National Forest home. As reported by KTLA, the Friends of Big Bear Valley caught the moments on camera, stating that "Before midnight, the first chick had its wing and head visible and a short time later, it was out!" The third egg, however, has not shown signs of hatching yet, but remains within the normal hatching window of 35-42 days.
The live cam has been a source of international attention since the Friends of Big Bear Valley installed it in 2013. This event has extra significance as Monday also marked the third birthday of "Spirit," the last eaglet successfully raised by Jackie and Shadow. As noted by CBS News Los Angeles, executive director of the nonprofit, Sandy Steers, mentioned the unique challenges faced by the growing family. "Hopefully there's no bad weather after they get too big to stay underneath Jackie or Shadow, but (they) don't have their waterproof feathers yet. It will take about six weeks before they get their waterproof feathers," she said.
Despite the unpredictable conditions, Jackie and Shadow are expected to raise their eaglets with the same dedication they have shown in the past. "The two of them will both work to get as much food as they can and they will grow very quickly," Steers told CBS News Los Angeles. The survival and development of these eaglets will continue to capture the attention of viewers worldwide, as they progress from delicate chicks to birds of formidable stature over the next 10 to 14 weeks.
