Eagles’ resilience: Jackie and Shadow lay third egg at Big Bear Lake after raven attack
Big Bear Lake’s iconic bald-eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, laid a third egg on Feb. 24, 2026, after losing two earlier eggs in a raven raid — the new egg is visible on the Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Cam.
- Third egg spotted: The egg appeared about 2:30 p.m. Feb. 24 and can be seen on the Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Live Nest Cam (CBS Los Angeles).
- Parental care: Jackie briefly inspected the egg then resumed incubation; Shadow returned minutes later to the nest (CBS Los Angeles).
- Previous loss: Two eggs laid Jan. 23 and Jan. 26 were destroyed by ravens on Jan. 30 while adults were away (CBS Los Angeles).
- Incubation timeline: Bald eagle eggs typically incubate about 35 days, so a hatch could occur in late March or early April depending on exact timing (CBS Los Angeles).
The eagles and their nest
Jackie (estimated hatch year 2012) and Shadow (estimated hatch year 2014) have nested at Big Bear since 2016 and 2018, respectively. They return each season to a large stick nest overlooking the water and valley — a local landmark and global draw.
The nest is viewed around the clock on the Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Live Nest Cam, maintained by the volunteer group Friends of Big Bear Valley. Background video and history on the pair are available from Friends of Big Bear Valley video/history.
Recent egg loss and the recovery effort
This season began with hope but quickly turned difficult: eggs were laid on Jan. 23 and Jan. 26, but a raid by ravens on Jan. 30 destroyed both while the adults were away for several hours. The loss prompted global concern from viewers of the live cam.
Despite the setback, Jackie and Shadow returned to active nesting behavior. Observers noted increased mate calls, nest reshaping, and repeated visits to the platform — clear signals the pair planned to try again (CBS Los Angeles).
The new egg and what comes next
The third egg was first seen around 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 24. Jackie stood to inspect the egg before settling into incubation; Shadow arrived shortly afterward to join the nest. Friends of Big Bear Valley reported,
“Jackie did a great job and she is now resting.”
Bald eagles often lay eggs at roughly three-day intervals, so additional eggs are possible. If incubation proceeds normally, observers should expect hatching in roughly 35 days, placing a potential hatch in late March or early April depending on timing and whether more eggs are laid (CBS Los Angeles).
Why protection matters: survival rates and history
Big Bear’s eagle story reflects wider conservation realities. The valley recorded its first known bald eagle chick in 2012. Since then, about a dozen eggs have been laid in the nest, but only a fraction have reached adulthood. Nationwide, roughly 50% of eaglets survive to adulthood, highlighting the importance of protecting nest sites and habitat for long-term success (CBS Los Angeles).
Jackie and Shadow have had successful seasons before, raising eaglets such as Sunny and Gizmo — proof that, when left undisturbed and provided food and cover, the pair can produce mature offspring (CBS Los Angeles).
The Big Bear Eagle Cam and community stewardship
The Big Bear Eagle Cam, run by Friends of Big Bear Valley, is a model of low-cost, volunteer-driven wildlife monitoring. The camera’s constant feed helps scientists, volunteers and the public track nesting success and threats, and it creates a broad base of informed supporters for habitat protection.
The live feed allowed viewers to witness both the ravens’ destructive raid and the adults’ recovery efforts, demonstrating how transparency and community engagement can aid conservation while respecting private property and public access (CBS Los Angeles).
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Economic impact
Live-streamed wildlife attractions like the Big Bear Eagle Cam can draw global audiences and boost local tourism. Paso Robles could explore partnerships between wildlife groups and local businesses to create nature-focused promotions that support lodging, dining and off-season visitation.
Educational tie-ins are possible too: schools and ag groups can use live cams for lessons in ecology and raptor biology and incorporate wildlife content into agritourism offerings.
Political consequences
Volunteer-led monitoring and outreach — the Friends of Big Bear Valley model — aligns with citizen-driven stewardship favored in many conservative communities. Paso Robles leaders could encourage volunteer programs and measured protections that respect property rights and build local buy-in.
The Big Bear story also ties into wildfire and land management conversations: raptors need intact trees and healthy forests, so balanced fuel reduction and targeted tree management can help preserve nest sites while reducing fire risk.
Social effects
Wildlife success stories foster community pride and can be integrated into family-friendly programming. Paso Robles could use live cams in libraries, schools and community centers to boost civic pride and interest in nature.
The volunteer-driven model also offers many engagement avenues for clubs, service groups and local nonprofits to sponsor wildlife-monitoring projects.
Cultural relevance
The bald eagle’s symbolic value resonates across communities. For conservative audiences, pairing patriotism with stewardship — protecting iconic wildlife while preserving liberties — can be an effective way to promote local conservation.
Practical applications for residents
- Promote low-cost monitoring: a single nest or creek camera can raise awareness and responsible recreation.
- Encourage responsible backyard practices: advise tree owners to postpone major tree work during nesting season.
- Build partnerships: local governments can partner with nonprofits to fund cameras, materials and volunteer training.
Sources and further reading
- CBS Los Angeles: “Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow lay third egg after raven attack”
- Friends of Big Bear Valley video/history of Jackie and Shadow
Summary: Jackie and Shadow’s new egg gives Big Bear another chance at producing a healthy eaglet this year, and the situation offers practical lessons for communities like Paso Robles on volunteer conservation, modest technology investments, and local stewardship.
