Bald Eagles’ Nesting Season in California Takes a Notable Turn

This week marked a significant moment in the nesting season for America’s national bird, the bald eagle. A well-known pair in California, Jackie and Shadow, laid their second egg, a moment that was shared live with millions of viewers who have been following their journey.

Located in Southern California’s Big Bear Valley, Jackie’s latest egg is a key event in a nesting season that has captured widespread attention in recent years. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit organization managing the live stream, announced the arrival of the egg during an update on Monday evening.

They reported, “Egg number 2 has arrived! Jackie laid her second egg of the season at 17:09:24.” The laying process began around 16:57:08, according to their observations.

Interestingly, bald eagles don’t rush into hatching after laying their first egg. The organization explained, “Bald eagles practice hatching delay,” which helps the hatchlings emerge more closely together, ultimately aiding their survival rates.

Concerns about avian influenza loom large, especially in Florida, where bird populations are struggling.

Friends of Big Bear Valley mentioned that Jackie usually lays an egg every three days, suggesting that the nesting season isn’t over yet. “If Jackie lays her third egg this season, we might see further delays in hatching,” they shared, leaving some questions up in the air about the timing.

The duo of Jackie and Shadow has gained a large following among wildlife enthusiasts, with people tuning in to watch their nesting behaviors and how they deal with potential threats.

In updates leading up to the first egg’s laying, it was noted how Shadow helped keep Jackie fed and safeguarded the nest. “Shadow landed just inches from Jackie’s beak with fish in his claws,” the organization noted, indicating the mutual care between the pair. There were even tense moments when a hawk swooped in, but Jackie stood her ground and fended it off.

The first egg was confirmed earlier in the week, with precise timestamps documented during the live stream. Jackie displayed signs of laying her first egg at 16:22 camera time, rising at 16:27 and finally laying it at 16:32:24.

Shortly after laying the second egg, Shadow returned to the nest checking in on the egg.

The bald eagle has symbolized the United States since 1782, officially becoming the nation’s bird in 2024, making this nesting season of great interest across the country.

Typically, bald eagles lay between one to three eggs per year, with hatching occurring about 34 to 40 days later. Both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm and safe from harsh weather and predators.

Continuing their adventure, Friends of Big Bear Valley said, “Jackie and Shadow will need to alternate caring for the eggs while also gathering food and materials to strengthen their nest.” They teased that Jackie might lay yet another egg soon.

In the coming days, the pair may be seen on or near the eggs, which is typical behavior as they practice delayed hatching to coordinate the hatching times of their offspring.