Following the loss of his partner Jackie, Bald Eagle Shadow isn’t wasting any time re-entering the dating scene.
Just three days after Big Bear, a well-loved eagle, passed away from a severe illness, Shadow, a Steller’s sea eagle, was spotted with another eagle in their well-known nest.
The nonprofit group behind the livestream of the eagles, Friends of Big Bear Valley, shared footage showing Shadow perched next to a new feathered companion on Thursday. It seems Shadow is quite ready to have some company.
Shadow hadn’t been seen at the nest since July 23, but he made a return alongside this new eagle.
This new eagle has been named “KD1,” though Friends of Big Bear Valley has yet to confirm its gender officially.
Interestingly, there’s a notable size difference. The organization pointed out that KD1 appears larger than Shadow, which is a common trait, as female bald eagles are generally 25 to 33 percent bigger than males.
KD1 was hatched in Southern California around March 2022 and is approximately four and a half years old.
This eagle certainly made an immediate impression. KD1 was first seen at the nest on August 10, only hours after Jackie’s death was reported, and has returned multiple times since.
On Thursday, the two eagles shared a moment together in the nest before taking flight.
Jackie’s passing occurred early Monday morning after she fought a prolonged battle with anemia while receiving intensive care at the Ojai Raptor Center. She had been found in critical condition in the wild.
Despite receiving oxygen, supportive care, and continuous monitoring, her condition tragically continued to decline.
The Ojai Raptor Center expressed their heartbreak and gratitude towards the many people who had followed Jackie’s journey and offered their support.
After her death, Jackie’s body was sent to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for further evaluation, while the Ojai Raptor Center is collaborating with wildlife officials to disclose more about her treatment and test results.
Jackie and Shadow have charmed many online, as fans tune into the live broadcasts of their nesting activities. It is estimated that they successfully raised multiple eaglets together, including Simba, Spirit, Sunny, Gizmo, Luna, and Sandy. Friends of Big Bear Valley estimate Jackie’s age to be around 14 years.
Jackie’s last months were particularly challenging. A local wildlife observer captured video of her being attacked by two younger eagles shortly before her hospitalization, though it’s unclear if she was already unwell at that time.
