Well-known Bald Eagles in Big Bear Valley lay their first egg of 2026

Exciting News for California’s Bald Eagles

California’s well-known bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, have hatched their first egg of the year and are embarking on the challenging journey of nurturing it.

The moment was caught on Friends of Big Bear Valley’s live camera just before 5 a.m. on Friday, adding a bit of thrill to viewers’ mornings.

Mama Jackie laid the egg after only ten minutes of labor, in the cozy nest situated in the San Bernardino Mountains that she and Shadow have called home for years.

According to reports from Friends of Big Bear Valley, “As Shadow stood in front of Jackie, his eyes sparkling, he closely examined the egg to ensure it was there.” The moment was heartwarming.

As night fell, viewers saw Shadow gently stroke the top of Jackie’s feathers with his beak, a sweet gesture before he roosted alone.

Jackie’s already displaying some protective instincts toward their new addition. She’s been showing “flapping,” a behavior aimed at keeping any intruders at bay.

The couple is likely to have more eggs soon, as bald eagles often lay several to maximize their odds of hatching. Jackie has had a pattern of laying an egg every three days in the past.

It will be another 35 days before the hatchling makes its grand debut. However, it’s important to note that each newborn has only a 50% chance of surviving the initial stages, a reality that both Jackie and Shadow are painfully aware of.

Just last year, harsh winter storms wiped out their chances of hatching eggs, and the couple previously lost one of their hatchlings due to heavy snow. Yet, despite those hardships, their surviving offspring, Sonny and Gizmo, successfully took flight last summer, much to the delight of streaming audiences.

For now, Jackie and Shadow are taking a moment to relax and prepare their nest for the expected little ones.

Shadow brought in a fish that morning, enjoying a meal after Jackie dealt with some leftover bits on the porch. They both worked together to arrange some fluff in the nest, ensuring everything was just right.