Big Bear Valley’s most beloved eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, celebrated a special Easter weekend with the arrival of two tiny new eaglets at their nest in the San Bernardino National Forest, delighting wildlife enthusiasts who have followed the birds for years. Friends of Big Bear Valley shared the news Sunday, April 5, 2026, posting updates and photos capturing tender moments of the growing family.
The first chick hatched Saturday evening at 9:33 p.m. PT after roughly 36 hours of breaking free from its shell. “The excitement of our sweet hatchling on Saturday evening had not even worn off yet, when we were blessed with another eaglet! What a joy to witness the Easter morning hatch of a second chick!” the nonprofit said, describing the arrival of the second chick early Sunday morning. By 8:30 a.m., the new eaglet had fully emerged, joining its sibling for the first feedings of life.
Viewers watching the nest through livestreams were treated to moments of pure tenderness. “As Jackie began her morning work of feeding her new offspring, Chick #1 eagerly bobbed its little head as if to say ‘Here I am, Mom!’” the nonprofit wrote. Meanwhile, Chick #2 rested after its exhausting breakthrough from the shell, rolling comfortably in the soft nest bowl. Shadow, the devoted father, soon arrived to check on his tiny family. “Happy to do some Daddy time, he took his turn feeding Chick #1 as Chick #2 continued to rest, but not without trying to join in!” the post said.
Early feedings are delicate. Newly hatched eaglets, affectionately nicknamed “bobbleheads,” have weak neck muscles, making their first attempts to eat challenging. The parents provide small bits of fish or other prey, while Jackie’s saliva, rich in electrolytes and antibodies, gives the little ones a healthy start. “You can also see Jackie salivating quite a bit,” Friends of Big Bear Valley noted, highlighting the vital role of parental care in nurturing the chicks.
As the day unfolded, the nest became a hive of gentle activity. The little chicks stretched, explored the edges of the nest and jostled for attention during feedings. “Both chicks are doing well, looking great, and their journey has just begun. Congratulations on your two beautiful fluff balls, Jackie & Shadow! Thank you for being a part of this wonderful eagle family,” the nonprofit celebrated.
While the focus is on the tender joy of new life, Friends of Big Bear Valley is also raising awareness about the eagles’ fragile habitat. The nonprofit is conducting a $10 million fundraising campaign to protect Moon Camp, a 63-acre stretch of lakefront land less than a mile from the nest that serves as a critical foraging and perching area. The campaign, which must reach its goal by July 31, 2026, aims to secure the land and add it to adjacent U.S. Forest Service property. Without these funds, the area could be developed into housing and a marina, potentially displacing Jackie, Shadow and their growing family.
The Big Bear nest has become a national sensation, attracting millions of viewers to livestreams, where they can witness intimate family moments in real time. Over the past few years, Jackie and Shadow have faced challenges, including harsh winter storms that claimed one of last year’s chicks, but the pair’s resilience has kept fans coming back. The arrival of these two new eaglets is a joyful reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature.
For now, the nest is alive with tiny bobbleheads, feathery curiosity and devoted parental care — a scene that inspires awe and wonder. As the community rallies to protect their habitat, Jackie and Shadow’s little family continues to flourish, offering a heartwarming story of life, love and hope in Big Bear Valley.
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