BIG BEAR VALLEY, Calif. — After being startled by New Year’s Eve fireworks and leaving their nest for two nights, Jackie and Shadow, the iconic bald eagle pair of Big Bear Valley, have returned. On Thursday evening, Jackie was spotted at the nest, bringing a stick and loudly announcing her presence. She inspected the area, seemingly searching for Shadow, and after a series of calls, she located him nearby. The pair reunited and engaged in a lengthy, vocal exchange before flying off together.
The eagles’ safe return is a relief to their many dedicated eagle cam watchers. Fireworks can pose a danger to wildlife, and eagles, which see poorly at night, risk injury when forced to fly in panic during darkness.
Big Bear Valley is home to the Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Nest Cam, which streams live footage of Jackie and Shadow’s nesting activities. The pair has been a fixture of the valley since 2017, captivating thousands of viewers during nesting season as they raise their young in the San Bernardino National Forest.
