Big Bear Eagles

Short history of the Big Bear eagles — focusing on Jackie & Shadow

Jackie and Shadow are the most famous bald eagle pair in Southern California, and their story spans more than a decade of nesting drama, triumphs, and heartbreak — all livestreamed to millions.

Origins (2012–2016): Ricky & Lucy and the birth of Jackie

Big Bear’s eagle history begins with Ricky & Lucy, the first documented nesting pair in Big Bear Valley.
In 2012, they successfully fledged one chick — originally named Jack, later renamed Jackie when she grew larger than both parents (female eagles are bigger).
Jackie is the first bald eagle known to hatch in Big Bear Valley.

Jackie takes over the nest (2016–2017)

After Ricky & Lucy disappeared from the area, Jackie returned as an adult and claimed the original nest with the camera.
She paired with a male called Mr. B, but laid no eggs her first season.

Shadow arrives (2018)

In 2018, Jackie laid her first clutch: Stormy and BBB. BBB was lost in a storm, but Stormy fledged.
That summer, a new male — Shadow — appeared and eventually replaced Mr. B as Jackie’s mate.

The Jackie & Shadow era (2019–present)

Jackie and Shadow have become beloved for their devotion, teamwork, and resilience through harsh winters at 7,000 feet.

Key seasons:

2019: Two eggs hatch — Simba survives to fledge.
2020–2024: Multiple seasons of eggs that fail to hatch, often due to storms, ravens, or extreme cold.
2022: One eaglet, Spirit, hatches and fledges successfully.
2025: A rare 3‑egg clutch — all three hatch. One eaglet (Misty) dies in a storm; Sunny and Gizmo fledge.
2026: After ravens destroyed their first two eggs, Jackie laid two more — both hatched into Sandy and Luna, believed to be a female and male.

Why they’re so famous

Their nest is streamed 24/7 by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).
They endure deep snow, high winds, ravens, and sub‑freezing temperatures, often showing extraordinary dedication to their eggs.
Millions of viewers follow every pip, hatch, and storm.

Summary

Jackie — Big Bear’s first known eaglet — grew up to become the valley’s matriarch, and together with Shadow has created one of the most-watched and emotionally gripping wildlife stories in the country.

Updated short history of the Big Bear eagles — June 2026 edition

The 2026 season for Jackie and Shadow has been one of the most dramatic and closely watched in years, ending with both eaglets — Sandy and Luna — successfully fledging and leaving the nest.

🦅 Early 2026: A rough start

In January 2026, ravens destroyed Jackie and Shadow’s first two eggs of the season.
The pair laid two new eggs, which hatched on April 4 and April 5, becoming Sandy and Luna.
Elementary school students chose their names after thousands of submissions from fans.

🦅 June 2026: The fledging drama

On June 28, Sandy accidentally fledged (“fludged”) when Luna tried to hop over her, knocking her off balance. She fell to lower branches but was uninjured. Jackie immediately flew down to watch over her.
Sandy vocalized (“squeed”) to her parents, and FOBBV confirmed she looked strong and alert after the unexpected flight.
On June 29, Luna followed his sister and completed his first flight, officially emptying the nest for the season.

🦅 Why this season mattered

Both eaglets fledged at about 12 weeks old, within the normal 10–14‑week range.
Their fledging marked a major milestone after years of difficult seasons with storms, egg failures, and raven predation.
As always, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) livestreamed every moment, drawing millions of viewers worldwide.

🦅 In one sentence

In 2026, Jackie and Shadow overcame early-season losses to successfully raise and fledge two eaglets — Sandy and Luna — in a dramatic, widely watched finale to another Big Bear nesting season.