Big Bear Bald Eagles Welcome Eaglets on Easter

Jackie and Shadow's nest cam captures the hatching of two new chicks.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:37pm

On Easter Sunday, the two eggs belonging to the famous Big Bear bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow fully hatched. The first chick emerged on Saturday after a 36-hour hatching process, and the second chick hatched shortly before 9 a.m. on Sunday morning. The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley captured the momentous occasion through their live nest camera, allowing the public to witness the eagles becoming parents once again.

Why it matters

The annual hatching of Jackie and Shadow's eaglets is a highly anticipated event in the Big Bear community, drawing attention to the local bald eagle population and the conservation efforts to protect these majestic birds. The live nest cam also provides a unique educational opportunity for the public to observe the eagles' nesting behaviors and the delicate process of the chicks hatching.

The details

After the first chick was spotted peeking out of its shell on Saturday, it fully emerged into the world early Sunday morning. The second chick hatched shortly before 9 a.m. on Easter Sunday. The hatching process for the first chick took approximately 36 hours to complete.

  • The first chick was seen peeking out of its shell on Saturday.
  • The first chick fully emerged on Sunday morning.
  • The second chick hatched shortly before 9 a.m. on Easter Sunday.

The players

Jackie

One of the bald eagles whose nest is being monitored by the Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Shadow

The mate of Jackie, the other bald eagle whose nest is being monitored by the Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Friends of Big Bear Valley

A nonprofit organization that operates the live camera feed of Jackie and Shadow's bald eagle nest.

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The takeaway

The hatching of Jackie and Shadow's eaglets is a heartwarming reminder of the resilience and beauty of bald eagles, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these iconic birds. The live nest cam allows the public to connect with nature and witness the wonder of new life in the wild.