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Big Bear Lake Today
By the People, for the People
Bald Eagle Couple Jackie and Shadow Expecting First Hatchling of 2026
The famous California pair are close to welcoming their latest addition after a previous clutch was lost earlier this year.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:51pm
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The intricate natural processes behind the highly anticipated hatching of a new bald eagle chick in California.Big Bear Lake TodayJackie and Shadow, a renowned bald eagle couple in California, are on the verge of welcoming their first hatchling of the 2026 breeding season. The nonprofit group Friends of Big Bear Valley, which monitors the birds' nest via a live feed, has reported hearing chirps from one of the eggs, indicating the chick is about to break through the shell. The couple previously lost their first clutch of eggs in January, but managed to lay a new set in late February.
Why it matters
Jackie and Shadow have become beloved figures among bald eagle enthusiasts, with their nesting activities drawing a large online following. The hatching of their latest chicks will mark an important milestone for the species' conservation efforts in California, where bald eagle populations have rebounded in recent decades after facing threats of extinction.
The details
According to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, the group monitoring the eagles' nest, small chirps were heard coming from one of the eggs on April 2 and through the night, indicating the chick was about to hatch. Footage posted by the nonprofit on April 3 showed a crack in the egg shell. The baby eagle has not fully hatched yet, as it can take an additional 24 to 48 hours for the chick to exit the shell completely.
- On January 2026, Jackie and Shadow lost their first clutch of eggs due to a raven breach.
- On February 24 and 27, 2026, Jackie laid the current eggs that are now in the hatching process.
The players
Jackie and Shadow
A famous California bald eagle couple that have gained a large online following for their nesting activities and the hatching of their eaglets over the years.
Friends of Big Bear Valley
A nonprofit organization that monitors the bald eagle couple's nest via a live feed and provides updates on their breeding activities.
What’s next
The second egg laid by Jackie and Shadow is also expected to hatch in the coming days, marking the arrival of the couple's latest additions to their growing family.
The takeaway
The impending hatching of Jackie and Shadow's chicks represents an uplifting conservation success story, as bald eagle populations in California have rebounded in recent decades after facing threats of extinction. The public's continued interest and engagement with the birds' nesting activities underscores the enduring appeal of these majestic raptors.
