What Happened to Bald Eagle Jackie and Shadow of Big Bear Lake?
Bald Eagle Jackie, a beloved internet-famous eagle from Big Bear Lake, California, was rescued on July 17, 2026, after being found injured following an altercation with other eagles. She is currently stable and receiving specialized care at the Ojai Raptor Center, while her mate Shadow continues to care for their two recently fledged 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna. Their lives, including multiple successful and challenging nesting seasons, have been livestreamed by the Friends of Big Bear Valley since 2015, captivating millions worldwide.
Quick Answer
Bald Eagle Jackie was rescued on July 17, 2026, near Dana Point Park in Big Bear Lake, after being found weak and unable to fly following a fight with two subadult eagles. She was transported to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she is reported to be in stable condition and undergoing comprehensive medical evaluation. Meanwhile, her mate Shadow is diligently caring for their two 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna, who recently fledged from the nest.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Friends of Big Bear Valley Installs First Nest Cam
After two years of planning and fundraising, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) installed the first bald eagle nest camera, beginning the livestream of Jackie's nest.
Shadow Becomes Jackie's Mate
Shadow joined Jackie as her new mate, replacing her original partner, Mr. B, and establishing the famous pair.
First Successful Fledgling with Shadow (Simba)
Jackie and Shadow successfully raised their first chick, Simba, to fledge, marking a significant success for the new pair.
Successful Fledgling (Spirit)
The pair successfully raised another eaglet, Spirit, to fledge, continuing their nesting successes.
Eggs Fail to Hatch
Jackie laid eggs, but for unknown reasons, none of them hatched, leading to a disappointing season for viewers.
Jackie Lays First Egg of 2024 Season
Jackie laid her first egg of the 2024 season, followed by two more, but similar to 2023, none of the eggs hatched despite diligent incubation.
Three Eaglets Hatch (Sunny, Gizmo, Misty)
Jackie laid three eggs in January 2025, and all three successfully hatched in early March, a rare 'triple hatch'.
One Eaglet Lost in Snowstorm
A severe snowstorm hit the nest, resulting in the tragic loss of one of the three eaglets, later named Misty. Sunny and Gizmo survived.
Sunny and Gizmo Fledge
The two surviving eaglets from the 2025 season, Sunny and Gizmo, successfully took their first flights and began their journey to independence.
First 2026 Clutch Lost to Ravens
Jackie laid two eggs in January, but both were unfortunately destroyed and eaten by ravens after the parents briefly left the nest.
Jackie Lays Second 2026 Clutch
Jackie laid a second clutch of two eggs, demonstrating resilience after the loss of her first clutch earlier in the year.
Sandy and Luna Hatch
Both eggs from the second 2026 clutch successfully hatched, welcoming two new eaglets, later named Sandy and Luna.
Sandy and Luna Fledge
The 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna, successfully fledged from the nest, though slightly prematurely. They remained in the area and were being fed by their parents.
Jackie Found Injured and Rescued
An adult bald eagle, later identified as likely Jackie, was found on the ground near Dana Point Park, weak and unable to fly after an altercation with other eagles, leading to her rescue.
Jackie Stable at Ojai Raptor Center
Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed that Jackie is stable and receiving specialized care at the Ojai Raptor Center, undergoing diagnostic evaluations. Shadow continues to care for Sandy and Luna.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Bald Eagle Jackie, along with her mate Shadow, has become a global sensation through the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) livestream, which has documented their nesting seasons in the San Bernardino National Forest since 2015. Their story has captivated millions, offering an intimate look into the challenges and triumphs of bald eagle life.
The pair first became a couple in 2018, with Shadow replacing Jackie's previous mate, Mr. B. Their nesting history has been a rollercoaster of emotions for their dedicated viewers, marked by both successful fledglings and heartbreaking losses. They successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. However, the 2023 and 2024 nesting seasons saw their eggs fail to hatch, often attributed to environmental factors like high altitude and severe storms impacting oxygen levels in the eggs.
The 2025 season brought renewed hope and success, with Jackie laying three eggs that all hatched in early March. Despite a severe snowstorm on March 13, 2025, which tragically resulted in the loss of one chick (named Misty), two eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, survived and successfully fledged in early June 2025.
The 2026 nesting season presented its own set of challenges. Jackie initially laid two eggs in January, but both were unfortunately destroyed by ravens. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Jackie laid a second clutch of two eggs in February 2026. These eggs successfully hatched in early April, producing two eaglets named Sandy and Luna. Sandy and Luna fledged in late June 2026, slightly prematurely after Luna accidentally knocked Sandy off the tree, but both were being fed by their parents.
The most recent significant event occurred on July 17, 2026, when an adult bald eagle, later identified as likely Jackie, was found on the ground near Dana Point Park, appearing weak and unable to fly after an altercation with two other subadult eagles. The Los Angeles County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue team safely recovered the eagle, which was then transferred to a specialized rehabilitation facility, the Ojai Raptor Center. As of July 22, 2026, Jackie is reported to be in stable condition, though underweight and battling anemia and inflammation, with diagnostic results pending. Shadow, her mate, continues his role as an excellent father, diligently caring for Sandy and Luna while protecting their nest and territory.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Bald Eagle Jackie and Shadow of Big Bear Lake made different choices?