See it: Mystery bald eagle visits Jackie and Shadow’s nest in Big Bear
A nest camera captured the unidentified visitor preening and moving sticks, months after beloved eagle Jackie’s death.
The unknown bald eagle has been seen visiting the beloved nest of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow in San Bernardino National Forest, California, over the last few days.
An unknown bald eagle was recently spotted visiting the late Jackie's nest in Big Bear Valley.
Video shared Tuesday, Oct. 27, from Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit that streams footage of bald eagles in Southern California's San Bernardino National Forest, shows the visitor posing in front of the nest camera and fiddling with some sticks. Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) confirmed to AccuWeather in an email on Wednesday that the adult eagle has been visiting the beloved Jackie and her mate Shadow's nest the last few days.
Camera footage from Friends of Big Bear Valley captured video of an adult bald eagle visiting the nest once shared by beloved eagle Jackie and her longtime mate Shadow. (Credit: Friends of Big Bear Valley)
In a social media post, the nonprofit said the "nest guest" also did some preening and a "vigorous rouse," a common behavior that occurs when an eagle shakes its feathers to rearrange them, shake off debris or regulate temperature.
FOBBV added that it is normal to spot visiting eagles this time of year. It is currently unknown whether this eagle was passing through, observing the territory or grabbing a meal from the lake's abundance of fish.
"The sturdy nest high up in the tree could also merely be a sturdy landing spot, making this eagle feel safe," FOBBV said. "What we do know is the view is priceless and this is one smart eagle to take it all in!"
After Jackie's death, Shadow's story continues in Big Bear Valley
Jackie, a famous bald eagle who died in early August and whose life captivated millions, used to share the nest with her longtime mate Shadow. The pair successfully fledged six chicks together, raising eaglets during changing seasons and facing challenges such as mountain storms. Their youngest chicks, Sandy and Luna, took their first flights in late June this year, weeks before Jackie's health declined.
Luna, the eaglet of Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, took flight for the first time on June 29, gliding to a nearby tree where Dad was proudly waiting.
Shadow remains in Big Bear Valley and has been to the nest to deliver his first stick of the season, although it is still the end of offseason for the eagles. FOBBV said their habitat camera is currently recharging, so they haven't been able to see if Shadow has been perching near the nest tree the last few days. However, he has been spotted around the lake, and his chortles have been heard.
Shadow has been seen with another eagle called KD1, or Kaydee. FOBBV said on Monday, Oct. 19, the two were working to take care of the territory, noting that these could be steps toward "establishing a mutual bond."
The nonprofit said other bonding behaviors have been observed, including roosting, perching together, soaring and feather nibbles. They believe they have heard Shadow and Kaydee together but explained that it is difficult to tell since other eagles in the territory can sound similar, so they will continue to monitor the two.
From intensive care to a lasting tribute
Patient 26-519, also known as Jackie, a bald eagle, undergoes care at The Ojai Raptor Center, in Ojai, California. (Image credit: The Ojai Raptor Center)
Jackie died early on Aug. 10 this year after over three weeks of intensive medical care at the Ojai Raptor Center. Investigations later revealed she died from complications linked to bird flu, a contagious viral disease that has been circulating in wild birds across the United States The infection caused a severe ulcer in Jackie's stomach that led to internal bleeding, anemia and a bacterial infection.
Jackie's health problems began in mid-July, and she was transferred to the center where she received blood transfusions, oxygen therapy and around-the-clock monitoring. Her remains were cremated to prevent the possible spread of bird flu.
Following her death, a life-size carving of Jackie was unveiled on Sept. 26 in California's Fawnskin Freedom Park to honor Big Bear's beloved bald eagle. The carving, created by Pennsylvania chainsaw artist Paul Waclo, gives fans a place to bring their grief, leave keepsakes and honor her memory.
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