If you've ever spent a Tuesday morning watching a blurry stick on a screen 145 feet in the air, you’re probably part of the global family that follows Jackie and Shadow. These two aren't just birds. Honestly, they’re basically the reigning monarchs of Big Bear Valley, and their story is one of the most high-stakes dramas on the internet. People tune in by the thousands to watch the Big Bear eagle fledge, but if you're new to the "nest-watch," the terminology can get a bit confusing.
Fledging is the big moment. It's the leap of faith.
But for Jackie and Shadow, the road to a successful fledge is paved with mountain blizzards, stubborn sticks, and a lot of unhatched eggs. While the 2024–2025 season brought some of the most heartwarming moments in years, the history of this nest is actually kind of heartbreaking when you look at the raw numbers.
The 2025 Miracle: Sunny and Gizmo
For those of us who have been biting our nails since 2018, the most recent season was a massive win. You might remember the headlines. In early 2025, Jackie laid three eggs. This was a huge deal because, let's be real, the previous few years had been rough. Then a brutal winter storm hit Big Bear, dumping feet of snow.
We lost one of the chicks to the cold. It was devastating.
But the two survivors—later named Sunny and Gizmo—became the stars of the show. Watching them grow from "grey fuzzballs" to massive, dark-feathered predators was a lesson in resilience. By the time late May and early June rolled around, the "fledge watch" was in full swing.
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Sunny was the first to go. She took her first real flight in early June 2025, followed shortly by her sister, Gizmo. When an eagle fledges, they don't just disappear. They usually hang around the "neighborhood" for a few weeks, begging their parents for fish while they practice their own hunting skills. Fans even spotted a juvenile eagle on the roost tree as recently as September 2025, and many believe it was Gizmo checking in on the old homestead.
Why the Big Bear Eagle Fledge is So Rare
It’s easy to get caught up in the cute moments, but the survival rate for these birds is actually pretty sobering. Sandy Steers, the Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), often reminds viewers that nature doesn't have a script.
Since Jackie and Shadow paired up in 2018, they’ve laid over 17 eggs.
Only a handful have made it to the fledge stage.
- Stormy (2018): Successfully fledged but sadly passed away in 2023.
- Simba (2019): Successfully fledged but also passed away in 2023.
- Spirit (2022): A fan favorite who fledged in late May.
- Sunny & Gizmo (2025): The most recent success story.
The "fledge" is the ultimate goal, but so many things can go wrong before a chick even gets its wings. We’ve seen eggs that never hatch despite weeks of dedicated incubation. We've seen ravens raid the nest. We've seen snow bury Jackie until only her beak was visible. That’s why when you finally see those wings flap and a bird actually take off, it feels like a personal victory for everyone watching the stream.
Nestoration: Preparing for the 2026 Season
Right now, as of January 2026, Jackie and Shadow are back at it. They don't take holidays. They've been busy with what the community calls "nestoration"—basically a high-altitude home renovation.
Shadow has been bringing in "crib rails" (long sticks to keep future babies from falling out) while Jackie handles the interior decorating. She's been "pancaking," which is just a cute way of saying she’s laying flat in the nest bowl to test the fit. If the bowl isn't deep enough, she kicks out sticks until it's just right.
What to Look for in Early 2026
If you’re watching the cam this month, here’s the "vibe check" for the nest:
- The "Egg Watch" Window: Jackie usually lays eggs between January and March. We are currently in the prime window.
- Soft Materials: Watch for them bringing in "fluff" or pine needles. This means they are getting ready for the actual laying.
- Defensive Behavior: Just a few weeks ago, in late 2025, Shadow was seen "karate kicking" a juvenile eagle that got too close. This territorial aggression is a great sign—it means they are fully committed to this spot for the 2026 brood.
The Reality of Life After Fledging
There's a common misconception that once an eagle fledges, it’s "safe." Honestly, that couldn't be further from the truth. The first year of an eagle's life is its most dangerous. They have to learn how to catch fish in a freezing lake, avoid power lines, and deal with other competitive raptors.
Neither Jackie nor Shadow were born in this specific nest, though they’ve made it their own. Jackie was actually a hatchling from a different Big Bear nest back in 2012! She eventually came back to the valley to claim her territory. This is the circle of life people talk about, but seeing it happen in real-time on a 4K camera makes it hit different.
How to Get Involved and Stay Informed
If you want to follow the 2026 season and hopefully witness the next big fledge, the best way is to stick to the primary sources. There is a lot of misinformation on social media, so go to the experts.
- Watch the Live Cam: The Friends of Big Bear Valley YouTube channel is the "official" source. It’s free, and the community in the chat is actually very helpful (if a bit protective).
- Follow the Daily Logs: The FOBBV website posts detailed "Eagle Logs" that explain exactly what happened if you missed a day. They break down every stick delivery and every "beaky kiss."
- Respect the Area: If you actually visit Big Bear, stay away from the nest tree. It’s a protected area, and human interference can cause the eagles to abandon the nest. Use your binoculars from a distance.
The Big Bear eagle fledge is more than just a bird flying away; it’s the culmination of months of struggle, freezing nights, and incredible teamwork between two birds that have become symbols of the valley. Whether Sunny and Gizmo return to visit or a new set of "fluffballs" takes their place this spring, the drama is far from over.
Keep an eye on the bowl. The next egg could arrive any day now.
Actionable Insights for Eagle Watchers:
- Monitor the "Bowl Depth": If Jackie is spending more than 10 minutes at a time sitting in the center of the nest, egg-laying is likely only days away.
- Check the Weather: Heavy snow in Big Bear is the biggest threat to hatchlings; during storms, check the FOBBV updates to see how the parents are shielding the nest.
- Learn the Vocals: Listen for "mating vocals" in the evenings; this usually precedes the first egg by about 10–14 days.