If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you’ve probably heard of Jackie and Shadow. They aren't your typical influencers. They are a pair of bald eagles living 145 feet up a Jeffrey Pine in Big Bear Valley, California.
Right now, the tension is basically through the roof.
Thousands of people are glued to a 24/7 live stream provided by the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). Why? Because we are right on the edge of egg-laying season for 2026. After a wild and emotional 2025 that saw the successful fledging of two eaglets—Sunny and Gizmo—everyone is holding their breath to see if Jackie will deliver another clutch of "snow babies."
The Drama We Didn't See Coming
Nature isn't always a postcard. Sometimes it’s a bit stressful. Just a few days ago, around January 9, 2026, the "Eagle Fam" (as the fans call themselves) went into a total tailspin. Jackie appeared on camera favoring her left eye. She was squinting, keeping it closed, and looking generally uncomfortable while she was doing some "nestorations."
People panicked.
📖 Related: What Do Ethiopian People Look Like? It’s Not Just One Look
Honestly, the chat was moving so fast you couldn't even read it. Was it a fight? A branch poke? High winds? Luckily, by the next day, her eye looked perfectly clear. It was likely just a bit of dust or a minor irritation from a stick. It’s a reminder that even these apex predators have bad days.
Understanding Big Bear Jackie and Shadow
To understand why people are so obsessed, you have to look at their history. Jackie is a local legend, believed to be the first eaglet hatched in Big Bear Valley. She’s been the queen of this nest since 2016. Shadow, her current mate, showed up in 2018.
He basically kicked out her previous partner, Mr. B, and they’ve been a power couple ever since.
They are famous for their "pancaking." This is when Jackie (and sometimes Shadow) lies completely flat in the nest bowl. They aren't just napping. They are testing the "egg cup" for comfort and size. If the bowl isn't deep enough or soft enough, they’ll dig, kick out sticks, or demand more "fluff."
Shadow is a bit of a stick-shopping addict. On January 12, 2026, he brought in a branch so big it looked like a log. Jackie wasn't exactly impressed and spent the afternoon moving it around while Shadow mostly stayed out of the way.
Why 2026 Feels Different
Last year was a massive win. Jackie laid three eggs in late January 2025. All three hatched! That’s incredibly rare for eagles at this altitude. Sadly, one chick (Misty) didn't make it through a brutal winter storm, but Sunny and Gizmo survived and eventually flew away to start their own lives.
Success like that creates high expectations.
✨ Don't miss: The Real Secret to Making Taco Bell Nacho Cheese at Home
Currently, the nest is "egg-ready." Shadow has already brought in the first fish of the season—a crappie—and the nest bowl is lined with soft grass and "fluff."
- Timing: Eggs usually arrive between late January and early February.
- Behavior: Watch for Jackie staying on the nest for longer periods.
- Bonding: They’ve been heard mating near the nest tree recently, which is a huge sign.
The Reality of High-Altitude Nesting
Life at 7,000 feet isn't easy for Big Bear Jackie and Shadow. Most bald eagles nest at lower elevations with more oxygen. Up here, the air is thin and the storms are relentless.
Sandy Steers, the executive director of FOBBV, often points out that the low oxygen might be why some of their eggs haven't hatched in the past. It’s a struggle. But that’s exactly why people watch. It’s about resilience. It's about two birds doing their best against the elements.
Sometimes they lose. Sometimes they win.
👉 See also: Why Do People Eat Caviar Off Their Hand: The Science and Tradition Explained
What You Can Do Now
If you want to follow the 2026 season without getting overwhelmed by the hype, here is how to handle it.
First, check the official "Live Recap" on the Friends of Big Bear Valley website. It’s way better than trying to guess what happened by scrolling through YouTube comments. Second, don't get too attached to every little behavior. Eagles are quirky. They play with sticks, they "beaky kiss," and they sometimes disappear for a few hours to go hunt. It’s all normal.
Keep an eye out for the first egg, which could drop any day now. Once that happens, the 35-day countdown to a potential "pip" begins. It's going to be a long, cold winter in Big Bear, but with Jackie and Shadow on duty, it’s bound to be interesting.
The best way to support them is to keep your distance from the actual nest location to give them the privacy they need to raise their family safely. Just stick to the cameras—the view is better from up there anyway.