Right now, if you tune into the live feed from a 145-foot-tall Jeffrey Pine in the San Bernardino Mountains, you'll see a lot of sticks. Huge, awkward, "what was she thinking" kind of sticks. It’s January 2026, and the eagles of Big Bear Valley are back at it. Jackie and Shadow—the internet's favorite avian power couple—are currently in the middle of what locals call "nestoration."
It’s messy. It’s loud. Honestly, it’s a bit of a domestic dispute in slow motion.
Last week, Jackie hauled a branch into the nest that was basically a small tree. Shadow, who is significantly smaller than his queen, mostly just stood there looking confused before trying to "help" by moving a tiny twig three inches to the left. She promptly moved it back. If you’ve ever tried to assemble IKEA furniture with a partner who has very different ideas about "the process," you know exactly what the vibe is in Big Bear right now.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Big Bear Nest
There is something weirdly addictive about watching these two. Maybe it’s because their lives feel like a high-stakes soap opera. Since 2018, when Shadow first showed up and booted Jackie’s old flame, Mr. B, from the territory, we've seen everything.
We’ve seen them survive 100-mph winds that threatened to toss the whole nest into the valley. We’ve seen Jackie sit for days under two feet of snow, looking like a very determined powdered donut, just to keep her eggs warm.
People think of bald eagles as these untouchable, majestic symbols of freedom. Up close? They’re basically toddlers with talons. They trip over their own feet. They get annoyed when a flying squirrel named Fiona tries to move in downstairs. They scream—a lot—when the local ravens get too close. It’s real life, and it’s often heartbreaking.
👉 See also: Bondage and Being Tied Up: A Realistic Look at Safety, Psychology, and Why People Do It
The 2025 Rollercoaster
Last year was a big one. Jackie actually laid three eggs—a rarity for her. For a few weeks in March 2025, the nest was a chaotic nursery of three fuzzy gray "bobbleheads." But nature is brutal. A massive winter storm hit, and despite Jackie and Shadow’s best efforts to shield them, one of the chicks didn't make it.
The two survivors, later named Sunny and Gizmo by local elementary school kids, became the stars of the summer. Watching them go from "tiny fluff-balls" to "huge awkward teenagers" to their first flight in June was a wild ride.
The Mystery of the Unhatched Eggs
One of the biggest misconceptions about the eagles of Big Bear Valley is that they are "bad" at being parents because so many of their eggs don't hatch. You'll see people in the YouTube comments section freaking out every year.
"Why aren't they sitting on them enough?"
"Is it the cold?"
Actually, it’s just biology. Since 2018, Jackie has laid over 14 eggs, but only about five have ever hatched. That sounds low, but as Sandy Steers, the Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, often reminds everyone, this is normal for wild eagles. Sometimes the eggs aren't fertile. Sometimes the high altitude (about 6,700 feet) and the extreme cold just make it a coin toss.
✨ Don't miss: Blue Tabby Maine Coon: What Most People Get Wrong About This Striking Coat
Jackie and Shadow are actually incredibly diligent. They share the incubation duties, though Jackie does the lion's share of the night shifts. Shadow is the "grocery getter," bringing in fish from the lake, though he’s been known to try and sit on the eggs even when Jackie doesn't want to get up. He’ll literally nudge her with his beak until she gives him a turn.
What to Expect in the 2026 Season
We are currently in the "pre-egg" window. Based on previous years, we usually see the first egg drop in late January or early February.
What’s happening at the nest right now:
- Pancaking: You’ll see Jackie (and occasionally Shadow) wiggling their bodies into the center of the nest. They are "bowling" out a soft spot for the eggs, making sure the sticks won't poke the shell.
- The Guardrails: They are currently building up the sides of the nest. This isn't just for decoration; it’s to keep the future eaglets from tumbling out when they start getting mobile.
- Beaky Kisses: It sounds cheesy, but they spend a lot of time "nuzzling" or preening each other. It strengthens the pair bond, which is vital when you're about to spend five months in a survival-mode partnership.
Is the Weather a Problem?
It’s been a weird winter. Earlier this season, it was unseasonably warm in Big Bear, which seemed to delay their "serious" nesting behavior. Eagles are triggered by the cold. They need that winter chill to tell their bodies it’s time to start the cycle.
Now that the snow has finally started to hit the valley, Jackie’s left eye—which was looking a little irritated a few weeks ago—seems to have cleared up. She’s back to being the "Fortress Architect," hauling in those massive branches while Shadow brings her "feesh" gifts to keep her happy.
🔗 Read more: Blue Bathroom Wall Tiles: What Most People Get Wrong About Color and Mood
How to Actually Watch (The Right Way)
If you're going to follow the eagles of Big Bear Valley, don't just look at the highlights. The real magic is in the boring moments. It’s watching the wind blow through the pine needles at 3:00 AM while Jackie sleeps with her head tucked under a wing.
There are two main cameras run by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Cam 1 is the close-up, where you can see the "pip" in the egg (the first little hole a chick pokes through). Cam 2 is the wide view, which lets you see them flying in from the lake or chasing off intruders.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Stay Away: If you’re actually in Big Bear, do not try to find the nest. The area around the tree is closed off by the Forest Service to protect them. Human presence can cause them to abandon the nest entirely.
- Respect the Drama: Nature doesn't have a script. Sometimes things happen that are hard to watch. The "FOBBV" community is great for support, but remember that these are wild animals, not pets.
- The Names: The names are always a big deal. They are usually chosen through a contest involving the local schools. It's a way to keep the community invested in conservation.
Moving Forward With the Big Bear Eagles
If you want to stay updated, the best thing you can do is check the daily "Eagle Logs" on the Friends of Big Bear Valley website. They have volunteers who track every stick delivery and every fish arrival.
As we move into February, keep an eye on Jackie’s behavior. When she starts staying in the nest bowl for hours at a time, even without an egg, you know the "Big Day" is coming. It’s a lesson in patience. In a world that moves at 100 mph, these eagles remind us that some things—like building a life or raising a family—just take a lot of sticks and a lot of time.
To get the most out of this season, you should start by familiarizing yourself with the "Shadow vs. Jackie" size difference. Jackie is the big one; Shadow is the sleek, slightly more "hyper" one. Once you can tell them apart, the whole "reality show" aspect of the nest becomes way more interesting.