UPDATE, July 20, 2026, 3:21pm EDT: Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) confirmed Monday afternoon that they are in contact with the rehabilitation center where Jackie, the internet-famous bald eagle, is receiving treatment. In a Facebook post, the organization stated, "Jackie is stable and they are waiting on diagnostic results that can take several days. When we have additional information, we will post it here. Jackie is a strong eagle and we as a community will get through this." The update also noted that Jackie’s mate, Shadow, continues to diligently care for their current eaglets, Sandy and Luna, while safeguarding their nest and territory.
An adult bald eagle recently rescued by the Los Angeles County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue is highly likely to be Jackie, a beloved figure in the online ornithological community. Millions of viewers worldwide have been captivated by the daily lives of Jackie, her partner Shadow, and their two eaglets, Sandy and Luna, through a continuous 24/7 livestream of their nest. The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit organization responsible for the popular livestream, has been actively seeking updates on Jackie’s condition.
According to FOBBV, they are in communication with the rescue organization and other facilities involved in the eagle’s care. A statement from the group conveyed, "She is in the best place she can be and getting the care she needs. We have not received any updates but were assured by the facility they will contact us when they have information." FOBBV also shared video footage of the rescue, provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, which captured the moment the injured bird was taken into care.
The incident that led to Jackie’s rescue occurred on July 17, when an adult bald eagle was discovered on the ground near Dana Point Park. The same bird had been observed in the vicinity the previous day. Witnesses reported seeing the eagle engaged in a brief altercation on the ground with two other subadult eagles. While cell phone footage confirmed the adult eagle successfully defended itself by flipping over and utilizing its talons, it was unable to fly away. Following the discovery, the eagle was transported by LA County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue and subsequently transferred to an unnamed specialty care facility for advanced treatment.
Coinciding with the rescue, FOBBV had reported a period of several days where Jackie was not visible on their nest cameras. However, the presence of multiple bald eagles in the Big Bear Lake area at any given time, coupled with Jackie not being banded, has made it challenging to definitively confirm her identity until the rescue organization’s assessment.
This developing story continues to be monitored closely, with further updates anticipated as more information becomes available regarding Jackie’s health and recovery. In the interim, the live stream continues to offer viewers a window into Shadow’s dedicated care for Sandy and Luna as they approach their fledging stage, a critical period in their development.
A Look Back at Jackie and Shadow’s 2026 Nesting Season
The 2026 nesting season for Jackie and Shadow, resident bald eagles of the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California, has been a narrative of resilience and public engagement. This year’s cycle began with a significant setback in January when two of their eggs were tragically destroyed by ravens. Despite this adversity, the determined pair laid two new eggs, which ultimately hatched successfully.
The first eaglet, affectionately nicknamed Chick 1, emerged on April 4 at 9:33 p.m. PDT. Its sibling, Chick 2, followed on April 5 at 8:30 a.m. PDT. Their nest, situated in the picturesque Big Bear Valley east of Los Angeles, is the subject of a 24-hour livestream managed by the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). This constant broadcast has cultivated a substantial global audience, drawing millions into the intricate world of bald eagle family life.
On May 1, FOBBV announced the chosen names for the two eaglets: Sandy and Luna. This naming followed a period of community involvement, reflecting the deep connection viewers have formed with the avian family.
The Crucial Fledging Period: Challenges and Survival Rates
Eaglets typically remain in the nest for a period of 10 to 14 weeks before they are ready to fledge, meaning they leave the nest and begin to fly. This transition is fraught with peril. During their time in the nest, young eagles are vulnerable to predation from other birds of prey, including hawks, ravens, owls, and even other eagles. Inclement weather conditions can also pose a significant threat, as evidenced by a severe snowstorm in March 2025 that resulted in the loss of one of Jackie and Shadow’s three chicks that year.
The fledging stage itself carries a survival rate of approximately 70 percent. A particularly significant threat during this period comes from vehicular traffic. As young eagles learn to scavenge for food, they are often drawn to roadkill, increasing their risk of being struck by vehicles.
Understanding Jackie and Shadow: A History of Resilience
Jackie and Shadow have been a bonded pair since 2018, demonstrating remarkable dedication to raising their offspring. They successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. However, their nesting efforts in 2023 and 2024 were met with disappointment, as their eggs failed to hatch. It is important to note that the natural hatching rate for bald eagle eggs is around 50 percent, meaning this pair has already overcome significant odds in their reproductive history.
The 2025 Nesting Season: A Tale of Triumph and Tragedy
The 2025 season presented a stark illustration of the challenges faced by bald eagles. Jackie laid three eggs, all of which hatched in early March. However, on March 13, a powerful snowstorm blanketed the region with up to two feet of snow and generated intense winds. When the storm subsided the following morning, only two of the three chicks were visible on the live camera feed. FOBBV later confirmed the unfortunate passing of one of the eaglets. The two surviving chicks were subsequently named Sunny and Gizmo, following a public submission process that garnered over 54,000 name suggestions from fans.
Post-Fledging Journeys and Conservation Efforts
Once fledglings achieve the physical capabilities for flight, typically between 10 and 14 weeks of age, they embark on their independent journeys. Male eagles tend to take their first flights slightly earlier than their female counterparts. The migratory patterns of fledglings from Southern California are diverse and far-reaching. According to FOBBV, these young eagles have been observed as far south as Baja California, as far north as British Columbia, and as far east as Yellowstone National Park.
A significant challenge in tracking these birds is that FOBBV does not tag their eagles. This practice prevents long-term monitoring of the chicks’ movements and survival rates after they leave the nest. Consequently, the exact fate of many fledglings remains unknown.
Community Support for Habitat Protection
The public’s deep affection for Jackie and Shadow extends beyond mere observation. Environmental groups are actively engaged in fundraising efforts, aiming to raise $10 million to safeguard the foraging areas essential to the eagles’ survival from potential development. Individuals interested in contributing to these conservation initiatives can find more information at SaveMoonCamp.org. The protection of these vital habitats is crucial not only for Jackie and Shadow’s immediate family but for the broader bald eagle population in the region.
