Ever found yourself utterly captivated by…birds? More specifically, by bald eagles? Meet Jackie and Shadow, a pair of bald eagles residing in Big Bear Valley, California, who’ve become a global sensation thanks to a live nest cam. Their story isn’t just about feathered friends; it’s a captivating drama of survival, resilience, and the surprising connections we humans forge with the wild. And it’s sparked a wave of interest in birdwatching and even DIY birding projects – pretty cool, right?
The Eagle Family Saga: A Real-Life Soap Opera
March in Big Bear Valley means one thing: wind, snow, and Jackie, the unflappable bald eagle, keeping her newly hatched eaglets warm beneath her. Hundreds of thousands tune in daily via YouTube, captivated by this real-life wildlife drama. Imagine watching her feathers ruffle in the fierce wind, all while protecting her precious cargo. Talk about dedication!
This year is particularly special. After a few years of unhatched eggs (2023 and 2024), Jackie and Shadow have three healthy chicks! According to Sandy Steers, Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), it’s somewhat rare for eagles to have three eggs and for all three to hatch. These eagles have been together since 2018, and last successfully raised a baby in 2022.
Jackie protects eaglets from snow: Big Bear eagle live cam
A Twist in the Tale: Where’s Eaglet Number Three?
But, as with any good story, there’s a bit of suspense. Recently, viewers noticed that only two chicks were visible during feeding. What happened to the third? Well, the snow is obstructing the camera’s view, leaving everyone in suspense. As Sandy Steers mentioned, “We just have to wait and see.” It’s a reminder that nature isn’t always predictable, and sometimes, we just have to be patient. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it, what’s really going on in that nest!
Trouble in the Big Bear eagle nest? Expert talks missing third eaglet
It’s tough when you are emotionally invested, but as Cali Condor, a moderator for the live stream wisely wrote, “Sometimes our emotions override our curiosity. It’s OK to trust them when you need to and to make healthy decisions for yourself. “
Want a more detailed update? Check out what Sandy Steers, the executive director of the Friends of Big Bear Valley had to say:
Friends of Big Bear Valley exec.: ‘We don’t know anything’ about potentially missing eaglet
Bald Eagles: A Conservation Comeback Story
Peter Gros, wildlife expert and cohost of “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild,” highlights the incredible comeback of bald eagles. Back in 1985, when he started cohosting, bald eagles were an endangered species. Now, there are over 300,000! Jackie and Shadow are potent symbols of this conservation success. It’s easy to take these things for granted, but their recovery is truly something to celebrate.
Gros notes that we’re on a first-name basis with these birds, reflecting just how deeply attached their fans have become. He suggests enjoying this time as the eaglets rapidly grow, noting that in about 12 weeks they will be eating on their own, have grown their waterproof feathers, and reached full size.
“I may be anthropomorphizing, but I think that they do develop personalities,” he says.
DIY Birding: Bringing the Wild to Your Backyard
Inspired by Jackie and Shadow? You don’t need a high-tech nest cam to connect with nature. Here are some simple DIY projects and leisure activities to bring the birding experience closer to home:
- Build a Birdhouse: A classic project! You can find tons of free plans online, and it’s a great way to attract local birds to your yard. Plus, it’s a fun project for the whole family.
- Create a Bird Feeder: From simple suet feeders to elaborate seed dispensers, the options are endless. Repurpose old materials for an eco-friendly twist.
- Plant a Bird-Friendly Garden: Choose native plants that provide food and shelter for birds. Think berries, seeds, and dense foliage.
- Go Birdwatching: Grab a pair of binoculars and a field guide, and head to a local park or nature reserve. Even your backyard can be a birding hotspot!
- Document Your Observations: Keep a birding journal to record your sightings, noting the species, date, time, and location. It’s a great way to learn more about the birds in your area.
Beyond the Nest: How You Can Help
Gros emphasizes the importance of keeping an eye on the health of all bird of prey species, not just eagles. Climate change, pesticides, and habitat loss continue to threaten bird populations. So, what can you do?
- Volunteer: Check out local science centers or wildlife rehabilitation facilities for volunteer opportunities.
- Preserve Habitat: Find out what you can do to preserve the habitat in which birds live. Every little bit helps!
- Advocate: Support organizations that are working to protect birds and their habitats.
A Bittersweet Farewell and a Promising Future
The quick eaglet growth process means we’ll be saying goodbye to these youngsters sooner than we want. Gros encourages us to cheer them on and look forward to Jackie and Shadow’s future adventures together. “This probably will not be the last group of eggs that are laid,” he says. “There will be a whole new cycle of science and nature and life that we’ll get to see up and close and personal again. “
The Eaglet Naming Tradition
Sticking with tradition, a group of local students will soon get to name the chicks.
The final names get selected by the local third graders here because they get to study eagles in that year in school, Steers said.
Wrapping Up
The story of Jackie and Shadow is more than just a fascinating glimpse into the lives of bald eagles. It’s a reminder of the power of nature to captivate and inspire us. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a complete novice, there’s something truly special about witnessing these magnificent creatures thrive. So, why not take a page from their book and embrace a bit of the wild in your own life? Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a new passion for birding, DIY projects, or simply appreciating the natural world around you.
What do you think? Ready to build that birdhouse?
Get Crafty: Fun DIY Projects Inspired by Birding
Okay, so you’re hooked on Jackie and Shadow, and you’re officially a bird enthusiast. Now what? Let’s take that newfound passion and turn it into some fun and creative DIY projects! Forget staring at a screen – let’s get our hands dirty and build something awesome.
DIY Birdseed Ornaments: Holiday Cheer All Year Round!
Who says birdseed ornaments are just for the holidays? These little treats are a perfect way to attract feathered friends to your yard all year round. Plus, they’re super easy and fun to make! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Birdseed (a variety is best!)
- Gelatin
- Flour
- Water
- Cookie cutters (stars, hearts, birds – get creative!)
- String or twine
- Baking sheet
Instructions:
- Dissolve one packet of unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup of boiling water.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup of flour with 3 tablespoons of water to form a paste.
- Combine the gelatin mixture with the flour paste.
- Stir in 4 cups of birdseed until everything is well coated.
- Place cookie cutters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Pack the birdseed mixture firmly into the cookie cutters.
- Use a straw or toothpick to create a hole near the top of each ornament for hanging.
- Let the ornaments dry completely (this may take 24-48 hours).
- Once dry, carefully remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters.
- Thread string or twine through the holes and hang your creations outside!
Pro Tip: Add a few dried berries or nuts to the mixture for an extra special treat! Consider using peanut butter instead of gelatin for an extra-sticky and calorie-rich treat for the birds during the colder months. Make sure the peanut butter is xylitol-free!
Build a Recycled Bird Bath: Spa Day for Your Feathered Friends
Birds need a place to bathe and drink, especially during hot weather. Instead of buying a fancy bird bath, why not build one yourself using recycled materials? It’s eco-friendly and surprisingly easy!
What you’ll need:
- A large, shallow dish (an old terra cotta pot saucer works great!)
- A sturdy base (an overturned flower pot, a stack of bricks, or even a decorative tree stump)
- Rocks or pebbles (to provide different depths for birds of all sizes)
Instructions:
- Find a level spot in your yard that’s easily visible but also offers some shade.
- Place your chosen base in the desired location.
- Carefully place the shallow dish on top of the base.
- Arrange rocks and pebbles inside the dish, creating varying water depths. This allows smaller birds to bathe safely without getting overwhelmed.
- Fill the dish with fresh, clean water.
- Clean it every few days to prevent algae and bacterial growth.
Bonus Idea: Decorate your base with paint, mosaics, or even repurposed tiles to add a personal touch! Make sure to use non-toxic materials.
Create a Window Bird Feeder: Up-Close Birdwatching!
Want to get a really close look at your local birds without disturbing them? A window bird feeder is the perfect solution! You can buy them pre-made, but it’s much more fun (and cheaper) to build your own.
What you’ll need:
- A clear plastic container (a recycled plastic food container or a small acrylic box)
- Strong suction cups (at least two, preferably three or four)
- Drill (or a sharp nail and hammer)
- Birdseed
Instructions:
- Clean the plastic container thoroughly.
- Drill (or carefully create with a nail and hammer) small drainage holes in the bottom of the container to prevent water from accumulating.
- Attach the suction cups to the outside of the container, near the top. Make sure they are securely attached.
- Find a window that’s easily accessible for refilling and offers a good view.
- Clean the window thoroughly before attaching the bird feeder.
- Press the suction cups firmly against the window.
- Fill the container with birdseed.
- Enjoy the show!
Important Note: Make sure the suction cups are strong enough to support the weight of the feeder and the birdseed. Check them regularly to ensure they’re still securely attached.
Nature Journaling: Unleash Your Inner Artist and Observer
Birding isn’t just about identifying species; it’s about connecting with nature on a deeper level. Nature journaling is a fantastic way to do this. Grab a notebook, some pencils, and your binoculars, and head outside! Here are some things you can do in your nature journal:
- Sketch birds: Don’t worry about being perfect. Just try to capture the shape, size, and markings of the birds you see.
- Record your observations: Note the date, time, location, weather conditions, and anything interesting you observe about the birds’ behavior. What are they eating? How are they interacting with each other?
- Write down your thoughts and feelings: How does it feel to be surrounded by nature? What does the birdsong remind you of? Let your creativity flow!
- Collect natural materials: Glue a feather, a leaf, or a small flower into your journal to create a mixed-media masterpiece.
Tip: There are no rules when it comes to nature journaling. Just have fun and let your curiosity guide you!
So, there you have it! A handful of fun and easy DIY projects to fuel your newfound passion for birding. Get out there, get creative, and connect with the amazing world of birds! Don’t forget to share your creations with us – we’d love to see what you come up with!
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackie and Shadow
Where do Jackie and Shadow live?
Jackie and Shadow are bald eagles residing in Big Bear Valley, California.
How can I watch Jackie and Shadow?
You can watch them via a live nest cam on YouTube.
When did Jackie and Shadow become a couple?
Jackie and Shadow have been together since 2018.
How many eaglets did Jackie and Shadow have this year?
This year, Jackie and Shadow had three healthy chicks.
What happened to the third eaglet?
Due to snow obstructing the camera’s view, it’s currently unknown what happened to the third eaglet. Experts are monitoring the situation.
A Legacy of Inspiration: The Ongoing Tale of Jackie and Shadow
The captivating story of Jackie and Shadow serves as a powerful reminder of the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation efforts. Their journey inspires us to connect with the natural world and take action to protect these magnificent creatures for generations to come.
