Nature lovers and eagle enthusiasts have been glued to their screens, watching the Big Bear bald eagle cam in anticipation. After weeks of waiting, Jackie and Shadow, the famous bald eagle pair, have officially welcomed their third chick into the world!
This moment is particularly special after past heartbreaks, making it a true gift of hope and joy for the eagles and their thousands of online fans.
The Journey to Welcoming Three Eaglets
For weeks, fans have watched Jackie and Shadow take turns caring for their three eggs, enduring all kinds of weather—rain, snow, sunshine, and wind.
- Early March: Two eaglets successfully hatched, delighting viewers.
- The Waiting Game: The third egg showed no signs of hatching initially, raising concerns.
- Exciting Signs: Days later, cracks appeared, signaling that the last eaglet was trying to make its way out.
- A Joyful Hatch: After much anticipation, the third eaglet finally hatched—a rare and emotional moment for both the eagle parents and their devoted fans.
Fans Celebrate the Third Chick’s Arrival
Viewers have been overjoyed by this incredible milestone, flooding social media with comments:
“I actually woke up in the middle of the night to check on them!”
“After last year’s heartbreak, this feels like such a gift.”
“Welcome, chick #3! You already have so many fans!”
The Friends of Big Bear Valley, the group behind the 24/7 live eagle cam, has been sharing beautifully edited videos of these special moments, allowing fans to relive the miracle of nature.
Why This Hatch Is So Special
According to National Park News, this is the first successful hatching for Jackie and Shadow in three years. In the past, the eagle pair has faced devastating losses, making this moment even more meaningful.
Typically, eaglets fledge (learn to fly) around 10-14 weeks after hatching. They then spend 4-12 weeks in the area before setting off into the wild. Some bald eagles born in Southern California have traveled as far north as British Columbia or as far east as Yellowstone National Park!