Jackie’s quiet afternoon visit to the Big Bear eagle nest on January 7th, 2026 seemed routine at first, but the nest had other plans once night fell. What began as a simple inspection turned into one of those rare wildlife moments that reminds us how alive this nest truly is, even when the eagles are away.
Watch Live <—— nest & approach cams
Jackie stopped by twice in the late afternoon, carefully surveying the sticks and nest bowl as if taking inventory. She didn’t bring new materials this time, but her focused movements suggested she knew something had changed. After a brief re-check, she left for her roost, and the nest settled into darkness.
That’s when the real surprise arrived.
Moments like this make Jackie’s afternoon visit to the Big Bear eagle nest especially memorable as the nesting season moves closer to egg-laying.
A Nest That Never Truly Sleeps
Even when Jackie and Shadow are away, the Big Bear eagle nest is anything but empty. As night falls, the camera often reveals a quieter world of movement and opportunity, where smaller forest residents briefly take center stage. These moments offer a rare look at how many lives intersect around a single nest high above the forest floor.
Receive updates like this one in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter. 🦅
Fiona and the Deer Mouse Take Over After Dark
As the infrared view illuminated the nest, two familiar but unexpected residents appeared together. Fiona, the San Bernardino flying squirrel, returned to the nest alongside a tiny deer mouse, and the pair moved about with surprising confidence. They foraged through the sticks and nest bowl, clearly searching for leftovers from earlier eagle meals.
Their movements were fast, coordinated, and oddly efficient. Fiona darted across the nest with her trademark speed while the deer mouse navigated tight spaces between sticks, sniffing and investigating every promising corner. Together, they gave the impression of a late-night cleanup crew, taking advantage of a quiet nest before the eagles’ next round of activity.
The contrast between Jackie’s regal daylight inspections and the playful nighttime antics of these smaller animals was striking. It also served as a reminder that the Big Bear eagle nest is more than just a platform for eagles. It’s a shared space in a living forest, active around the clock.
Moments like this feel especially meaningful as the season advances. Jackie’s careful inspections hint that egg-laying time is approaching, which makes these nighttime visitors feel like fleeting guests before the next chapter begins. Soon, the nest will shift from shared space to guarded sanctuary.
What This Moment Tells Us About the Nest Right Now
The nest itself appears sturdy and well built, with plenty of sticks in place, though it’s clear that more soft lining will still be needed as the season progresses. Jackie’s careful inspections suggest that egg-laying time is drawing closer, and her attention to detail reflects just how tuned in she is to the nest’s readiness.
The presence of Fiona and the deer mouse doesn’t indicate a problem. Instead, it highlights how wildlife adapts and coexists. These nighttime visitors take advantage of brief opportunities, knowing that once incubation begins, their access will likely end.
For now, though, the nest remains a stage where different species briefly overlap, each playing their part in the broader rhythm of the mountain forest.
Check out Lady Hawks youtube channel and give her a subscribe(see video) if you have youtube. This live cam experience has been brought to you by the FOBBV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Jackie bring sticks or fluff during her afternoon visit?
Not every nest visit includes building materials. Jackie often alternates between construction days and inspection days, especially as the nest bowl takes shape.
Is it normal for a flying squirrel and a mouse to be in the eagle nest?
Yes. When eagles are away, smaller animals sometimes explore the nest to forage for leftover food or nesting material. This usually stops once incubation begins.
Did Shadow visit the nest on this day?
No. Shadow did not appear at the nest during this particular observation period.
Will Fiona and the deer mouse stay once eggs are laid?
Once Jackie begins incubating, she will actively defend the nest, and nighttime visitors typically disappear or be more infrequent.
Does this activity affect the eagles or future eggs?
There is no indication that these brief nighttime visits cause harm. The nest remains structurally sound and under the eagles’ control.
