The first egg of the season may be very close for Jackie and Shadow at the Big Bear eagles nest. As the calendar edges toward the same window when eggs appeared last year, familiar behaviors are once again unfolding at the nest. While nature never follows a script, timing and observation together suggest that this nesting season is entering a critical phase.
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Last year, Jackie laid her eggs on January 22, January 25, and January 28, placing mid-to-late January squarely within her typical laying window. With those dates now approaching once more, attention naturally turns to what’s happening at the nest right now.
“Sometimes the strongest clues come not from certainty, but from familiar rhythms quietly repeating themselves.”
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Looking Back at Jackie and Shadow’s First Egg Timeline
Historical patterns don’t predict the future, but they do offer valuable context. During the 2025 season, Jackie’s first egg arrived shortly after she began spending longer stretches settled low in the nest. That same gradual shift toward extended nest time often marks the transition from preparation to egg-laying.
This year’s timing closely mirrors that earlier season. While every year brings its own variables, the alignment alone places the Big Bear eagles nest firmly within a window where a first egg would not be unexpected.
What Recent Nest Activity Is Telling Us
The video above recorded on January 16th provides a snapshot of behaviors commonly associated with the period just before egg-laying. Early in the footage, two juvenile bald eagles pass by the nest before continuing on, a brief but notable sign of seasonal movement in the area.
The focus then shifts to Jackie, who settles deeply into the nest for an extended period. This low, settled posture, often described as pancaking, can be part of nest testing and comfort assessment. Over the course of the day, Jackie remained in this position for an unusually long stretch, behavior frequently observed as eagles prepare for the demanding days ahead.
Later, both Jackie and Shadow return to the nest together in the evening, reinforcing their bond and shared role in nest readiness. The day concludes with the pair departing to roost elsewhere, a calm and familiar end to an active day at the nest.
Close, But Never Certain
It’s important to emphasize that nothing is guaranteed. Eagles don’t follow calendars, and even strong indicators can shift without warning. What we’re seeing may represent final preparation, or simply continued nest work as conditions evolve.
What is clear is that the Big Bear eagles nest is active, the pair is closely coordinated, and the timing aligns closely with when eggs arrived last season. Whether the first egg appears tomorrow or several days from now, the season is clearly moving forward.
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❓ Egg Watch FAQ
When did Jackie lay eggs last year?
Jackie laid eggs on January 22, January 25, and January 28 during the 2025 nesting season.
Does extended nest pancaking mean an egg is imminent?
Extended pancaking can be a sign of nest testing and comfort assessment, which often happens before egg-laying, but it does not guarantee an egg is imminent.
Can egg timing change from year to year?
Yes. Weather, food availability, and environmental conditions all influence when eagles lay their eggs.
Can we guarantee the first egg for Jackie and Shadow at this stage?
No. These observations suggest proximity based on past behavior, but nature ultimately decides the timing.
Why compare this season to last year?
Past timelines provide helpful context when the same pair returns to the same nest, but they are only one part of the overall picture.
