Jackie and Shadow’s Busy Morning at the Big Bear Eagle Nest Brings Fluff and Crib Rail Work

Jackie and Shadow’s morning at the Big Bear eagle nest on January 17, 2026, didn’t start with anything dramatic. At first, it looked like a normal day high in the tree. But as the hours passed, it became clear that this was no ordinary visit. What unfolded was a steady, focused effort that showed just how ready these two eagles are for what may come next at Jackie and Shadow’s Big Bear eagle nest.

What began as a few simple trips quickly turned into a morning full of purpose.

Watch Live ← Nest Cam | Approach Cam


A Morning Filled With Soft Deliveries

Early in the day, Jackie and Shadow began bringing grass up to the nest. One delivery became another, and then another. Each time, they carefully placed the soft material into the nest bowl, slowly changing how the nest looked and felt.

With every addition, the nest grew thicker and fluffier. The once firm surface became cushioned and warm-looking, the kind of place meant to hold something precious. The work was calm and unhurried, as if they both knew exactly what needed to be done.

By mid-morning, the nest no longer looked bare. It looked prepared. These changes help make Jackie and Shadows nest ready for the next stage of the season.


Sticks, Structure, and the Crib Rails

The soft lining wasn’t the only focus. Jackie and Shadow also brought in sticks and worked along the edges of the nest, adding and adjusting the crib rails. These raised edges are important because they help keep eggs and eaglets safely inside the nest.

The eagles paused often, shifting sticks and testing their placement. Nothing was rushed. Every piece seemed to matter. This kind of careful work is a sign of experience, and it showed how closely Jackie and Shadow pay attention to their home.


Working Together Without Words

Throughout the morning, Jackie and Shadow moved easily around one another. There was no confusion, no conflict. One would arrive as the other left, each continuing where the other stopped.

This quiet teamwork made the morning special to watch. It wasn’t flashy or loud, but it felt important. These are the moments that tell the real story of the nesting season, when preparation happens before anything else can begin.


Why This Morning Matters

When eagles bring soft grass and strengthen the nest edges, it often means the nest is nearly ready. While nature always follows its own timing, these behaviors usually happen as egg-laying draws closer.

The nest now looks both softer and safer than it did before. Every trip, every stick, and every piece of grass adds to a space designed for the next chapter.


A Nest That Feels Ready

By the end of the morning, the Big Bear eagle nest looked different than it had at sunrise. It felt fuller, warmer, and more complete. Jackie and Shadow’s steady work turned a quiet morning into a meaningful one.

As the season continues, moments like this help tell the story before the biggest changes arrive.


Check out Sky Raptor Watches youtube channel(see video). This live cam experience has been brought to you by the FOBBV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Jackie and Shadow bring grass to the nest?

The grass makes the nest softer and helps keep eggs warm and protected once they are laid.

What are crib rails?

Crib rails are the raised edges of the nest made from sticks. They help keep eggs and later baby eagles from rolling out.

Does this mean eggs are coming soon?

These behaviors often happen before egg-laying, but the exact timing is up to the eagles and nature.

Do both eagles usually help with nest work?

Yes. Jackie and Shadow both take part in building and fixing the nest, especially as the season moves forward.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
10 Comments
Christine
Christine
January 20, 2026 5:35 am

Makes breathing easier to watch these two work together.

AliMarie
AliMarie
January 19, 2026 9:05 pm

So Wonderful To Be Able To Watch These Two Work 💗

Sue
Sue
January 19, 2026 8:21 pm

We had eagles for several years in a tree on our farm. The tree started to die and they never returned. Very sad.

Lyn
Lyn
January 19, 2026 5:25 pm

Love watching these majestic birds!

Wood
Wood
January 19, 2026 4:39 pm

Love this Eagle Couple. They make my Heart feel good.♥️

Flint
Flint
January 19, 2026 4:37 pm

Thanks for the bird’s eye view

Sue smith
Sue smith
January 19, 2026 12:59 am

I love watching them.

Billybob
Billybob
January 19, 2026 12:04 pm
Reply to  Sue smith

The birds need a lot more nesting material that’s not made of heavy sticks, but grassy materials.

Kat
Kat
January 19, 2026 7:26 pm
Reply to  Billybob

They’ve been doing this for years! They know what they need and definitely know what they are doing! They are the perfect nest builders for their eaglets 💞 I can’t wait for more precious babies 🦅💞
Watching from Lake Havasu City, AZ 🌵