For most of modern history, bald eagles only passed through Big Bear Valley in winter. The high-altitude lake froze, food grew scarce farther north, and eagles followed opportunity south. Nesting here simply did not happen.
That changed with Jackie.
Born in Big Bear and raised in snow, wind, and thin mountain air, Jackie grew into something rare: the first bald eagle ever recorded to hatch in Big Bear Valley, and one who chose to stay year after year, raising her own young in one of the most challenging nesting environments in Southern California.
Her story is not just about eggs laid and chicks fledged. It is a story shaped by storms, losses, second chances, and an almost stubborn determination to keep trying.
What follows is Jackie’s nesting history, told year by year, through every egg she laid and every season she endured.
Fall 2017 – Summer 2018: Jackie Becomes a Mother
After returning to Big Bear as a young adult eagle and taking over the original nest, Jackie laid her first confirmed clutch during the 2017–2018 season. While the exact laying dates were not recorded, both eggs hatched.
Watch Live <—- nest & approach cams
The eaglets were named Stormy and BBB (Big Bear Baby). A severe winter storm claimed BBB at just over six weeks old, a harsh reminder that mountain nesting leaves little margin for error. Stormy survived, was banded, and fledged successfully on April 26, marking Jackie’s first proven success as a nesting female.
Fall 2018 – Summer 2019: Eggs Laid in March, Tested by Weather
Jackie laid two eggs on March 6 and March 9, later than most Southern California bald eagles. Both hatched in mid-April, producing eaglets Simba and Cookie.
Once again, weather intervened. A powerful rain and snowstorm followed by freezing temperatures took Cookie at six weeks old. Simba survived, fledged on July 23, and remained in the valley into late summer. The pattern was becoming clear: Jackie could hatch eggs at altitude, but storms would always be the wild card.
Receive updates like this one in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter. 🦅
Fall 2019 – Summer 2020: Eggs That Never Had a Chance
During this season, Jackie laid eggs on January 8 and January 11. The pair incubated diligently for more than 60 days, but neither egg showed signs of development.
As incubation continued far beyond the normal window, Jackie and Shadow gradually spent more time away from the nest. A raven eventually breached the eggs, confirming they were non-viable. The loss visibly affected both eagles, yet they soon resumed nest work, a quiet act of resilience.
Fall 2020 – Summer 2021: Two Clutches, One Relentless Winter
This season would test Jackie more than any before.
Her first clutch arrived on January 6, January 9, and January 13, though the third egg broke during the laying process. Inconsistent incubation and raven predation ended the attempt.
In a rare second effort, Jackie laid a second clutch on February 8 and February 11. One chick began hatching on March 18 but did not survive the process. The remaining egg never fully developed and was lost in April.
Despite repeated loss, Jackie and Shadow remained bonded and continued returning to the nest, even as winter lingered.
Fall 2021 – Summer 2022: Spirit and a Turning Point
Jackie laid eggs on January 22 and January 25. On March 3, one egg hatched, producing Spirit.
Spirit quickly became a symbol of hope. After years of failed or shortened seasons, she thrived and fledged successfully on May 31. For the first time in years, Jackie’s persistence was rewarded without being cut short by storms.
Fall 2022 – Summer 2023: Diligence Without Development
The following season began with promise. Jackie laid eggs on January 11 and January 14, and both she and Shadow incubated faithfully through snow and heavy rain.
After 47 days, the eggs showed no signs of hatching. As incubation tapered, ravens breached both eggs while they were unattended. No visible development was found. Even so, Jackie and Shadow continued visiting the Big Bear nest and the eagles were often observed mating, signaling that they were not finished trying.
Fall 2023 – Summer 2024: Three Eggs Against El Niño
On January 25, January 28, and January 31, Jackie laid a rare three-egg clutch.
El Niño storms battered the region for weeks. At one point, Jackie remained on the nest for nearly 62 uninterrupted hours. Incubation stretched close to 80 days, far beyond the normal hatching window. None of the eggs hatched. Two eventually broke, showing no development.
Possible factors included prolonged cold, deep snow berms around the nest, and reduced oxygen circulation at Big Bear’s 7,000-foot elevation.
Fall 2024 – Summer 2025: Survival, Loss, and Triumph
For the second year in a row, Jackie laid three eggs on January 22, January 25, and January 28. This time, all three hatched on March 3, March 4, and March 8.
A multi-day snowstorm soon followed. One chick, later named Misty, died during the storm. Shadow removed the chick from the nest, and Jackie briefly stepped away before returning and carrying Misty off for a forest burial.
The remaining two eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, survived. After early sibling rivalry, they thrived together and both fledged in early June. It was the first season Jackie and Shadow successfully fledged two chicks at the same time.
Why Jackie’s Story Endures
Jackie’s nesting history is not defined by numbers alone. It is defined by persistence at altitude, by adaptation to delayed incubation, and by endurance through storms that would have ended many other attempts.
Each egg tells part of the story. Together, they tell us why millions continue to watch a single nest in Big Bear Valley, waiting to see what survival looks like next season.
This story has been put together based on my knowledge, information gathered and years of following Jackie and Shadow at the Big Bear eagles nest. It does not necessarily reflect the knowledge or opinions of others. Thank you FOBBV for continuing to share this wonderful eagle couple with the world. ❤️
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Jackie usually lay her eggs?
Jackie typically lays her eggs in January, with some seasons extending into February or early March.
How many eggs does Jackie usually lay?
Most bald eagles lay two eggs, but Jackie has laid three-egg clutches multiple times, including in back-to-back seasons.
Why do some of Jackie’s eggs not hatch?
Egg failure may be due to lack of fertilization, halted development, extreme cold, prolonged storms, or reduced oxygen levels at Big Bear’s high elevation.
Has Jackie successfully raised eaglets?
Yes. Jackie has successfully fledged multiple eaglets, including Stormy, Simba, Spirit, Sunny, and Gizmo.
