Hope returned quietly to the Big Bear eagle nest at sunrise. Just after daybreak on Tuesday, February 4th, 2026, the quiet at the Big Bear nest was broken by familiar sounds as Jackie and Shadow were heard mating once again. The sound of their chortles carried through the calm morning air, unmistakable and meaningful. For a bonded eagle pair, repeated mating at this stage of the season can signal more than comfort. It can mean preparation. It can mean eggs.
After the emotional weight of recent days, this moment marked a clear shift forward.
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A Brief Interruption, Then Calm Restored
Not long after sunrise, two ravens briefly stopped by the nest, but their visit was short-lived. When Shadow suddenly appeared, the dark pair wasted no time taking flight. Shadow then checked the nest carefully, scanning and inspecting before heading toward the Cactus Snag.
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That nest check spoke volumes. Eagles do not inspect a nest unless it still matters.
A Territorial Challenge Near the Pines
Later in the day, Jackie and Shadow faced a more serious test when another adult bald eagle entered their territory near the Split Pine and Twin Pine trees.
The pair responded immediately. Jackie and Shadow flew up to a branch on the Split Pine. Jackie soon left that perch, making a low pass before landing on the Twin Pine. The visiting eagle then flew up from the Twin Pine area and displaced Shadow from his branch.
Shadow recovered quickly and rejoined Jackie. Together, they filled the air with loud calls and sharp chortles, clearly signaling that the visitor was not welcome. Jackie then made a decisive move, flying back to the Split Pine and supplanting the visitor from its perch.
Afterward, all three eagles headed toward the roost tree area. The vocal exchanges gradually faded, and by nightfall, the disturbance had settled. The message was clear. This territory was defended, and this pair remains united.
Nighttime Quiet and a Familiar Visitor
As darkness settled in, the nest sat empty for a time, allowing Fiona the nocturnal squirrel to make another appearance. She took advantage of the quiet hours to nibble and explore, carrying off bits of nesting material.
For now, her visits continue uninterrupted. But that window may be closing. With Jackie and Shadow mating again, the nest could soon return to constant vigilance, and Fiona’s nighttime freedom may disappear just as quickly as it came.
Nest Work That Signals Intention
By the following morning, Shadow arrived with three new sticks. He and Jackie both spent time at the nest, adjusting materials and digging into the bowl. This kind of focused nest work is rarely random. The bowl, in particular, matters when eggs are expected.
Later, the pair spent the afternoon tree hopping, perching, and quietly observing their surroundings. As the sun set, they returned briefly to the nest once more before heading off to roost.
Signs of Renewal and a Window Still Open
It remains too early to say what will happen next. Nature follows its own timeline, but the signs are encouraging. Repeated mating. Nest bowl preparation. Territorial defense. Strong vocal communication.
Jackie and Shadow appear to be moving forward together.
Jackie’s hormones may be resetting. Their instincts may be aligning again. The possibility of more eggs, once fragile, now feels firmly back on the table.
At the Big Bear nest, hope isn’t loud. It arrives softly, on wings, at sunrise.
Thank you to the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) for making this live cam experience possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Jackie and Shadow mated again?
Yes. Jackie and Shadow were heard mating multiple times, including during the early morning hours, which can indicate preparation for another clutch.
Does Jackie and Shadow mating again mean more eggs are guaranteed?
No. Mating does not guarantee eggs, but repeated mating combined with nest bowl work strongly suggests the possibility.
Is there still time in the season for more eggs?
Yes. There is still time in the breeding season for Jackie to lay another clutch if conditions are right.
Why are Jackie and Shadow still working on the nest?
Eagles usually adjust sticks and dig in the nest bowl when eggs are present or expected, making this a hopeful sign.
Are Jackie and Shadow defending their territory normally?
Yes. Their coordinated response to a visiting eagle shows strong territorial defense typical of a bonded breeding pair.
