September 28, 2026, brought a much quieter kind of moment to Big Bear. Kaydee brought a tiny stick to the Big Bear nest after spending part of the afternoon near Shadow, but the little branch was only the beginning. Once the two were together at the nest, Kaydee slipped in one of her now-familiar feather nibbles. This time, Shadow gave her a quick nibble back.
After the surprising encounter the day before, when Shadow ended up on Kaydee’s back before her side kick sent him flying, this evening felt very different. From the footage alone, it is difficult to know whether that moment was a mating attempt or simply Shadow losing his footing. This time, there were no sudden moves or awkward tumbles. Just another little stick, a few gentle interactions and two eagles growing more comfortable around each other.
The video captures the moment Kaydee brings a tiny stick to the Big Bear nest, beginning with her snapping the little pine branch from the Simba Tree before flying it back to the nest where Shadow is waiting.
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Kaydee Goes Looking for Another Stick
Earlier in the afternoon, Kaydee joined Shadow at the Twin Pines, where the two spent some quiet time perched near one another. By early evening, they were on the move again. Shadow flew toward the nest and landed there first. Kaydee continued past him and circled over to the Simba Tree, where she immediately found something to keep her busy.
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She began tugging and pulling at the small pine branches until one finally snapped free in her beak. It was not exactly one of Shadow’s legendary construction beams. Kaydee had another baby stick. And she knew exactly where she wanted to take it.
Kaydee Carries Her Little Stick to the Big Bear Nest
With Shadow already waiting at the nest, Kaydee flew over carrying the little branch in her beak and brought it straight into the growing pile of sticks she has contributed. Her choices may still be on the petite side, but Kaydee continues returning to the nest and taking part in the work there.
For eagle watchers, it has become one of the sweetest parts of watching her settle into Big Bear: finding a branch, wrestling it loose, carrying it home and figuring out where it belongs. But the stick delivery was not the moment that stood out most.
Shadow Gives Kaydee a Feather Nibble Back
While the two were together in the nest, Kaydee turned some of her attention toward Shadow. She gently nibbled at his feathers. That has become familiar behavior from Kaydee. Shadow, however, has often been the more reserved of the two.
This time, he responded. Shadow gave Kaydee a quick feather nibble of his own. It was brief, but that is exactly what made it so interesting. There was no need for a dramatic interaction. For a pair of eagles whose relationship has been unfolding one small moment at a time, a simple returned nibble was enough to get noticed.
Shadow Is Still Doing Things His Way
Kaydee may be the more enthusiastic one when it comes to close contact, and that did not completely change. The two also shared some beakies, although Shadow remained characteristically reserved. At one point, Kaydee appeared interested in a little more beak-to-beak attention than Shadow was prepared to give.
Shadow eventually made his exit across the front porch and headed to the Roost Tree. Kaydee followed. Before long, the two had settled onto their respective branches for the night. No squabble. No chase and no unexpected aerial departure. Just a peaceful ending to a peaceful day.
Another Small Step for Shadow and Kaydee
It is still too early to put a definitive label on every interaction between Shadow and Kaydee, and a single feather nibble cannot tell us exactly where their relationship is headed. But the pattern is becoming increasingly interesting to watch. Kaydee keeps returning to the nest. She brings sticks to the Big Bear nest. She continues seeking close contact with Shadow. And Shadow continues spending time beside her while occasionally responding in kind.
For people who still deeply miss Jackie, watching these moments can carry more than one emotion at once. Jackie remains an unforgettable part of the Big Bear story. Kaydee is not replacing her.
She is simply becoming part of what comes next. On September 28, that next chapter arrived carrying a very small stick. And Shadow answered with an equally small gesture of his own.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley make this live cam experience possible. The video was uploaded and shared by yoikofrog on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kaydee bring to the Big Bear eagle nest?
Kaydee brought a tiny stick to the Big Bear nest after snapping a small pine branch from the Simba Tree on September 28, 2026. She carried it straight to the nest, adding another little branch to her growing collection of nest contributions.
Did Shadow nibble Kaydee’s feathers back?
Yes. After Kaydee nibbled Shadow’s feathers, Shadow gave her a quick feather nibble in return. It was a brief interaction, but notable because Kaydee has often been the one initiating close contact.
Did Shadow and Kaydee share beakies?
Yes. Shadow and Kaydee shared some beak-to-beak contact while together at the nest. Shadow still appeared more reserved than Kaydee, who continued seeking close interaction.
Are Shadow and Kaydee building the Big Bear nest together?
Both eagles have been spending time at the nest, and Kaydee has repeatedly brought sticks and rearranged nest material. Shadow has also remained closely connected to the nest, although their individual contributions can vary from visit to visit.
Does the feather nibbling mean Shadow and Kaydee are officially a bonded pair?
The interaction is another sign that Shadow and Kaydee are becoming increasingly comfortable together, but one feather nibble alone cannot confirm the exact status of their pair bond. Their continuing nest visits, shared perches and close interactions provide more context over time.
Where did Shadow and Kaydee spend the night?
After leaving the nest, Shadow flew to the Roost Tree. Kaydee followed him, and the two settled onto their respective branches for the night.
Has Kaydee brought a stick in her talons?