October 27, 2026, brought an unexpected visitor to Shadow’s nest. A mystery eagle at Big Bear landed in the nest Jackie and Shadow shared for years, settled onto the back porch and calmly began preening. The unbanded adult stayed for an impressive 36 minutes before flying away.
But apparently, one visit wasn’t enough.
Watch the afternoon visit:
Watch Live <—— Big Bear nest and community discussion.
Later that afternoon, the same eagle returned, hopped onto the back porch again and spent a little more time at the nest. Eventually, the visitor made its way to the front porch and flew off.
Meanwhile, Shadow and Kaydee were nowhere to be seen at the nest.
For eagle watchers who have spent years following Jackie and Shadow, seeing an unfamiliar adult make itself so comfortable in their nest brings an intriguing question: Who is this mystery visitor, and why does it keep coming back?
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A Familiar Mystery Eagle Keeps Returning to Big Bear
This wasn’t the first time an unidentified eagle had taken an interest in Shadow’s nest.
On October 25, a large, unbanded adult eagle resembling that same visitor visited twice. The eagle inspected the nest, moved a few sticks, made some distinctive calls and spent time preening before departing.
Its physical features suggest it may be female. Still, those characteristics alone cannot confirm its sex.
For now, this beautiful returning visitor remains a mystery.
Why Are Unfamiliar Eagles Appearing Around Big Bear?
The recent activity comes during a time of change at Big Bear.
Jackie and Shadow guarded their territory together as a breeding pair since 2019. Following Jackie’s death in August, that familiar partnership is no longer there to defend the nest together.
Other eagles exploring the area may encounter a different territorial situation than they would have when Jackie and Shadow were both present.
However, a visitor inspecting the nest does not necessarily mean it intends to claim the territory.
Big Bear Lake also provides an attractive food source for bald eagles. During the offseason, younger eagles without established territories and adults traveling through the region may gather around productive fishing areas.
In fact, several unfamiliar eagles have appeared around Big Bear in recent days, including banded and unbanded adults, younger eagles and a juvenile.
Shadow has not completely ignored the activity, either. On October 24, observers watched him chase one visiting eagle away from the area.
For now, these visits may simply reflect seasonal movement and the availability of food around the lake.
Where Are Shadow and Kaydee?
With so many unfamiliar eagles visiting the area, it’s understandable that viewers want to know where Shadow and Kaydee have been.
Neither eagle appeared at the nest on October 27, but their recent activity offers some reassurance.
On October 26 and 27, observers heard their familiar morning chortles carrying across the valley. Although the eagles were far away, their distinctive voices could still be heard together.
And just days earlier, on October 22, Shadow and Kaydee shared a beautiful morning that included vocal duets, time together on the Lookout Snag and flights through the territory. Later, they spent nearly an hour and a half perched at the Twin Pines.
Their absence from the nest cameras is not necessarily unusual.
Even Jackie and Shadow spent relatively little time around the nest during some parts of the offseason.
Bald eagles have an entire territory to explore beyond the cameras. An empty nest doesn’t mean Shadow and Kaydee have disappeared from Big Bear or stopped spending time together.
What Does This Mean for Shadow and Kaydee’s Future?
Perhaps the biggest question isn’t who visited the nest, but who will be sharing it when breeding season approaches.
Since Kaydee arrived in Big Bear, viewers have watched her relationship with Shadow develop through shared perches, morning chortles, nest visits and increasingly close interactions.
Those moments have offered plenty of encouragement. Still, it cannot be confirmed that Shadow and Kaydee have established a breeding pair bond.
As daylight hours shorten and the nesting season approaches, their behavior may provide more answers. Bald eagle nesting activity at Big Bear generally increases during late November and December.
Kaydee could remain with Shadow and eventually become his mate. Another female could enter the picture. Shadow might also spend the coming breeding season without a mate.
For those still missing Jackie, watching another adult eagle settle comfortably into the nest she once shared with Shadow can stir complicated emotions.
But this is also a reminder that the eagles’ lives continue beyond what the cameras can show us.
For now, an unidentified eagle has taken a surprising interest in the Big Bear nest. Shadow and Kaydee have continued communicating elsewhere in the valley, and the upcoming nesting season remains full of possibilities.
One thing is certain: the next time Shadow or Kaydee returns to that familiar nest, eagle watchers will have plenty of reasons to pay attention.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley make this live cam experience possible. The video was uploaded and shared by Lady Hawk on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the mystery eagle at Big Bear?
The mystery eagle at Big Bear is an unidentified, unbanded adult bald eagle that visited Shadow’s nest twice on October 27, 2026. The visitor resembles an eagle seen at the nest on previous days, but its identity remains unconfirmed.
How long did the mystery eagle stay at Shadow’s nest?
The unidentified eagle spent 36 minutes at the Big Bear nest during its morning visit on October 27. It perched on the back porch and preened before leaving. Later that afternoon, the eagle returned for another shorter visit.
Is the mystery eagle at Big Bear a female?
The visiting eagle appears to be female based on its large size, thick ankles, substantial feet and prominent beak. However, male and female bald eagles look similar, and observers cannot confirm the eagle’s sex from these characteristics alone.
Why are unfamiliar eagles visiting the Big Bear nest?
Big Bear Lake attracts bald eagles because it provides fishing opportunities. During the offseason, younger eagles and adults without established territories may explore the area. Jackie’s absence has also changed the territorial dynamics that existed when she and Shadow defended their nest together.
Where are Shadow and Kaydee while the mystery eagle visits?
Shadow and Kaydee did not appear at the nest on October 27. However, observers heard their distinctive chortles together on October 26 and 27. Bald eagles regularly spend time away from their nests during the offseason, so their absence from the cameras is not necessarily concerning.
Does the mystery eagle’s visit mean Shadow is losing his nest?
No. An unfamiliar eagle visiting or inspecting a nest does not establish that it has claimed the territory. Shadow has continued showing territorial behavior, including chasing a visiting eagle on October 24. The latest visits alone do not indicate that he has lost control of his nest.
Could the mystery eagle become Shadow’s new mate instead of Kaydee?
It’s too early to know. Shadow and Kaydee have shown encouraging signs of developing a bond, but observers have not confirmed them as an established breeding pair. The mystery eagle’s visits do not establish romantic interest or a potential pairing. The upcoming nesting season may provide more answers.
When will we learn the cause of Jackie’s death? Following Shadow has been
both exciting and sad as we still grieve Jackie’s passing.
Could the mystery eagle be offspring of Jackie and Shsddoe??
Thank you so very much for your commentary. It is so helpful in understanding the eagles. You are a blessing.
Could the mystery visitor be one of Jackie and Shadow’s offspring coming to check out his nursery?
Great possibility! Glad you thought if this. I wonder if this idea can be determined by the FOBBV are able to assess her.