On April 3, 2026, the moment Big Bear viewers have been waiting for finally appeared in the nest. One of Jackie and Shadow’s eggs shows a confirmed pip, the first clear sign that hatching has officially begun. After little chirps were heard yesterday afternoon, again in the evening, and throughout the night, today brought the breakthrough everyone had been watching for.

A small piece of shell could be seen lifting on the egg, confirming that the chick inside is actively working its way out.

For days, the nest has felt like it was leaning toward something. Jackie and Shadow stayed locked into their quiet rhythm, taking turns incubating, guarding the eggs, and settling into the bowl with careful precision. Then came the first tiny sounds from inside. Those chirps suggested the chick had already broken through the internal membrane and taken its first breath of air. That early stage is hidden from view, but it is one of the biggest signs that a hatch is getting close. Now, with a confirmed pip visible on the shell, the wait has shifted into something much more real.

The video replay below shows the confirmed pip after it appeared on Jackie and Shadow’s egg.

Watch Live <—— nest & approach cams

The Confirmed Pip Changes the Story at the Big Bear Nest

A pip is the first visible breach in the outer shell made by the eaglet as it begins hatching. Using its egg tooth, the chick slowly works at the shell from the inside, often creating a tiny raised crack, a lifted flap, or a small star-like break in the surface. It may look like a very small change on camera, but at the nest, it is a major milestone. A confirmed pip means this is no longer just hatch watch. Hatching is underway.

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In this case, the visible pip was seen on the egg on the right, giving viewers the proof they had been waiting for after hours of listening, watching, and wondering if the subtle changes in behavior meant something more.

The Overnight Chirps Were the First Major Clue

Before the shell visibly changed, the nest was already hinting that the chick had made progress inside the egg. Little chirps were heard yesterday afternoon, during the evening, and through the night. That is important because it suggests the chick had already reached the stage where it could access air and begin vocalizing from inside the shell.

That kind of sign often comes before the pip can be clearly seen. So by the time the shell finally showed that small lifted piece, the process was already moving forward. What looked quiet from the outside was actually the beginning of a hatch.

Egg #1 Is Now on Day 38

Today is day 38 for egg #1 and day 35 for egg #2, placing the first egg squarely in the expected hatching window.

The timing fits, the earlier chirps fit, and now the shell itself is showing the first visible evidence that the chick is working to emerge.

That does not mean the hatch will happen instantly. From the first pip to a full hatch, it can take 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes longer. The chick may rest between efforts, slowly widening the opening before it can break free completely. This stage is often a test of patience, even after the most exciting sign has arrived.

Why This Tiny Shell Change Feels So Big

A pip is small, but it carries enormous emotional weight. It is the first visible moment when waiting turns into arrival. For Jackie and Shadow, it marks the point where weeks of steady incubation have led to visible progress. It is the sign that the nest is no longer holding only possibility. It is holding a chick that has started to hatch.

The chirps, the lifted shell, and the timing just before Easter weekend turned this milestone into an emotional one. Many described it as joyful, moving, and deeply needed good news.

What Happens Next for Jackie and Shadow?

Now that the confirmed pip is visible, all eyes turn to the next stage. Viewers may see the shell opening widen, the pip site become more obvious, or subtle movement around the crack as the chick continues working. Jackie and Shadow will likely remain highly attentive, carefully incubating and protecting the eggs while the process unfolds.

This is the stage where everything feels close, but not yet complete. The chick has started the hard work. The shell has answered back. And the nest has entered its most suspenseful stretch.

Congratulations to Jackie and Shadow on this beautiful milestone. Big Bear now has a confirmed pip, and the first eaglet of the season may not be far behind.

Thank you to the Friends Of Big Bear Valley for making this live cam experience possible and allowing others to learn about Bald Eagles. Sky Raptor Watch created the video replay on YouTube.

FAQ

What is a confirmed pip in an eagle egg?

A confirmed pip is the first clearly visible crack or opening in the eggshell made by the eaglet as it begins hatching.

When did Jackie and Shadow’s nest show the confirmed pip?

On April 3, 2026, Jackie and Shadow’s nest showed a confirmed pip after the chick began chirping the previous afternoon and continued overnight.

Which egg has the confirmed pip?

The egg on the right in the video showed the confirmed pip.

How long after a pip does an eaglet usually hatch?

It usually takes 24 to 48 hours after the first visible pip for the chick to fully hatch, though sometimes it can take longer.

Were there signs before the pip was visible?

Yes. The chick let out little chirps before the pip appeared, suggesting it had already broken through the internal membrane and taken its first breath of air.

The wait is over at the Glen Hazel (Hays) Eagle nest, and the first hatch of the 2026 season has finally arrived. Early this morning, at about 9:20 a.m. on April 2, the first of the pair’s two eggs hatched, bringing tiny GH3 into the world. It was the kind of moment eagle watchers hold their breath for, and once it happened, the entire nest seemed to shift from anticipation into celebration.

Watch Live <—- nest cam

But as exciting as GH3’s arrival is, the biggest surprise may be that this story still feels unfinished. With one more egg still in the nest and Momma eagle continuing to dig into the bowl, there is already growing hope that the second hatch may not be far behind. Now that the first chick is here and doing well, attention is naturally turning to what could happen next.

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GH3 Arrived This Morning and Already Looks Strong

The first hatch happened at about 9:20 a.m., marking a major milestone for the Glen Hazel nest. What made the moment even more heartwarming was how quickly this tiny eaglet began showing signs of strength. Just six hours after hatching, GH3 was already able to stay upright on its own, something that immediately stood out as a very encouraging sign.

For such a newly hatched chick, even the smallest movements matter. Sitting upright, lifting the head, and maintaining balance are early signs watchers love to see because they suggest the chick is active, responsive, and off to a healthy start. GH3 may be brand new, but this little eaglet already looks bright, sturdy, and full of promise.

The Broken Shell Shifted, and the Second Egg Came Back Into View

In the hours after the hatch, part of the broken shell from GH3 had been covering the second egg, briefly making it harder to see what was happening beside the new chick. Later, that shell moved out of the way, putting the second egg back into clearer view and raising the suspense around the nest all over again.

That small change mattered because it reminded everyone that this may only be the beginning. The first hatch brought joy, but it also sharpened the focus on the remaining egg. With the second egg now more visible again, every movement in the nest suddenly feels important.

Momma Eagle’s Digging May Be Hinting at Another Hatch

One of the biggest reasons nest watchers are feeling so hopeful right now is Momma eagle’s behavior. She has been doing a lot of digging into the nest bowl, and while no one can promise a second hatch until it actually happens, that kind of activity often gets people paying very close attention.

It is the kind of behavior that can make a nest feel charged with possibility. After one eaglet arrives, every adjustment, every shift, and every careful movement around the eggs seems to carry extra meaning. Right now, Glen Hazel has that exact feeling. GH3 is here, healthy and upright, and the nest still seems to be holding onto another secret.

This live streaming experience has been provided by PixCams.

FAQ

When did the first Glen Hazel eaglet hatch?

The first Glen Hazel eaglet, GH3, hatched on April 2, 2026, at about 9:20 a.m.

What is the new Glen Hazel chick called?

The newly hatched chick is being called GH3.

How many eggs were in the Glen Hazel nest?

There were two eggs in the Glen Hazel nest. The first has now hatched, and the second is still being watched closely.

Is the second Glen Hazel egg close to hatching?

It may be. Momma eagle has been digging into the bowl, which can sometimes be a sign that another hatch could happen soon.

How is GH3 doing after hatching?

GH3 appears healthy and strong. About six hours after hatching, the eaglet was already able to stay upright on its own.

Lilly the hummingbird laid her first egg. On April 2, 2026, she returned to the same tiny nest where she already raised and fledged two chicks earlier this season.

The nest that carried one successful brood is now in use again, this time holding the first egg of a new clutch.

Lilly is not starting over in a new spot or building from scratch in another branch. She is back in the same nest that already supported two growing chicks from hatch day to fledging. Now that same nest has entered another important stage.

Watch Live <— nest cam

The video adds something still images cannot

It shows the exact moment Lilly lays the egg, turning a quiet nest update into a clear milestone in her nesting season. In a nest this small, major changes can happen quickly and with little visible warning. Here, the change is right there on camera.

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Lilly already proved this nest could support a full brood. Her first clutch ended with two chicks successfully fledging, and that recent success gives this new egg even more significance. This is no longer just a fresh nesting attempt in spring. It is the continuation of a nest site that has already worked once this season.

Lilly is an Allen’s hummingbird, a species known for early nesting and a fast breeding schedule along the California coast. Allen’s hummingbirds can move quickly from one brood to the next when conditions are right, which helps explain why Lilly is back at the nest so soon after raising two chicks.

The nest itself deserves attention

Hummingbird nests are tiny structures made from soft plant fibers, downy material, and spider silk. They are flexible enough to expand as chicks grow, yet strong enough to hold a full brood through weeks of development. After one successful clutch, many hummingbirds build again elsewhere. Lilly’s return to this nest makes the new egg even more interesting.

Now the focus turns to what comes next

Allen’s hummingbirds typically lay two eggs per clutch, so the next question is whether a second egg will appear soon. After that, the rhythm shifts toward incubation, with Lilly handling the work on her own just as she did before.

For now, the story is simple and strong. Lilly the hummingbird laid her first egg, the moment was captured on video, and the same nest that already produced two fledglings is active again. In a nest this small, one new egg changes everything.

Lilly’s first clutch already made this nest worth following. Now, with the first egg in place on April 2, 2026, the next stage is underway in the very same tiny cup.

The hummingbird cams provided by Alyssa’s Nature Sanctuary have become a place where people gather not just to watch birds, but to witness life in its purest form. There is something grounding about observing a hummingbird build, lay, incubate, and nurture.

FAQ

When did Lilly lay her first egg?

Lilly laid her first egg on April 2, 2026.

Is Lilly using the same nest again?

Yes. Lilly returned to the same nest where she previously raised and fledged two chicks.

What kind of hummingbird is Lilly?

Lilly appears to be an Allen’s hummingbird.

Why is this egg so notable?

This egg is notable because Lilly laid it in the same nest where she already raised and fledged two chicks earlier this season.

Something about the Big Bear nest feels different now. Jackie and Shadow are still doing the same quiet jobs they have done for weeks, taking turns, guarding the eggs, and settling carefully into the nest bowl. But now their movements seem slower, more thoughtful, almost as if they are waiting for an answer. They lean in close and pause over the eggs. They seem to listen to something too small for anyone else to hear. Big Bear Pip Watch is no longer just about counting days. It feels like the nest is standing on the edge of a change. As of April 2, 2026, egg #1 is on day 37 and egg #2 is on day 34, which means the first egg is now right in the window when Big Bear eaglets often begin to pip.

That first pip is tiny, just a small opening in the shell, but it is the kind of tiny thing that can change everything.

Inside the egg, an eaglet does not burst out all at once. First, it has to break through the inner membrane and take its first breath of air. Then, using the little egg tooth on its beak, it begins working at the shell from the inside. The first visible pip can look like a raised star or a small lifted crack. After that, the chick keeps pushing, resting, and pushing again until the opening grows wide enough for hatching. It is slow, hard work, and it usually takes 24 to 48 hours or even longer after that first tiny break appears.

Watch Live <—— nest & approach cams

The Quiet Tension Building in the Nest

That is why these last days can feel so full of suspense. So much may be happening, even when almost nothing can be seen. The chicks inside the eggs are now growing fast and filling nearly all the space in their shells. This is the stage when the eggs may begin to feel different to the parents. There may be faint movement. There may be soft sounds. Jackie and Shadow cannot hatch the eggs for them, but they may already sense that the stillness inside those shells is starting to change. And that is exactly what the video seemed to show.

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Jackie and Shadow Seem More Focused

Jackie brought in fresh fluff, adding softness to the center of the nest. Shadow also brought fluff and a stick, helping shape the bowl where these eggs have been cradled through wind, snow, and long mountain nights. It looked less like ordinary nest work and more like two parents making final preparations, as if they know the nest may not stay this quiet much longer.

Shadow especially seemed tuned in.

He looked attentive, alert, and just a little restless, like an eagle trying to catch the faintest signal from beneath him. Jackie, too, appeared deeply focused, settling over the eggs with that careful, protective calm she knows so well. Together, they gave the feeling that something inside the nest is drawing their attention now in a new way.

A Pip May Be Hard to See During Big Bear Pip Watch

No pip could be clearly seen yet, but that does not mean it is not close. The nest bowl is deep, and the eggs are not always easy to see. Sticks around the bowl can block the view, and sometimes the camera only gets a quick look during an exchange. At a time like this, the first sign could be there and still remain hidden for a while. That is part of what makes pip watch so intense. The change everyone is waiting for may already be starting, even if the nest has not fully revealed it yet.

The Waiting May Not Last Much Longer

For now, Jackie and Shadow keep doing what good eagle parents do. They watch and they listen. They prepare and they hold their place over two eggs that may be closer than ever to opening. And in that quiet mountain nest, with all the waiting and wondering still wrapped around it, it truly feels like Jackie and Shadow may already be hearing the very first whisper of what comes next.

Thank you to the Friends Of Big Bear Valley for making this live cam experience possible and allowing others to learn about Bald Eagles. The video replay was created by Lady Hawk on youtube(see video).

FAQ

What is a pip?

A pip is the first small hole an eaglet makes in the eggshell as it begins to hatch.

How long after pip watch does hatching happen at Big Bear?

After the first pip appears, hatching usually happens within 24 to 48 hours, though it can sometimes take longer.

What day are Jackie and Shadow’s eggs on?

As of April 2, 2026, egg #1 is on day 37 and egg #2 is on day 34.

When do Big Bear eagle eggs usually hatch?

Big Bear eagle eggs typically hatch around 37 to 40 days after laying.

Why do Jackie and Shadow seem to be listening to the eggs?

In the final days before hatching, the chicks inside may move or make soft sounds, and the parents may react to those subtle changes.

Why might a pip be hard to see on camera?

The nest bowl is deep and surrounded by sticks, so the eggs are not always fully visible even during close-up views.

For a young eagle still learning how to turn instinct into skill, E26’s Bold Swoops at the SWFL Pond felt like a real step forward. On March 31, 2026, E26 brought sudden action to the SWFL pasture pond, sweeping in low and fast at a Muscovy duck and sending it diving for safety. Nearby herons stayed on alert as the young eagle made it clear the calm part of the afternoon was over. There was no catch, but that almost made the moment more revealing.

E26 is starting to look less like a juvenile exploring the world and more like a young eagle beginning to test what those instincts can do.

This new video opens with E26 at the split of the inner and outer branches on 3/31/26, already focused on the pond below. From there, E26 moves up the outer branch and flies to the church snag, where the young eagle settles in and watches the shoreline. When a Muscovy duck appears and waddles along the edge of the water, E26 makes the move. The launch from the church snag is quick. The pass is low. The duck reacts instantly, rushing into the pond and then disappearing underwater as E26 swoops overhead. In seconds, a quiet pond turned into a practice field.

Watch Live ← Nest Cam

E26 Is Starting to Practice What Comes Naturally

What makes this sequence stand out is that it shows instinct in action. Hunting and fishing are innate behaviors for bald eagles, but instinct alone is only the start. Practice is what sharpens those built-in drives. Juveniles do not need adults to teach them to notice prey, but they do need repetition, timing, and experience before those efforts become precise. E26’s bold swoops at the SWFL pond capture that stage clearly. The interest is there. The confidence is growing. The technique is still developing, but the change is easy to see.

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The duck encounter is only part of the story. The video also includes footage from March 30 and March 29, 2026, showing E26 swooping over Great Blue Herons at the pond. These are much larger birds, and E26 does not come in quite as low over them as over the duck. The herons react quickly, staying alert and protecting themselves. That difference matters. It suggests E26 is already adjusting to different birds in different ways, which is exactly the kind of early learning that shapes a young eagle’s progress.

The SWFL Pond Is Becoming E26’s Classroom

The pasture pond offers a very clear look at how young eagles learn. It is a small retention pond, but it is full of activity. Smaller fish move through the water. Wading birds patrol the edges. Osprey, herons, and eagles all use the area. That makes it a natural place for practice. For E26, it is becoming the kind of spot where every flight, every pass, and every reaction from another bird can teach something useful.

Some juvenile eagles catch fish before dispersal. Others do not make their first successful catch until later, after leaving the nesting territory. Both paths are normal. What matters at this stage is exposure and repetition. E26 now appears to be adding hunting-style swoops to the same kind of early learning process. Every return to the pond builds experience, even when the result is only a near miss and a very startled duck.

That is why these moments matter. E26’s bold swoops at the SWFL pond are not just dramatic flyovers. They are signs of development. They suggest a young eagle learning how to read movement, judge distance, choose angles, and connect flight control with purpose. There is still a long way to go, but the direction is getting clearer.

E26 Is Looking More Confident by the Day

E26 is starting to carry more authority around the pond. The young eagle moves with more purpose now, and that shift gives this footage its spark.

The low pass over the duck, the more measured swoops at the herons, and the repeated focus on the pond all suggest a juvenile that is no longer just exploring the space, but beginning to test control over it.

That is what makes E26 so exciting to watch right now. The flight looks smoother. The decisions look quicker. The attention to what is happening below feels more deliberate. There is still plenty of learning ahead, but the boldness is getting harder to miss. One minute a duck is minding its own business, and the next it is making an emergency splashdown because E26 has arrived. The herons, meanwhile, already seem to understand the assignment.

A Duck Dives, Herons Watch, and E26 Keeps Learning

Even without a catch, this sequence delivers the kind of moment that stands out in a young eagle’s story. The duck’s instant dive into the water, the herons’ wary reactions, and E26’s repeated swoops all point to a juvenile beginning to test the edges of its ability. The technique may still be rough, but the instinct behind it is unmistakable.

E26’s development has already been fascinating, and this pond footage adds another memorable chapter. No young eagle becomes successful overnight. The process is built from attempts, adjustments, awkward experiments, and sudden little breakthroughs. That is what gives moments like this their weight. They matter not just because something happened, but because of what they suggest may happen next.

If E26 keeps using the pond this way, the next milestone may not be far off. Fishing attempts could follow. More confident pursuits could come soon after. For now, though, the message from this video is clear. E26 is learning fast, and the birds around the pond may want to keep one eye on the sky and the other on the nearest exit.

Check out Androcat on youtube(see video) if you have youtube. This live cam experience has been brought to you by the dick pritchett real estate.

FAQ

Why is E26 swooping at birds at the SWFL pond?
E26 appears to be showing natural hunting instincts and practicing pursuit behavior. Juvenile bald eagles are born with these instincts, but they still need time and experience to sharpen their technique.

Did E26 catch the duck or the herons?
No. The duck escaped by heading into the water and going underwater, while the Great Blue Herons stayed alert and reacted defensively.

Are hunting and fishing taught by the adult eagles?
They are considered innate behaviors, meaning young eagles are born with those instincts. What they need is practice to improve timing, control, and success.

Can E26 still catch fish before dispersal?
Yes. Some juveniles catch fish before dispersing, while others do not make their first successful catch until later. The pond gives E26 a valuable place to keep practicing.

Why is the pasture pond so important for E26?
The pond offers a natural training area with fish, ducks, herons, and other activity that helps a young eagle learn how to track movement, react quickly, and build confidence in flight.

At the Decorah Eagles nest on March 31, 2026, the wind pushed hard through the nest while mom covered both eaglets in the bowl. Then the sequence changed quickly. She stood up, called out, and left the nest for a break. Seconds later, dad arrived and took over, setting up one of the clearest early milestones of the season. After landing, dad stayed near the edge of the nest for a moment and looked down toward the chicks. He then moved carefully around the nest bowl toward the food cache. From there, he began tearing pieces of fish and fed both eaglets for the first time, adding a new first to the Decorah Eagles’ 2026 nesting season.

Watch Live <— nest cam

Mom Steps Away During a Windy Nest Change

The nest was moving noticeably in the wind as mom brooded the chicks. When she rose and called out, the shift happened fast. She flew off, and dad landed shortly afterward at the rim of the nest.

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Before moving in closer, he appeared to check the chicks and the nest area. He then worked his way around the bowl instead of heading straight to the eaglets. That path brought him to the cached fish, where he began preparing food.

Dad Feeds Both Eaglets for the First Time

Once he reached the food pantry, dad tore off small bites of fish and offered them to the eaglets. Both chicks responded and accepted food.

This marked the first observed time dad directly fed both eaglets in the nest.

Until this point, mom had been the parent most visibly associated with feeding. In this sequence, dad took over direct feeding duties while she was away. The moment documented a clear change in nest care as both parents continued settling into the demands of raising two eaglets.

Dad Broods the Chicks After Feeding

After feeding both eaglets, dad moved back over the nest bowl and covered the chicks. With the wind still moving through the nest, he settled over them and remained in place, taking over brooding duties after the feeding ended.

That completed the full exchange. Mom left during the windy shift change, dad arrived, fed both eaglets, and then covered them in her absence.

A Clear Milestone in the Decorah Eagles Nest

This sequence showed dad handling several key nest duties in one visit. He monitored the nest after landing, moved to the food cache, fed both eaglets, and then brooded them.

Taken together, those actions marked one of the earliest clear examples of dad moving through the full routine of direct chick care.

As the eaglets continue to grow, moments like this help track how feeding and brooding duties develop in the nest.

Thank you to the Raptor Resource Project for offering this live cam experience and allowing people to learn about Bald Eagles. The video was created by early bird on youtube.

FAQ

When did dad feed the Decorah eaglets for the first time?

Dad fed the Decorah eaglets for the first time on March 31, 2026.

Why did mom leave the nest?

Mom stood up, called out, and departed during what appeared to be a shift change.

What did dad feed the eaglets?

Dad tore off small pieces of fish from the nest’s food cache and offered them to both eaglets.

What happened after dad fed the chicks?

After feeding both eaglets, dad moved over the nest bowl and covered them.

Why was this moment important at the Decorah Eagles nest?

It documented the first observed time dad directly fed both eaglets and then took over brooding duties during the same nest visit.

The USS Bald Eagle Nest Cam delivered another unforgettable moment on March 31, 2026, at 1:12 PM when egg #2 hatched. Then, by the early hours of April 1, 2026, egg #3 showed a pip, turning an already exciting hatch watch into something even more special. There are now two chicks in the nest, and the third egg is showing promising signs that another little one may soon be on the way.

Watch Live <—— nest & approach cams

For everyone following the 2nd egg hatching(USS10), this was the kind of update that changes the whole feeling of the nest in an instant. A place that held one chick and two waiting eggs now looks fuller, busier, and more alive. And with egg #3 beginning to pip, the story may not be done yet.

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A Second Chick Arrives at the USS Bald Eagle Nest

The biggest news from the nest cam was the arrival of chick #2. After days of careful waiting, the second egg finally opened, bringing another tiny eaglet into the world. The nest now holds two downy chicks nestled among broken shell pieces and grass, while the adults continue the steady work of guarding and tending the brood.

Freshly hatched eaglets always look incredibly small against the size of the nest around them. Their soft gray down, wobbly movements, and oversized feet make these first hours especially endearing. In this case, the second chick’s arrival added another layer of excitement because it came with fresh signs that the third egg is moving too.

Egg #3 Is Already Showing a Pip

As chick #2 settled into the nest, another important detail came into focus. Egg #3 has a pip. That small crack may not look like much at first glance, but in a hatch watch like this, it means everything.

See the PIP

A pip is the first break in the shell made by the chick inside. It is the moment the hatching process becomes visible from the outside. Once that tiny opening appears, the chick is no longer just waiting. It is actively working its way into the world.

The USS Bald Eagle Nest Cam did not just show a second hatch. It also brought the first sign that a third eaglet may soon follow.

The Nest Feels Different Now

There is always a shift in the nest once another chick arrives. The scene becomes a little more crowded, a little more fragile, and a lot more emotional. Two chicks now rest where eggs sat only a short time ago, and the balance of the nest has already changed.

Instead of one tiny hatchling drawing all the attention, there are now two little eaglets sharing the space. That means more feeding moments, more careful brooding, and more of those heart-tugging early nest interactions that make eagle cams so compelling. The presence of a pip in egg #3 only adds to that feeling that the nest is still in the middle of a major turning point.

Why This Moment Matters

This update matters because it keeps the momentum going. Once the first chick arrives, attention quickly turns to whether the remaining eggs will follow. Now there is an answer for the second egg, and a hopeful sign from the third.

The USS Bald Eagle Nest Cam is no longer a quiet nest on the edge of possibility. It is now a nest with two chicks and the growing chance of a third. It is also a reminder of how quickly things can change. What looks still and quiet in one moment can become the center of a major milestone in the next.

What Comes Next at the USS Bald Eagle Nest Cam

Now that chick #2 has hatched, the focus shifts to two things. The first is how the newest chick settles into those delicate first hours beside its older sibling. The second is whether egg #3 continues from pip to full hatch.

That process can take time. A pip is an exciting sign, but it does not always mean an immediate breakout. The chick still has work to do, and those final steps can unfold slowly. Even so, the appearance of a pip is exactly what makes this next stage feel so full of promise.

For now, the nest is already celebrating a major change. Chick #2 has arrived, and egg #3 has started to answer the next big question.

This live cam experience has been provided by pixcams.

FAQ

Did egg #2 hatch at the USS Bald Eagle Nest Cam?

Yes. On March 31, 2026, at 1:12 PM, egg #2 hatched, bringing the nest to two chicks.

Is there a pip in egg #3?

Yes. Egg #3 is showing a pip, which means the chick inside has started breaking through the shell.

How many chicks are now in the USS Bald Eagle nest?

There are now two chicks in the nest.

What does a pip mean in an eagle egg?

A pip is the first visible crack or opening in the shell made by the chick during the hatching process.

Could the third egg hatch soon?

It could, but hatching after a pip can still take time. The next stage may happen slowly.

The NCTC Eagle Nest has entered one of the sweetest stages of the season, because Bella and Scout now have two eaglets. After days of careful watching and growing anticipation, the first egg hatched on March 27, 2026, and the second followed on the morning of March 30, turning the nest from a place of waiting into a nest full of brand-new life.

Watch Live <—— nest & approach cams

For viewers who have been following every shift, every incubation exchange, and every quiet clue that a hatch was near, this is the moment the whole season seems to brighten. What began with two eggs and a lot of hope has now become two tiny eaglets tucked beneath the watchful care of Bella and Scout.

See the Moment the 2nd Chick Starts to Separate From the Shell

Two Tiny Eaglets Bring a New Energy to the NCTC Eagle Nest

With both chicks now hatched, Bella and Scout are stepping into one of the most demanding parts of the nesting season. These early days are delicate. The eaglets are still very small, covered in soft gray down, and fully dependent on their parents for warmth, shelter, and food.

That is what makes this stage so compelling to watch. Every feeding matters. Every careful movement from Bella or Scout matters. Even the way the parents stand over the eaglets or settle gently into the nest can tell viewers just how much attention these tiny chicks need right now.

The chicks look so small against the nest, but that only makes the moment feel bigger. After all the waiting, there they are, together at last.

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Why This Is Such an Important Milestone

A successful hatch is always meaningful, but having both eggs hatch gives the season a much stronger start. Nest watchers know how much can happen between egg laying and hatch day, which is why this moment feels especially rewarding. It marks not just one success, but two.

Now the focus shifts from anticipation to development. Viewers will be watching for those first little feeding responses, stronger head lifts, sibling interactions, and the gradual signs that both eaglets are settling into the rhythm of nest life. In many ways, this is when the season begins to feel most alive, because every day brings visible change.

What Viewers May See Next From Bella and Scout

Over the next several days, Bella and Scout will likely spend much of their time brooding the eaglets closely. This is especially true while the chicks are still young and vulnerable. Viewers may not always get a full look at both chicks. One parent will often keep them tucked safely beneath their warm feathers.

As the eaglets gain strength, they should become easier to see during feeding times and parent exchanges. Their tiny movements will become more purposeful. Their heads will lift more often and the nest will slowly shift into the fast-paced rhythm that comes with raising two hungry chicks.

This live streaming experience has been provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

FAQ

When did Bella and Scout’s eggs hatch at the NCTC Eagle Nest?

The first egg hatched on March 27, 2026, and the second egg hatched on the morning of March 30, 2026.

How many eaglets do Bella and Scout have now?

Bella and Scout now have two eaglets at the NCTC Eagle Nest.

Where is Bella and Scout’s nest?

Bella and Scout’s nest is near the National Conservation Training Center. Which is located about a 1/4 mile from the Potomac River near Shepherdstown, West Virginia USA.

What happens after both eagle eggs hatch?

After both eggs hatch, the parent eagles focus on brooding, feeding, and protecting the eaglets during their earliest days.

Big Bear pip watch starts March 31 for egg #1, placing the nest at the doorstep of one of the most important stages of the season. Day 35 does not promise that a visible pip will appear right away, but it does mark the point when the timeline begins to narrow. Big Bear eagle eggs typically hatch around 37 to 40 days after laying, and after a first visible pip, hatching often follows within 24 to 48 hours. With that window now approaching, even the smallest changes at the nest begin to matter more.

Watch Live <—— nest & approach cams

The past week has kept that window firmly in sight. Jackie and Shadow have continued their incubation exchanges, rolled the eggs often, added fresh fluff to the bowl, and brought in well-placed sticks. Fish gifts have arrived at the nest, and spring has continued unfolding across Big Bear Valley. At the same time, intruder pressure has not let up. Several disturbances forced both eagles to break from the nest to drive ravens from the area, leaving the eggs unattended for short periods before incubation resumed.

Why March 31 matters at the Big Bear nest

March 31 matters because it marks day 35 for egg #1. Bald Eagle eggs on average PIP after 35 days of incubation.

At Big Bear, that date carries weight because the eggs typically hatch around days 37 to 40.

Nothing needs to happen instantly for the nest to enter a more important stretch. The calendar alone changes the meaning of ordinary nest activity.

A careful exchange over the bowl is no longer just routine. An egg roll no longer looks like a small moment that comes and goes unnoticed. A pause over the eggs can suddenly seem more revealing than it did a week earlier. That is what makes pip watch different. The nest is still doing what it has been doing, but now each detail sits closer to the hatch window.

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Signs a hatch could be near

The earliest signs are often subtle. A pip is the first small crack or hole in the shell, but before that becomes clearly visible, the nest may show quieter clues through behavior and timing.

One possible sign is increased attentiveness over the bowl. Jackie or Shadow may pause longer before incubating, lower into the bowl more carefully, or angle their head downward more often.

None of those moments confirms a pip on its own, yet together they can suggest that the nest is moving into a more delicate stage.

Incubation exchanges can also become more telling during this period. When one parent takes over, the movement into the bowl may look especially deliberate. The settling may be slower, and the repositioning may be more careful. At times, the parent may use its beak to work into the bottom of the nest bowl, then pause in a way that makes it seem as though it is listening for sounds coming from an egg or eggs. That kind of handling can stand out as one of the subtle signs that hatch time may be drawing close.

Egg rolls matter too. They are a normal part of incubation, but this close to hatch time they draw more attention because they can briefly reveal the shell and bowl area before the parent settles again. At first, the shell may still appear unchanged, especially depending on the light and camera angle, but repeated glimpses can offer a better look at any possible changes in the eggshell.

This week’s nest activity has kept the focus on the eggs

The nest has not been still this week. Fresh fluff has been brought in and worked into the bowl, making the center of the nest look softer and more prepared. Sticks have also been added with care, helping maintain the shape and structure around the bowl area.

That kind of nest work is normal, yet near pip watch it carries more weight. The bowl has been tended again and again. Jackie and Shadow have kept up the steady maintenance that defines this part of the season, and the nest reflects that constant attention.

Fish gifts have also been part of the week’s rhythm. Food deliveries are part of the pair’s partnership and help reinforce the steady pattern of care around the eggs. Each arrival, each exchange, and each return to the bowl has added to a week that looks less like a pause and more like a lead-in.

Intruder activity has added pressure before pip watch

Alongside the quieter nest work, intruder activity has remained steady leading to PIP watch at the Big Bear nest. Several events sent Jackie and Shadow after ravens, forcing both eagles off the nest for short periods. Those departures were brief, but they added tension to a week that already carried growing importance.

Even with those interruptions, the larger pattern held. The eggs were rolled. The bowl was fluffed. The exchanges continued. Incubation resumed. The nest kept moving forward through each disruption, and that has become part of the story too. The approach to pip watch has unfolded under pressure, not in perfect calm.

That contrast has shaped the week. One moment brings fresh nest material and careful bowl work. The next brings a sudden burst of defense overhead. Then the pair returns to the eggs and settles back into the work that matters most.

The smallest moments may matter most now

Near hatch time, the nest does not always announce change in a dramatic way. Sometimes the first signs are easy to miss. A longer pause over the eggs. A slower settle into the bowl. A slightly different posture during an exchange. A brief glimpse during an egg roll that leaves more questions than answers.

That is why March 31 matters even before a visible pip appears. Big Bear pip watch begins not with certainty, but with the possibility that the nest may start revealing more through its smallest details. The shell may not show an obvious opening right away, yet the activity around it can still begin to shift.

Jackie and Shadow have spent the week doing exactly what this stage demands. They have protected the nest, maintained the bowl, handled exchanges, brought in fresh material, accepted fish gifts, and continued incubation through repeated interruptions. Now the calendar reaches day 35, and the nest moves into the stretch where signs a hatch could be near may begin appearing at any time.

FAQ

When does Big Bear pip watch start?

Big Bear pip watch starts on March 31 for egg #1, which marks day 35.

How long do Big Bear eagle eggs usually take to hatch?

Big Bear eagle eggs typically hatch around 37 to 40 days after laying.

How long after a visible pip does hatching usually happen?

After a first visible pip appears, hatching often follows within 24 to 48 hours.

What are signs a hatch could be near?

Possible signs include increased attentiveness over the bowl, more careful incubation exchanges, repeated egg rolls, subtle changes in how Jackie or Shadow settle over the eggs, and any visible changes to the eggshell. At times, a parent may also dig gently into the nest bowl with its beak, then pause in a way that makes it appear to be listening for or reacting to something coming from beneath them, possibly from one of the eggs.

Has a pip already happened at the Big Bear nest?

This post does not report a confirmed pip. It explains the signs that could suggest a hatch is getting closer as Big Bear pip watch begins.

After 37 days of waiting, the moment finally arrived at the U.S. Steel bald eagle nest when Stella and Irvin’s first chick hatched, turning a quiet day into one of the season’s biggest milestones. Earlier that morning, the egg already showed a dramatic opening in the shell, and by the time the chick emerged on March 29, 2026, the nest held what everyone had been hoping for at last: a tiny new bald eagle, two eggs still waiting, and the real beginning of this family’s next chapter.

Watch Live <—— nest & approach cams

The hatch did not come out of nowhere. At 7:34 a.m. Eastern, the egg already showed a large broken opening, with the chick visible inside as it worked through the shell.

It was one of those rare nest moments where the change could be seen happening in real time. The shell was no longer just cracked. It was opening wide enough to show that the long wait was almost over.

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By later that day, the scene had completely changed. A tiny gray chick rested in the nest beside pieces of broken shell, while two unhatched eggs remained close by. After weeks of careful incubation, the U.S. Steel nest had entered a new stage. Stella and Irvin were no longer only protecting eggs. They were caring for a hatchling.

Watch Stella and Irvin’s First Chick Reveal at U.S. Steel

Stella laid her three eggs on February 20, February 23, and February 26, 2026. If this first chick came from the first egg, that means it took 37 days to hatch. That number matters because it not only marks the end of one wait, but also gives a helpful reference point for the eggs still in the nest.

Using that timeline, the second egg has now been incubating for about 34 days, while the third egg has been incubating for about 31 days as of March 29. Since bald eagle eggs often hatch a few days apart, the second egg could hatch around March 30 through April 1. The third egg could follow around April 2 through April 5. Those dates are only ballpark estimates, but they place the nest firmly in a window where more big moments may be very close.

For weeks, the story was about patience, stillness, and routine. Now the story is about new life, careful brooding, and the tiny movements of a chick that suddenly became the center of everything.

A hatch like this feels both delicate and huge at the same time. The chick is small enough to disappear against the nesting material, yet its arrival transforms the entire season in an instant. The nest no longer feels like a promise. It feels alive.

Now attention turns to the two eggs still resting beside the chick. If this morning’s broken shell marked the start of the nest’s next chapter, the coming days could bring even more unforgettable moments at U.S. Steel.

For now, one thing is certain. After 37 days, Stella and Irvin’s first bald eagle chick has hatched at U.S. Steel, and the nest has entered a beautiful new chapter.

FAQ

When did Stella and Irvin’s first chick hatch at U.S. Steel?

Stella and Irvin’s first chick hatched on March 29, 2026 at the U.S. Steel bald eagle nest.

How long did the first egg take to hatch?

The first egg was laid on February 20, 2026 and the first chick hatched on March 29, 2026, which means it took 37 days to hatch.

What did the egg look like before the chick hatched?

At 7:34 a.m. Eastern on March 29, 2026, the egg already had a large broken opening, and the chick could be seen inside as it worked through the hatching process.

When might the second egg hatch?

Stella laid the second egg on February 23, 2026. By March 29, she and Irvin had incubated it for about 34 days, putting its ballpark hatch window between March 30 and April 1.

When might the third egg hatch?

Stella laid the third egg on February 26, 2026. By March 29, she and Irvin had incubated it for about 31 days, putting its ballpark hatch window between April 2 and April 5.

How many eggs did Stella lay this season?

Stella laid three eggs this season, on February 20, February 23, and February 26, 2026.