On March 9, 2026, as evening settled over Big Bear Lake, a quiet and tender moment unfolded high in the towering pines. Shadow returned to their Big Bear eagle nest just as dusk approached, stepping carefully onto the massive structure where Jackie was already settled over their precious eggs. The reunion was gentle but unmistakable.
On the rainy morning of March 4, 2026, At the USS Steel Bald Eagle Cam Stella was incubating their three eggs, her mate Irv arrived carrying a fish, giving her a welcome chance to eat. The weather was soaking wet, and both eagles looked completely drenched. Stella immediately showed interest in the meal. For an eagle that has been sitting on eggs for long periods of time, bringing food deliveries like this are important.
On the afternoon of March 1, 2026, The Big Bear eagles incubation routine took a charmingly stubborn turn. The eggs were safe, the forest was quiet, and Shadow was settled low in the nest bowl like he had personally signed a long-term lease. Then Jackie returned, and what should have been a quick shift change turned into a gentle, funny little standstill.
On the morning of February 28, 2026, as the first light crept over Big Bear Lake, something quietly changed in the nest. Jackie had guarded her eggs through the night. The forest was still. The air was cold. Then she lifted her head and began calling into the valley. Her morning vocals were strong and deliberate, echoing across the trees. Shadow answered. Within moments, she rose from the nest bowl and flew toward the Lookout Snag for her sunrise break. And that is when it happened. Shadow flew in to relieve her — and discovered there were now two eggs waiting in the nest.
Jackie has laid her second egg of the 2026 season at the Big Bear Eagle Nest, transforming the mood of the nest in a single sunset moment. Watch the powerful video as she stands to reveal both eggs and Shadow begins nest duty.