Third eaglet hatches for beloved Big Bear bald eagle couple

In Southern California, a beloved bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, celebrated the hatching of their third eaglet recently. This milestone comes just days after their initial two eaglets hatched, marking a significant moment for the eagle family, known for captivating the attention of many wildlife enthusiasts. Residing approximately 140 feet high in a Jeffrey Pine tree within the San Bernardino Mountains, the couple now faces the challenge of raising three eaglets, an undertaking that demands immense care and responsibility from both parents. While the first two eaglets displayed energetic behavior almost immediately after hatching, engaging actively with their parents, the third eaglet took a bit longer to adapt to its new surroundings. It was seen gradually discovering its environment and beginning to reach out for food, primarily fish gathered from nearby Big Bear Lake. As adverse weather conditions including rain, snow, and strong winds loom over Big Bear, the eagles will need to ensure their offspring remain warm and secure. This situation showcases the resilience and nurturing instincts of Jackie and Shadow as they navigate the complexities of parenthood. The eaglets' hatching is particularly significant as it marks the first successful offspring for the pair since their last chick, named Spirit, was born in 2022. The previous two breeding seasons ended in heartbreak, with none of their eggs hatching, a situation exacerbated by previous predation issues involving ravens. Wildlife officials highlight that eagle parents typically take around 35 days from laying an egg to the hatching process, as evidenced by Jackie, who laid her first egg on January 22, followed by the other two within a few days. Observers began seeing signs of the eaglets' efforts to break through their shells around March 2, creating a wave of excitement within the local community and eagle-watching fans across the nation. Community involvement is also a critical aspect of the eaglet's upbringing. The Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit organization, maintains a live camera feed allowing onlookers to stay connected with Jackie and Shadow's journey. As a way of celebrating the eaglet's arrival, the organization typically holds a naming contest run by the community within weeks after the chicks hatch. The eagle couple has garnered immense popularity since the camera was installed in 2015, and wildlife officials note that bald eagles mate for life, which has been evident in the enduring partnership between Jackie, aged 13, and Shadow, aged 11. With the eaglets expected to grow into fully-fledged birds at around three feet tall within the next two to three months, all eyes will be on this adorable family as they continue their journey.