Hope Takes Flight: Big Bear's Beloved Eagles, Jackie and Shadow, Lay a New Egg!

Guess what? Our beloved bald eagle duo, Jackie and Shadow from Big Bear, have truly given us something incredible to celebrate! After what felt like an eternity, and honestly, a bit of a nail-biting start to the season, Jackie has officially laid her first egg of 2024. It’s a moment many of us have been eagerly, almost breathlessly, anticipating, you know?

For those who've been following their captivating, often dramatic, story, you’re well aware the last few weeks have been a real emotional rollercoaster. We all vividly remember the heartbreaking incident just last month, don't we? Those pesky ravens, unfortunately, invaded their nest, leading to the tragic loss of their previous clutch. One egg was eaten, the other damaged beyond repair. It was just awful to watch unfold live on the webcam, and so many of us felt that sting of disappointment right along with Jackie and Shadow.

But eagles, much like nature itself, are full of an astounding resilience and a spirit that just keeps going. And so, on Friday evening, March 15th, at approximately 5:10 PM, Jackie graced us all with a brand new, precious egg. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated joy for their legions of fans, who've been absolutely glued to the Friends of Big Bear Valley's live 'Eagle Cam', hoping against hope for some truly good news.

There’s an undeniable buzz, a collective sigh of relief, but also, let's be completely honest, a touch of cautious optimism in the air. We're all rooting for them, sending all the good vibes we can their way, hoping this little one makes it all the way. It’s truly a testament to nature's enduring power and the incredible bond these two majestic birds share, isn't it? What an inspiring pair!

Now, the waiting game truly begins. Typically, we're looking at an incubation period of about 35 days. Shadow, ever the diligent partner, is already helping out, taking his turns keeping the egg perfectly warm and protected. We'll be watching closely, of course, thanks to the dedicated folks at Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) who make this live peek into their lives possible for the entire world. Here's to hoping for a successful hatch and a healthy new addition to the Big Bear family!