Shadow returned to the Big Bear nest after three weeks, and KD1 followed him in. Then one gentle moment changed the feeling of the entire visit.
Hours after Jackie died, KD1 did something never seen before: the banded young eagle landed in Jackie and Shadow’s nest, then ended the night near Shadow.
Jackie, Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle and Shadow’s longtime mate, died August 10 after more than three weeks of intensive care. Her life leaves a legacy far beyond the nest.
Shadow and a sub-adult eagle spent the night in the same Big Bear roost tree, but a second young eagle nearby made the evening even more surprising.
The latest update on Jackie brought the news no one wanted. Her anemia has worsened, her PCV has fallen to 13%, and advanced testing is now underway.
Shadow delivered separate fish to Sandy and Luna before the Big Bear siblings shared a heart-melting moment back at the nest.
Shadow kept the fish coming at Big Bear until Sandy and Luna had full crops, heavy eyelids and no choice but to sleep it off.
An adult bald eagle was found struggling in Big Bear Lake before a trained rescue team reached the bird after dark. Dramatic footage follows the eagle from the water to a boat, a transport crate, and specialized rehabilitation care.
Shadow guards an empty Big Bear nest while a sub-adult eagle settles into Jackie’s favorite perch and Sandy and Luna remain away from the nest overnight.
Sandy returned to the Big Bear eagle nest after her accidental fledge, reuniting with Luna as Shadow delivered fish and the young eagles settled back into nest life.