Viral Bald Eagles Jackie and Shadow Welcome Two Eaglets in 2026
Jackie and Shadow’s eggs hatched over the weekend — and thousands of people watched it happen live. The viral bald eagle pair, who nest in California’s San Bernardino National Forest, are parents again. Both chicks are out of their shells and doing well.
- First eaglet hatched Saturday, April 5 at 9:33 p.m. PT after 36 hours of hatching
- Second eaglet was fully out by Sunday morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. PT
- First chick received its first successful feeding shortly after the second hatch
- Friends of Big Bear Valley operates 24/7 live cameras at the nest
- Jackie laid the eggs in January at the Big Bear Valley nest
How the Hatching Unfolded
The first chick broke free from its egg Saturday night at 9:33 p.m. PT, according to a Facebook post by Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that runs round-the-clock cameras and livestreams of the nest. The process took about 36 hours from the time hatching began to the moment the chick was fully out.
The second chick followed Sunday morning. Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed it was fully out of the shell at approximately 8:30 a.m. PT. Around that same time, the first chick was seen receiving its first successful feeding — a milestone that matters more than it sounds.
Early feedings are not guaranteed to go smoothly. Newly hatched eaglets do not yet have strong neck muscles, which makes accepting food difficult. The nonprofit refers to chicks at this stage as “bobbleheads” for exactly that reason. Small bites of fish or other prey are offered, and the parents’ saliva — which carries electrolytes and antibodies — gives the chicks an early immune boost.
Jackie and Shadow’s History at Big Bear
Jackie and Shadow have built one of the most-watched nests in the country. Their Big Bear Valley nest in the San Bernardino National Forest has drawn a large online following over the past several years, largely due to the 24/7 livestream run by Friends of Big Bear Valley.
In both 2024 and 2025, Jackie laid three eggs. In 2025, all three hatched — but one chick died after a winter storm in March. The two surviving eaglets from that season were later named Sunny and Gizmo. This year Jackie laid two eggs in January, both of which hatched successfully over the weekend.
Shadow returned to the nest after the second hatch and was seen settling in beside both chicks as the pair began caring for their newest family. Video from the nest captured the fluffy hatchlings moving around while viewers watched online in real time.
What Happens Next
Wildlife watchers and the Friends of Big Bear Valley will continue monitoring the nest in the coming weeks as the two eaglets grow. The early weeks are the most vulnerable period — chicks depend entirely on Jackie and Shadow for warmth, food, and protection from weather.
Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote in their post: “Both chicks are doing well, looking great and their journey has just begun. Congratulations on your 2 beautiful fluff balls, Jackie and Shadow. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful eagle family.”
The 24/7 livestream remains active. Anyone who wants to watch the eaglets grow in real time can find the feed through the Friends of Big Bear Valley Facebook page and website.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jackie and Shadow’s eggs hatch in 2026?
The first egg hatched Saturday, April 5, 2026 at 9:33 p.m. PT. The second hatched Sunday morning, April 6, and was fully out of the shell by approximately 8:30 a.m. PT.
Where is Jackie and Shadow’s nest?
Their nest is located in the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear Valley in California. Friends of Big Bear Valley operates live 24/7 cameras at the site.
How many eggs did Jackie lay in 2026?
Jackie laid two eggs in January 2026. Both hatched successfully over the weekend of April 5–6.
What happened to Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets from 2025?
Three eggs hatched in 2025. One chick died after a winter storm in March. The two survivors were named Sunny and Gizmo.
Where can I watch Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets live?
Friends of Big Bear Valley streams the nest live 24/7. Their Facebook page and website are the primary places to watch.
