Shadow returns: Big Bear's famous bald eagle spotted at nest with a new companion

Shadow, the bald eagle long known as Jackie's partner at the beloved Big Bear nest, has returned — and he brought company. Friends of Big Bear Valley shared footage from the valley's live nest cam showing two bald eagles occupying the nest together, a sighting that has drawn fresh attention from the community of eagle-watchers who have followed the pair for years.[1]

The identity of Shadow's new companion has not been independently confirmed by wildlife biologists or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Big Bear News could not verify that detail from available sources. One eagle referenced in connection with the nest is KD1, which hatched in March 2022 in Southern California and would be approximately four and a half years old — still a young bird by bald eagle standards.[1]

Notably absent from the footage is Jackie, whose fate has not been publicly confirmed by wildlife officials. The story behind Jackie's disappearance and Shadow's new pairing remains incomplete, and an independent assessment from biologists could clarify both questions.

Residents can watch the Big Bear eagle nest live through the Friends of Big Bear Valley nest cam online. Updates are expected as the nesting season progresses.