Shadow spotted with new eagle companion weeks after Jackie's death

Big Bear Valley's famed bald eagle Shadow is no longer alone. Just days after the death of his longtime mate Jackie, nest cameras operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) have captured Shadow perching and visiting his nest alongside a younger eagle — a 4.5-year-old banded sub-adult designated KD1 — sparking widespread curiosity about whether a new chapter may be unfolding at the valley's most-watched nest[1].

KD1 was first spotted in the habitat on August 6, 2026, and began perching near Shadow in several of his favored trees in the days that followed[1]. The young eagle made its first visit to the nest on August 10 — just hours after Jackie's passing was publicly announced — and has returned to the nest a couple of times since[1]. Hatched in March 2022 in Southern California, KD1 is approximately 4.5 years old. Its sex remains unknown because DNA testing was not performed at the time of banding, though officials noted that KD1 appears larger than Shadow — a potential indicator that the bird is female, as female bald eagles are typically 25–33% larger than males[1].

Jackie, who was first documented as a chick hatched in Big Bear Valley in the summer of 2012, died in the early morning hours of August 10, 2026, after more than three weeks of intensive rehabilitation[1]. State wildlife officials confirmed she suffered a large blood clot in her wing and near one kidney, along with liver abnormalities, lung abnormalities, an inadequate bone marrow response, and an inability to keep food down[1]. Despite extensive testing and collaboration with avian specialists nationwide, veterinary teams were unable to determine the primary underlying cause of her illness[1]. Over her lifetime, Jackie laid 25 eggs on the nest camera and successfully hatched 10 eaglets[1].

In compliance with federal law, Jackie's remains will be transported to the National Eagle Repository in Colorado, where they will be distributed to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes for religious, cultural, and ceremonial purposes[1].

As for Shadow and KD1, FOBBV is urging patience. "Is this a new bond forming between these 2? Well, it could be and it may not be, only time will tell," the organization shared with followers. "We can only observe and see what takes place once breeding season is upon us, which will not be until later this fall/winter season. In the meantime, we are happy to see Shadow has some company out there in the habitat."[1]

Residents and eagle-watchers can follow FOBBV's nest cameras online for updates as the fall nesting season approaches. Those wishing to support wildlife rehabilitation can donate to FOBBV or the Ojai Raptor Center, or contribute through line 439 on Tax Form 540, which funds the Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund.