Summary (tl;dr)

The beloved bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, in Big Bear, California, have lost their recently laid eggs to a raven attack, an event witnessed by thousands on their popular livestream nest camera.

Essential Background

Jackie and Shadow are a renowned pair of bald eagles whose nesting cycles in Big Bear, California, have been extensively documented and live-streamed for several years by the non-profit Friends of Big Bear Valley. This "Big Bear Eagle Cam" has garnered a substantial international following, with viewers closely monitoring the eagles' activities. The pair has successfully raised eaglets in past seasons, including in 2019, 2022, and 2025. Annually, the San Bernardino National Forest implements a closure order around the nest to protect the eagles from human disturbance.

The Full Story

This nesting season, Jackie laid two eggs, one on January 23, 2026, and a second on January 26, 2026. Both Jackie and Shadow were diligently incubating their clutch. However, on January 30, 2026, while the nest was left unattended for several hours, a raven entered and attacked the eggs. The incident unfolded live on the Big Bear Eagle Cam, showing the raven cracking and ultimately consuming both eggs. The Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed the loss, noting the emotional impact on the viewing community.

Why It Matters

The loss of Jackie and Shadow's eggs has deeply affected the large online community that follows their lives through the Big Bear Eagle Cam. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the often unpredictable and challenging aspects of nature, where opportunistic predators like ravens can exploit moments of vulnerability. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, wildlife experts suggest there is still a possibility that Jackie could lay another clutch of eggs later in the nesting season.

Geographic Location

• Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California, United States (location of the bald eagles' nest and live camera)