Video courtesy of ‪@FOBBVCAM‬ https://friendsofbigbearvalley.org
The opinions presented do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOBBV.

Every year Jackie and Shadow (and other eagle pairs) start their season with the Nesting Site Selection process. This process precedes the Nest Building phase and may last several days and even weeks. In Bald Eagles, both males and females participate in the Nesting Site Selection process by visiting various sites (trees with sturdy forks), bringing and rearranging nesting materials, and of course engaging in bonding activities (the famous nips, bumps and beaky kisses).

All birds have different ideas about what makes a ideal nesting site, and preferences may also vary individually. For example, male eagle A60 Maxiwo was hatched in a ground nest on the Channel Islands, then ended up building another ground nest of his own when he reached maturity. It has been noted that Bald Eagles prefer to nest in the top 30% of the tallest oldgrowth tree stands available in their territory, usually up to 1 mile away from the waterfront.

Jackie has been using this nesting site since the fall of 2016. Additionally, Jackie and Shadow have been working on an alternative nest in the Stick Depot Snag since at least 2022.

The sticks are calling. Choose wisely, Jackie and Shadow! ❤


ℹ The Big Bear Valley has been impacted by the Line Fire that started on 9/5. The fire is at 43,965 acres with 79% contained. All evacuation warnings for Big Bear have been lifted. The existing evacuation orders and warnings do NOT affect the eagle habitat. There is NO immediate threat to the nesting area.

The current active fire hotspots are on the opposite side of the lake from the eagle nesting habitat and behind the ridge, about 7 miles away as the eagle flies. They have been moving away from the nesting area.

Watch Duty App, real time updates and fire info:
https://app.watchduty.org/i/33389

We are continuing our grateful Thank You’s to all the amazing firemen and women working to contain this fire and keep us all safe!! Their dedication and hard work is appreciated beyond words.❤

ℹResident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014
ℹResident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012
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