A much-anticipated moment has arrived for fans of Big Bear’s famous bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, as the first signs of hatching have been observed.
On Friday, the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley reported the first “pip” in one of the eagle’s eggs, marking the beginning of the hatching process. The pip, a small crack in the eggshell, was spotted after chirping sounds were heard from inside the egg on Thursday afternoon, indicating the eaglet had broken through the internal membrane and taken its first breath.
Jackie and Shadow, who have been a mating pair since 2018, laid their current clutch of eggs in late February. According to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, the eggs are now 35 and 32 days old. The couple’s eggs are incubated in their nest, located 140 feet up in a Jeffrey pine tree near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains. The nonprofit, which operates the popular Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, has been keeping a close watch on the nest, with more than 20,000 people tuning in to the live feed.
The hatching process, known as “pipping,” involves the eaglet using a temporary “egg tooth” to break through the shell. The process can take several days, and the eaglet will continue to work its way out of the shell. Jackie and Shadow, experienced parents, have been attentive to their eggs, often seen rolling them and keeping a watchful eye on the nest.
The couple’s previous successful hatchlings include Sunny and Gizmo, born in March 2025. The nonprofit reminds fans to be patient and avoid the “Pip Watch Itch,” the urge to scrutinize every detail of the eggs. As nature takes its course, fans are encouraged to enjoy the unfolding events and appreciate the lessons the eagles teach about the natural world.
For those eager to follow the progress, Friends of Big Bear Valley will provide updates on their live recap report and social media accounts. The live feed is available on the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s YouTube page.
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