Near Big Bear Lake, California, a trio of bald eagle chicks is thriving under the watchful eyes of their parents, Jackie and Shadow. The first eaglet hatched on the night of March 3, followed by the second chick the next morning. The third chick emerged from its egg on March 8, an event captured live by the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s Bald Eagle Live Nest Camera.
The eaglets are currently spending their days eating, tumbling, and napping in the family nest, which is located atop a 14-story Jeffrey pine tree. Jackie and Shadow are taking turns caring for and feeding their young. According to ABC7, the chicks will remain in the nest for about 10 to 14 weeks before they are ready to leave.
Some are concerned that the youngest eaglet isn’t getting enough food but officials with the non-profit Friends of Big Bear Valley told the Victorville Daily Press:
“All three Chicks are healthy and progressing quickly, and they are all being fed very well by Jackie and Shadow so even the ‘bonking’ challenges between them has been minimal. When the chicks first hatch, they have poor vision and can barely see shadows—just enough to follow their parents’ beaks, that’s why sometimes the chick is looking the other way during the feeding. But Chick3’s vision will be gradually improving and catching up with the other two.”
The eaglets have yet to be named, but local third-graders in Big Bear will soon have the opportunity to suggest names. In 2022, Jackie and Shadow successfully hatched an eaglet named Spirit, chosen through a contest held by the Friends of Big Bear Valley. The successful hatching of these eaglets is a promising sign for the species, as noted by wildlife experts.
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