Jackie, Big Bear’s beloved bald eagle and Shadow’s longtime mate, died August 10 after more than three weeks of intensive care. Her life leaves a legacy far beyond the nest.
Jackie came through anesthesia after a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy, but the most difficult part now begins: waiting for the tests to reveal what has kept the Big Bear eagle so ill.
Luna reached the high perch at the Big Bear eagle nest, then made a bold dismount back to the nest. Now both eaglets are deep in the fledge window.
Sandy has been found near Luna after Big Bear’s dramatic fledge weekend, and Jackie and Shadow are already adapting to feed their young eagles in new places.
Sandy returned to the Big Bear eagle nest after her accidental fledge, reuniting with Luna as Shadow delivered fish and the young eagles settled back into nest life.
Sandy returned to the Big Bear eagle nest with a thunderous landing, claimed Shadow’s fish, and discovered something new near the camera.
On July 12, 2026, Jackie and Shadow fought over a fish at the Big Bear eagle nest. Jackie blocked Sandy, but Luna charged in and stole the remaining fish.
Shadow delivered separate fish to Sandy and Luna before the Big Bear siblings shared a heart-melting moment back at the nest.
Shadow guards an empty Big Bear nest while a sub-adult eagle settles into Jackie’s favorite perch and Sandy and Luna remain away from the nest overnight.
The latest update on Jackie brought the news no one wanted. Her anemia has worsened, her PCV has fallen to 13%, and advanced testing is now underway.