Second Chance: Big Bear Bald Eagles lay first egg of new clutch

In a hopeful turn for wildlife watchers, Jackie the bald eagle has laid a new egg after heartbreak earlier this season.

The female eagle, known as Jackie from the popular live nest camera operated by the nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, produced the first egg of her second clutch this year. The development comes after the first two eggs of the season were destroyed by ravens, a disappointing setback that was captured on the widely viewed nest cam.

Jackie and her mate, Shadow, nest high in a pine tree overlooking Big Bear Valley. The pair have become internet sensations in recent years, drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers who tune in to watch their nesting, incubation, and eaglet-rearing activities in real time.

The earlier loss occurred when ravens raided the nest, a reminder of the many natural challenges bald eagles face during breeding season. While bald eagles are powerful raptors, their eggs and young remain vulnerable to predators, especially when left unattended even briefly.

Now, supporters are cautiously optimistic. The newly laid egg marks the start of a second chance for the pair this season. If typical breeding patterns hold, a second egg could arrive within the next three to four days. Bald eagles commonly lay one to three eggs per clutch, with incubation lasting about 35 days.

Wildlife experts note that second clutches are not unusual if an initial nesting attempt fails early in the season. With weeks of breeding season still ahead, Jackie and Shadow may yet have a successful hatch.

For the many viewers who have followed the eagles’ journey — celebrating past hatchlings and mourning setbacks — the new egg represents resilience in the face of adversity. All eyes are now back on the Big Bear nest as the pair begins incubation once again, and as anticipation builds for what could be a new eaglet in the weeks to come.