Big Bear's Beloved Bald Eagles Jackie and Shadow Are About to Be Parents Again

Big Bear Valley's famous bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, are on the verge of welcoming a new chick. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the organization that operates the eagle nest cameras in the area, confirmed this week that a pip, a small crack in the eggshell, has appeared on one of the eggs, signaling that hatching is underway.

The process began when chirping was heard coming from inside the egg, meaning the chick had broken through the internal membrane and taken its first breath of air. Shortly after, the visible breach in the shell appeared. Friends of Big Bear Valley says it can take 24 to 48 hours after the initial pip for a full hatch to occur.

The group had been anticipating the moment since Monday, when they announced pip watch was beginning, noting the eggs were 35 and 32 days old. Hatching, they explained, is an exhausting process for the chick. It starts by using a temporary "egg tooth" on the tip of its beak to break the membrane, then works to crack the shell, resting frequently before the final push to break free.

The good news is, dry conditions are forecast through Easter weekend, giving the nest favorable weather if you want to watch.