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More Big Sticks and Sweet Beaky Kisses…



On a very windy Monday morning, Jackie was the first to arrive at the nest, bringing a total of six sticks in the span of about an hour and a half.

Before she started her stick work though, she flew in to perch on the front porch since a couple of vocal ravens were hanging around the basement. They had also landed on the canopy over the nest but when they saw her coming, it was goodbye to the ravens!



She was then off to retrieve her first stick of the day. She dropped it off quickly and headed out again for another. She flew in through the back porch several times with some pretty interesting sticks! She managed to place a few after several attempts and the others she seemed to leave for Shadow to handle later.



The last branch Jackie delivered before lunchtime was stick #6. Maneuvering that new piece of furniture around to place it, seemed to be her greatest challenge for the day. After grabbing it in her beak and walking forward, it got hooked onto the “V” branch on the right side of the front porch. She tried to move forward with it a few times, then figured out when that wouldn't work, to turn and go the other way and it finally came loose. Success!



Jackie strutted around the nest from the back porch to the front, and then around one more time again, on what seemed like a very purposeful mission to choose the perfect place for that big, thin, pokey-looking stick.



After all that work, Jackie was ready for a break but she returned later in the afternoon to help Shadow with more nestorations. Jackie contributed one more stick and Shadow brought in three before they called it a day.



As they worked together, poking and digging in the new fluff and moving several sticks, Shadow got a smudge of dirt on his beak. But that didn't seem to stop Jackie from sneaking in a couple of beaky kisses before they left to roost.



They were cuddled up last night, side-by-side on the same branch, high atop their favorite roost tree. They sang several sweet duets that rang out loud and clear throughout the neighborhood before settling down for a peaceful night together.

Sweet eagle dreams to all!


BKind22

1 week ago | [YT] | 3,069

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Jackie delivers her first new “fancy” stick of the season…



Jackie and Shadow had a very full afternoon on Tuesday last week as they spent time doing some tree hopping together. They started out on the Twin Pine, a tree that has become one of their favorites. From there, they moved over to the Split Pine, a less familiar tree, but a tree that Sunny, one of the eaglets from Jackie and Shadow’s last clutch, flew to and she hung out there for a while after fledging.



Before leaving for the nest tree, Shadow snapped a small branch off the Split Pine with his talons before heading out. He arrived at the nest, breathing hard, with his new addition in tow. He looked for his lady and saw her on the way. Her wing beats were heard before her arrival and she too was breathing hard.


She went all out as she delivered her first stick of the season and Shadow also seemed quite impressed with her new fun find! It was a lovely fresh piece to brighten up their nest, a decorator limb from a white pine tree with some bright green needles attached. As they worked together, they bumped around while doing some nestorations and stumbled upon a larger stick they could move together.



After securing that stick, Shadow hopped up to the back porch branch to survey the area. After taking a couple of close looks down at her toes, Jackie decided to join him. There still seems to be plenty of room for the two of them up there, even if Shadow may have felt a bit cramped as Jackie hopped up and tried to get cozy.

Shadow took off for the Roost Tree first, perhaps thinking he now needs to step up his stick game since Jackie was the clear winner with her stick. Jackie quickly followed her love to the Roost Tree where they spent the night together.



Unfortunately, Jackie's new colorful stick decor shifted a couple of times overnight by the elements. The next morning it dropped off the nest, but we can be pretty sure it will likely be replaced by more cool sticks in the days and weeks ahead.



As some cooler, wet weather moves through the area this weekend, please stay safe Jackie and Shadow and have a wonderful Sunday eagle family!




BKind22

1 month ago | [YT] | 3,886

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Important Message


From Sandy Steers:


There have been many rumors floating around about various eagle situations and so I thought it would be best to just publish a list of the facts…


Nest and Eagle Facts – November 2025
1. There have been no humans in or near the nest since 2023 for any reason.


2. There has been no damage or misfunctions with the nest camera or equipment in the nest tree for over two years. Therefore, there has been no repairs, rewiring, replacements or anything that touched the nest tree or any of the equipment there since 2023.


3. Repairs over the past 2 years (including the mic and infrared light) have all been to the system equipment (such as switches, networking, etc.) that is all on ground level, nowhere near the nest tree (several hundred yards away.)


4. Repairs to a broken switch this season, were all done in that same spot (as #3 above), far from the nest tree and without disturbing anything anywhere near the nest tree.


5. Some sticks and debris fell from what looked like the back porch area of Jackie & Shadow’s nest in a windstorm a few days ago. The nest itself on cam1 did not move at all during that process, so its structure appeared to be unaffected.
The back porch and basement area is mostly debris and branches that have tumbled out of the nest during building and nesting. They are not part of the nest structure which is over 6 feet deep.


The back porch has only ever been used as a place to view around the neighborhood and as a back door/entryway to the nest. It has never in over 10 years been used as any significant part of the nest itself.


In addition, in the last few days, both Jackie and Shadow have flown in through the back porch area a few times without any issue. Jackie and Shadow deliver hundreds of sticks every season which cannot all fit. Many of them fall and some get caught in what we call the “basement” or other places on the nest tree.
In addition, lots of dirt and debris (poop, old food, bark and pieces of sticks) fall down to various parts of the tree below and that is what it looks like fell out. The nest does not appear to be collapsing at all.


6. The tree has been declared healthy by two separate biologist/botanists who are very accustomed to watching and knowing tree health and behavior. The nest camera system was purposely installed in ways that do not intrude upon or damage the tree in any way, and all past climbing has been done in ways that do not intrude upon or damage the tree in any way. (The Forest Service would absolutely not issue a permit nor license anyone to be around an eagle nest who did it any other way.)


7. Many factors determine the nesting season and habits of bald eagles, including Jackie and Shadow. This year has situations that have not happened in past seasons.


– the weather has been and still is unseasonably hot compared to other years: Jackie and Shadow have usually responded to cooler weather to get serious about nesting season and that weather has not happened yet.
– Jackie and Shadow’s fertility is somewhat flexible depending on the weather and other circumstances. As those change, so do their bodies.
– owls may be nesting in the area and Jackie and Shadow may be waiting beyond part of the owl nesting season to start their own season.
– this is the first year ever that Jackie and Shadow have successfully fledged two bald eagle chicks. That is a major undertaking and they may just need more of a break and rest before starting again.
– Jackie and Shadow have laid eggs as late as March for reasons that only they and Mother Nature know. It is not up to us to determine all possible scenarios and worry if they happen differently than in the past. Every season has been different.
Jackie and Shadow have been active in the area and on the nest. They are determining for themselves when it is time to do what. We are observers of nature. We watch to see what nature and the eagles choose next that is best for them.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 5,618

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Watching and waiting…


Our beloved pair, Jackie and Shadow, must still have some important eagle business to attend to around their habitat as they have been a bit elusive this past week or so.
Since their morning nest visit together thirteen days ago, and Shadow's first stick delivery that same afternoon, the cameras have still likely captured each of them on various trees this past week. There have been hawks, as well as ravens, hanging around the lake that Jackie and Shadow may have had to deal with or chase off as they are out and about defending their territory.


Tuesday afternoon, they made their presence known as one of them perched on the Lookout Snag while a hawk briefly stopped by the Cactus Snag. Later, an eagle returned and was spotted again for almost an hour on the Lookout Snag and then one headed to the Twin Pine. For the moment, they seem to still be busy perching and defending during the day and sleeping somewhere other than the Roost Tree at night.
Yesterday morning, one of our pair was on their favorite Lookout Snag, again for nearly an hour. As it was leaving, a talon got caught up on a branch and it was a bit unsettling for a moment until it was freed and then was able to fly off unhindered. Later in the afternoon, one of them landed on the Twin Pine and was partially hidden as it perched and observed in the branches for an hour and a half.


Nestorations typically begin to pick up around mid-November with more sticks and regular eagle visits, as they begin to prepare the nest for eggs. We are also hoping to hear more of those lovely eagle chortles again soon, as well as see their nightly visits back in the Roost Tree. Until then, since they know best, we will continue to be patient and wait for their perfect timing!


Our wide-view cam2 is fully functional with the return of the pan and zoom features, and again all necessary work was done from the ground.


📅 2026 Calendars!!
In case you haven't had a chance to order our beautiful eagle calendars yet, they are now in stock at our FOBBV online shop!


As always, we thank you for your generous support and for following Jackie and Shadow!


BKind22

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1 month ago | [YT] | 3,881

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Glorious days ahead…
It was a fairly quiet day for Jackie and Shadow around the habitat on Saturday. After hitting the snooze button and sleeping in a little longer than usual, they both left the Roost Tree after a lovely duet of chortles. They were out and about eagling around until Jackie's solo chortles rang out nearby and one of them was spotted somewhat hidden on the Waldo Tree.
After a little over an hour, that adult flew off and they were away again until sunset. Although Jackie's vocals were clearly heard nearby, we could only see Shadow in his usual spot in the Roost Tree that night.
Again, both Jackie and Shadow's beautiful song filled the air early Sunday morning, so we know she was nearby. One of them was spotted a little later in the morning perched on the Twin Pine. After they left there, the rest of the morning we could hear several calls from Jackie, as well as chortles from both, so they were obviously taking care of some eagle business somewhere nearby.
After lunch, they made their presence known by perching in some of their favorite spots on the Lookout Snag, the Cactus Snag and the Waldo Tree. A vocal raven was spouting off and a Steller’s Jay was screeching in the background so Jackie and Shadow seemed to be letting them know they were back from their vacation and who was boss.
After a full afternoon of observing and perching around their beautiful forest habitat, they headed over to the Roost Tree for another peaceful evening together.
Hopefully Shadow will be getting that itch to swing by the nest again soon to rearrange a few sticks and Jackie will come in to supervise. Perhaps they will also move the half moon ‘baby gate’ stick that Jackie brought in last season to a nice safe spot.
Mama Jackie had aptly placed it across the front porch doorway, likely to keep the girls from falling over the edge before they were ready to fledge. A sweet memory of a mama's love and care!
Have a wonderful week and thank you for following this beautiful couple!
BKind22

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2 months ago | [YT] | 3,154

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Cooler autumn temps on the way… plus a special message to join our FOBBV team...


This past week, Jackie and Shadow have remained in the area and are likely enjoying these last days of summer together. Even though we haven't seen them too much, it's been wonderful to hear their morning and evening vocals every day this past week.
Shadow spent Wednesday night tucked in on the Roost Tree. The next morning, he perched for about half an hour on their favorite Lookout Snag branch. After hearing Jackie's beautiful chortles in the distance, he flew off, heading in the direction of her calls.


On Thursday afternoon, a severe lightning storm brought heavy rain to the area. The cameras were offline for several hours and overnight but when they resumed the next morning, the wildlife returned from sheltering in place, and the lake and forest were a glorious sight!


The various hawks and other local feathered friends have been enjoying the many peaceful forest perch trees, as have the daily feathered visitors that often stop by the nest.


The nest's frequent nighttime basement dwellers, Fiona the flying squirrel and her swift pal Fast Freddie, have also been busy scurrying around in the nest together at night.


Since tomorrow marks the beginning of autumn, this means cooler and shorter days with less sunlight, and longer cooler nights.


Exactly one year ago today, Jackie and Shadow returned to the nest and began some early nestorations. With cooler temperatures on the way, we will wait with great anticipation for the first new stick to be brought to the nest. They have used this nest for the past seven years, so that leads one to believe and hope they will continue to do so.


Happy Fall eagle family!
BKind22


❇️HELP GROW OUR TEAM!🦅
We are looking for contractors and volunteers to join us:
· Social media communications-- FB, YT, IG, TT
· Media/public relations communications
· Education (Zooms w/classrooms)
· Shipping **
· Environmental (familiar with environmental laws, CEQA, NEPA)
· Operational assistance **
· Event coordination **
**near Big Bear preferred
These positions are all flexible and mostly remote. Interested? Please send your qualifications to fobbvinfo@gmail.com


Thank you!

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2 months ago | [YT] | 2,925

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Protecting Jackie and Shadow


Jackie and Shadow spent Wednesday night on the Roost Tree then dropped by the Lookout Snag—we’ll have more videos and info about that tomorrow.


For today, here are Moon Camp updates…


While we appreciate the enthusiasm people have for stopping this project, we have been working on this for 25 years and there are specific steps to go through to make any difference.


Land use issues are a legal matter with defined steps to follow. Please understand that signing petitions has zero impact. Agencies & the legal system are not required to listen to or address those opinions. No matter how many signatures are collected, they will not be considered in any legal proceeding. Please please withhold your desire to create and/or sign petitions since they only tend to confuse people into thinking they are helping.


Also, please note some petition platforms, like ChangeOrg, sometimes solicit donations for themselves and not the actual cause, often unbeknownst to signers.


In addition, we have been pursuing the purchase of the Moon Camp property for over 4 years as a ‘beneficial to everyone’ way to preserve this land. For this purchase and any associated fundraiser, we are working directly with the San Bernadino Mountains Land Trust, since they can legally purchase and hold land for conservation. (Friends of Big Bear Valley cannot.)


We will help promote their official fundraiser, when it is up and ready for donations. Please please beware of any fundraisers for Moon Camp at this time. Sadly, they are imposters trying to scam.


Please contact us at www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org to report an issue or ask about false information being spread.
Thank you for giving us time to organize. We appreciate your concerns. Although the supervisors failed to mention it during the hearing, San Bernardino County received over 6,000 emails about this project. Thank you for your continued support and for wanting to protect Jackie, Shadow, their habitat and all of the wildlife that would be impacted by this development.


Sandy

3 months ago | [YT] | 4,062

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Weekend visits and upgrades


Jackie spent the night in the Roost Tree last Thursday night. Her lovely chortles filled the air early Friday morning before flying over to the Lookout Snag. She spent a little over an hour of quiet time there before heading out for the day.


Over the weekend, Dr. Sharpe performed and completed some system tests and maintenance on our equipment. There is now a brand new microphone for cam2 which is much clearer. Also, the cable for our cam1 microphone and infrared light has been fully secured again and is now more protected from coming loose.


Various other internal upgrades were made to the system in order for it to function more smoothly. We are happy to report all work was done on the ground with no need for any tree climbing.


Sunday morning, either Jackie or Shadow was seen flying up from the lake over to the Lookout Snag. They were tucked in behind a branch and observed the neighborhood for about fifteen minutes before flying off. Last evening an immature eagle cruised up to the nest as if it was going to land, but then seemingly had a change of mind and was off to roost elsewhere for the night.


It is still considered vacation time for Jackie and Shadow, so we welcome these short visits and sightings as each one is very special. Happy September eagle family!


BKind22

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3 months ago | [YT] | 2,806

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More summertime visits…
This past week has been highlighted with some peaceful evening visits by Jackie and Shadow. After a good night's sleep in the Roost Tree, Shadow usually heads over to the Lookout Snag first, then Jackie follows, and they spend time together there before breakfast.
Besides being a spectacular observation tower, the Lookout Snag is also a favorite tree where the family all met together after Sunny and Gizmo fledged. The girls were learning to eat away from the nest, so Shadow, being the very wise father he is, turned that visit into a teachable moment by arriving with a fish for them to eat there on the branch. That was such a special memory!
Our spunky little night visitor, Fiona the flying squirrel, has been busy scavenging around for goodies once again. Her best pal, Fast Freddie, also made a quick appearance with her last night. We can only imagine how delighted she is to have access to her favorite poke-around spot again after such a busy eagle nesting season denied her access.
We had a special visitor bring some excitement on Saturday afternoon, a beautiful juvenile bald eagle arrived and spent time on the Simba Tree (the tree Simba fledged to in 2019). Believed to be a 2025 hatch due to its dark brown head and no sign yet of a first molt, this young juvenile spent about twenty minutes perched there checking out the area.
Soon after, it flew over to the top of the Roost Tree and settled in for the night on a branch that is on the opposite side of the tree trunk where Jackie and Shadow prefer to roost. As it was, our devoted pair decided to roost elsewhere for the night. The next morning, the juvie hopped over to Jackie's roost area and after a few stretches and some preening, it flew off for more exploring.
The last couple of days have been quiet and warm and the cameras have also captured many quaint feathered and furry visitors in the area. As we wait to see what the next week brings, we thank you all for following Jackie and Shadow. As always, we are delighted and excited to see them whenever they decide to stop by!
BKind22

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3 months ago | [YT] | 3,331

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It is Volunteer Appreciation Week!



Quiet watchers, eyes so keen,
By the nest, unseen.



Between the branches, you observe and wait,
Each twig that falls, each chirp so slight.



You see it all, both day and night.
We thank you all, with pure delight.



This week we are giving a big HIP HIP HOORAY shout out to all our FOBBV Volunteers.



We absolutely could not do all the things we do without our wonderful volunteers who step up each and every day and donate thousands of hours to support our mission to protect and preserve all the special habitats and species in the beautiful Big Bear Valley. They are the superheroes behind the scenes who help us manage our Social Media pages to provide our community with important updates, answer questions and teach everyone tons of information about Jackie and Shadow and the nature that surrounds them.



One of the first volunteer opportunities we had back in 2019 was in the YouTube live chat as a moderator, where the dynamic environment created the need for observant and innovative folks. Later on, we created our private Facebook group which needed support from its own team of volunteers.



Our YouTube Team is responsible for documenting eagle activity and other events-of-interest happening on the nest. They record every little thing down in the Live Recap and Activity Log. With eagle eyes, they can spot the difference between a shadow and the Shadow sitting in a tree.



The YouTube team allows us to enable regular live chats where we answer all the calls and type quickly to answer questions at high speed. This year, we had a record of 100K concurrent viewers, 680K subscribers and up to 300 comments per minute in our YouTube chat. To manage this engagement and help our community learn more about the eagles and their behaviors, our team has set up and programmed a chatbot - Nightbot - that helps us answer questions and distribute information effectively. Our YouTube Team is also responsible for quizzes, chat games, weekly jigsaw puzzles and much more!



Live Recap:
docs.google.com/document/d/1gx7VP85Gwp1jhHRilStcZM…
Activity Log spreadsheet:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sbni8PkJchYeOsGqX0…
Glossary, Acronyms & Useful Links:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1T9QoUMuuntrqkt7Ra-…



Our Facebook Group Team manages our private Facebook group, which is a complimentary resource for our public Facebook page. The group allows members to create posts and share screen captures and videos taken from our live cameras, pictures from the Big Bear area, or other creations inspired by Jackie and Shadow.



Just like our YouTube channel, the group has grown dramatically this season from 163K to 373K members. We have truly amazing folks on our Facebook team who gladly give their time to approve posts (up to 300 per day!), create daily updates, answer questions and help our community stay connected to our eagle family. That’s why we are all here - to observe and learn about nature.



Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/fobbv



A huge THANK YOU for all of your work from FOBBV, Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, Gizmo, Fiona, Fast Freddie, all of Big Bear’s wildlife and Sandy!



YouTube Team:
Eaglelover
Just Amy
Christina
JoleZ
Kathy Chortles
Kelsie
Maria Gr
Silent Wings
Cali Condor (team lead)



Facebook Group Team:
Afton Marie
Debbie Shores
Faith Hochgurtel
Janelle Nguyen
Karen Tayman Pugh
Marianna Morreale
Nina Vestergaard
Sandy Woods
Stephanie Ross
Suzanne Kay
Cali Condor (team lead)



Picture collage by Amy.

4 months ago | [YT] | 3,979