Live cam bald eagles lost 1 of 3 chicks after snowstorm

The latest update on the internet-famous bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, has brought sad news to their followers. Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) confirmed that one of their three eaglets did not survive the severe winter storm that hit the area, bringing over 2 feet of snow. The eaglet’s passing occurred sometime after all three chicks were observed together being fed at 6 pm on 3/13. The exact cause of death is unknown, and the identity of the lost chick is also unclear due to their similar sizes.

In a recent statement, FOBBV debunked rumors surrounding the incident, clarifying that neither Jackie nor Shadow removed anything large enough from the nest bowl to be a chick. Additionally, it was revealed that Shadow did not step on any of the chicks; one of them had been lying on his foot, a common behavior, and was safely rolled back into the nest bowl.

The uncertainty surrounding the missing eaglet has left viewers and supporters of Jackie and Shadow feeling a mix of emotions. FOBBV stated that it is possible the remains of the chick may have been observed in the nest bowl, on the right side, and they are awaiting clearer visuals to confirm. The organization emphasized the difficulty of accepting both the possibility and uncertainty of the situation.

Earlier in the week, Sandy Steers, executive director of FOBBV, had expressed concerns about the weather being a significant threat to the eaglets. Bald eagles do not develop their waterproof feathers and layers of down until about six weeks after hatching, making them vulnerable to harsh conditions.

According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, only 50 percent of bald eagle eggs successfully hatch, and 70 percent survive their first year. Jackie and Shadow have faced challenges in previous years, with failed hatches in 2024 and egg predation by ravens in 2023. Despite these setbacks, the pair has successfully raised chicks in the past.

As the community awaits further updates on the situation, FOBBV continues to monitor the nest and provide updates to concerned viewers. The loss of one of Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets serves as a reminder of the fragility of nature and the challenges that wildlife faces in their natural habitats. The future is uncertain, and we are left with more questions than answers. As we navigate through this developing story, one thing is clear – we’ll have to wait and see what unfolds next.

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So, as we move forward in this unfolding story, remember to stay tuned, stay informed, and most importantly, stay curious. The future is full of possibilities, and we’ll have to wait and see what lies ahead.