Thousands of people around the world celebrated the hatching of two bald eagle chicks in Big Bear Valley, California, over Easter weekend. The chicks, born to celebrity eagles Jackie and Shadow, emerged from eggs 145 feet up a pine tree in the San Bernardino National Forest, with the event livestreamed since 2018.
Jenny Voisard, media manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley, described the hatchings as bringing “a lot of relief, a lot of joy. A lot of laughing and happy tears.” The season had been challenging for the pair after ravens ate two of their eggs earlier in the year, devastating devoted viewers. Jackie laid a replacement clutch, with the first chick hatching around 9.30pm on Saturday and the second at about 8.30am on Easter Sunday.
The livestream, believed to be the most viewed of its kind on YouTube, attracts fans due to the eagles’ distinctive personalities and the window into their daily lives. Voisard noted that viewers appreciate seeing “the dynamics of being a bonded couple and raising chicks,” adding that the birds offer “lessons on resilience.” The scenic backdrop of Big Bear Valley, a biologically diverse area, also appeals to those unable to access nature.
The community has rallied to support the eagles as Friends of Big Bear Valley fights a proposed development near the nest. They have raised $1.6m in less than a month through small donations, aiming for a $10m goal by July to purchase the land for conservation. Meanwhile, Jackie and Shadow are busy feeding the fuzzy grey chicks, which will fledge in 10-14 weeks.
