BIG BEAR, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Jackie, one-half of the famous bald eagle pair nesting in Big Bear, laid her second egg of the 2026 season on Monday evening, January 26, continuing the annual eagle-watching excitement that has captivated fans across the globe.
According to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), Jackie laid the egg at 5:09:24 p.m. after signs of labor began around 4:57 p.m.
“Bald Eagles practice delayed incubation,” the organization explained. “They intermittently incubate and stay off or hover over the egg(s) until the last egg of the clutch is laid. Once the last egg is laid, they should incubate all the eggs more regularly.”
Jackie’s pattern of laying eggs three days apart, with the first egg arriving on January 23, increases the likelihood of close hatching times, improving survival odds for each eaglet.
“This process slows the development of the first egg(s) laid so hatching will occur closer together, the eaglets will be closer in size, and all eaglets will have a better chance of survival,” said FOBBV.
If Jackie follows her usual behavior, a third egg may be on the way. “Only Jackie knows for sure,” the group added, “so we will continue to observe and see what unfolds.”
Earlier that same day, life at the nest played out like a scene from a nature film. In a Facebook post titled “A Fish, A Hawk, and A Raven…”, FOBBV shared glimpses into the wild lives of Jackie and Shadow.
After their morning chortles, Jackie left for a break while Shadow arrived for his turn on egg duty. Moments later, the pair were heard mating — although it wasn’t caught on camera — possibly during a brief hidden rendezvous. Jackie soon returned to the nest, and Shadow brought her a fresh fish from the lake, landing inches from her beak. She accepted the gift with soft vocalizations and ate every bite, a tender moment between the bonded pair.
Drama soon followed. Jackie, perched on a lower branch of the Cactus Snag, suddenly came under attack from a hawk that swooped toward her. She defended herself with flapping wings and loud calls. Shadow raced over, and, in a surprise twist, the pair mated again shortly after the threat had passed.
Later, Shadow guarded the nest and fluffed the bowl before departing. Jackie, always alert, sprang into action when a raven flew too close, rushing back to the nest with one wing outstretched in full defense mode to protect the egg.
As dusk settled, Jackie tucked in for the night, called out to Shadow, received a distant reply, and settled over her egg with a quiet crop drop snack. “Could there be a 2nd egg later today?” FOBBV teased. Hours later, the answer arrived — yes.
To follow Jackie and Shadow’s journey or watch the 24/7 livestream, visit Friends of Big Bear Valley on Facebook.
Related Article: They’re Back! Jackie and Shadow Lay First Egg of the 2026 Season in Big Bear
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