(Sylvie Belmond | CLAIR – Simi Valley, CA) — As of today, March 8, the third eaglet has officially broken free from its shell, completing the trio of chicks for Jackie and Shadow. The proud eagle parents now have three precious eaglets to feed and protect, marking a successful hatch for the 2025 nesting season.
Jackie and Shadow, a Resilient Eagle Couple
Simi Valley is home to red-tailed hawks and great horned owls, but just a couple of hours away in Big Bear, a different kind of raptor is stealing the spotlight. Jackie and Shadow, a bonded pair of bald eagles, are raising their young in a snowy nest, captivating thousands of viewers through a live-streaming nest cam.
Many Simi Valley residents have visited Big Bear for skiing in the winter or boating in the summer, but now, they can witness nature’s most dedicated parents right from home.
With their strength and devotion, Jackie and Shadow are at the heart of a remarkable wildlife drama as they nurture their chicks through snow, wind, and cold. Thankfully, the third chick hatched on a sunny morning, bringing a moment of warmth to the snowy nest.
The story unfolds daily on the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s live-streaming nest cam—a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of these iconic birds. (Watch live here: FOBBV YouTube Channel)
Eagle Chicks Hatch
This season has been particularly exciting for Southland eagle watchers. On March 4, the first chick made its way into the world, followed shortly by its sibling on March 5. Now, on March 8, the third eaglet has finally hatched, completing the trio.
The journey from egg to eaglet is arduous, requiring patience, resilience, and teamwork between the eagle parents. Jackie and Shadow are no strangers to the challenges of parenthood. This year, their nest—perched high above Big Bear Lake—has faced harsh weather, including snow and freezing winds. On March 6, as the snow piled up, Jackie hunkered down in the nest, using her body to shield her fragile chicks from the elements. Meanwhile, Shadow remained on high alert, scanning the skies for threats and occasionally stepping in to offer warmth.
Eagle watchers were treated to an unforgettable moment when Shadow returned with a fresh fish. After ensuring his mate was well-fed, he took his turn brooding, draping his wings like a “Dadbrella” over the tiny chicks. This display of shared responsibility is a hallmark of eagle parenting, and it reinforces why Jackie and Shadow have won the hearts of so many.
The Long Road to Flight
It will be weeks before these eaglets are strong enough to fledge, and their survival depends entirely on their parents. Over the next few months, the chicks will develop from tiny, gray fluffballs into powerful raptors with fully formed flight feathers. They will rely on their parents for food, protection, and the skills needed to hunt and survive in the wild. For now, viewers tuning in to the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s eagle cam can witness tender feedings, sibling bonding (and occasional squabbles), and the unwavering dedication of Jackie and Shadow.
A Conservation Success Story
The return of bald eagles to Southern California is a conservation triumph. Once endangered due to habitat loss and pesticide poisoning, these birds are now making a steady comeback. Thanks to preservation efforts, lakes like Big Bear have become ideal nesting grounds once again.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley play a crucial role in monitoring and protecting this eagle family. They rely on donations to maintain the live camera, support conservation efforts, and educate the public about these magnificent birds. If you’d like to contribute, visit their website: www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org.
Could Raptors Nest in Simi Valley?
Bald eagles prefer nesting in areas near large bodies of water, but Simi Valley could support a nest cam featuring red-tailed hawks or great horned owls. The Santa Susana Mountains and surrounding open spaces provide potential sites for raptor nests. A Simi Valley Hawk Cam could give residents a close-up view of these birds in their natural habitat.
Simi Valley’s open spaces host hawks, owls, and other raptors, yet their nesting habits often go unseen. A local nest camera could change that. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD) manages much of the area’s preserved land, including prime nesting habitats. Partnering with local wildlife groups could bring a Simi Valley Nest Cam to life. The Santa Susana Mountain Park Association (SSMPA), dedicated to protecting local wildlife, could also support efforts to monitor and share footage of nesting raptors.
For nature enthusiasts, this could mirror the success of Big Bear’s eagle cam. Residents interested in a local nest cam can contact RSRPD or SSMPA. Schools and community groups could also participate, turning it into an educational resource. With enough support, Simi Valley could also have its own window into the lives of local raptors.
A Simi Valley Raptor Cam could help raise awareness about our local wildlife while giving us an up-close look at nature in action—just like Big Bear’s eagles.
For now, the best way to witness eagle life up close is by watching Jackie and Shadow’s nest. Whether you’re a bird lover, a conservationist, or simply someone who appreciates nature, this eagle family’s journey is one of the best live shows on the internet.
Watch the live cam here: FOBBV YouTube Channel
Support eagle conservation: www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org
This is so amazing! Love the angle and the view. So beautiful and serene! 13 mins of Zen!