Bald eagle Jackie rescued after fight with other birds

UPDATE, July 20, 2026, 3:21pm EDT: Friends of Big Bear Valley posted an update Monday afternoon confirming it was in contact with the rehabilitation center where Jackie is receiving treatment. In a Facebook post, they wrote: “Jackie is stable and they are waiting on diagnostic results that can take several days. When we have additional information, we will post it here. Jackie is a strong eagle and we as a community will get through this.

Meanwhile, Shadow is an excellent mate and father, he continues to care for Sandy and Luna while protecting the nest and territory.”

An adult bald eagle recently rescued by the Los Angeles County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue is likely an internet-famous eagle mom named Jackie. Millions around the world have tuned into the day-to-day lives of Jackie, her partner Shadow, and their current chicks Sandy and Luna via a 24/7 livestream of their nest.

According to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), they are in touch with the rescue organization and other facilities involved in the eagle’s care.

“She is in the best place she can be and getting the care she needs. We have not received any updates but were assured by the facility they will contact us when they have information,” FOBBV writes, while sharing video of the rescue from the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation.

On July 17, an adult bald eagle was found on the ground near Dana Point Park. The same bird had been observed there the previous day as well. The eagle was also seen during a short altercation on the ground with two other subadult eagles. Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but could not fly away. The LA County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue then picked up the eagle and it was transferred to an unnamed specialty care facility.

At the same time, FOBBV reported that it had not seen Jackie on their cameras for several days. However, it is not clear how many visiting eagles are currently in the area around Big Bear Lake and she is not banded, so it has been difficult to officially confirm if it is Jackie.

This story is developing and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. In the meantime, viewers can monitor Shadow as he cares for Sandy and Luna ahead of their impending fledging.

Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest - Cam 1 thumbnail

It’s been another roller coaster nesting season for Jackie and Shadow, a pair of internet-famous bald eagle parents living in San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. After two of their eggs were destroyed by ravens in January, Jackie and Shadow laid two new eggs that have successfully hatched.

Chick 1 hatched on April 4 at 9:33 p.m. PDT, while Chick 2 followed on April 5 at 8:30 a.m. Their large nest in Big Bear Valley east of Los Angeles is livestreamed 24 hours a day by nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and has captivated millions.

On May 1, FOBBV announced the chicks’ names: Sandy and Luna.

How long will the chicks stay in the nest?

Chicks usually stay in the nest until 10 to 14 weeks of age.

What challenges do the eaglets face?

Before leaving the nest, the chicks face threats from other birds of prey, including hawks, ravens, other eagles, and owls. Inclement weather can also present challenges for the chicks. In 2025, a March snowstorm resulted in the death of one of Jackie and Shadow’s three chicks.

During fledging, only 70 percent of eaglets survive. One of the greatest threats is from cars that can injure or kill the birds while they scavenge for food on roadkill.

Who are Jackie and Shadow?

The pair first got together in 2018 and successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. However, their eggs failed to hatch in 2023 and 2024. Only 50 percent of eagle eggs successfully hatch, so this pair has already beaten the odds.

What happened to Jackie and Shadow’s 2025 eaglets?

In 2025, Jackie laid three eggs that all hatched in early March. On March 13, a strong snowstorm dumped up to two feet of snow and battered the nest with strong winds. Only two of the chicks were visible on the live cam when the storm passed by the next morning. FOBBV later confirmed the passing of one of the chicks. The two surviving chicks were later named Sunny and Gizmo after 54,000 names were submitted by fans.

What happens after chicks fledge?

Young eagles usually fledge–or leave the nest and fly–when they can flatten their wings and have feathers capable of flight. This typically occurs when the birds hit 10 to 14 weeks of age. Males also tend to take their first flight a little sooner than females.

According to FOBBV, fledglings from Southern California have been spotted as far south as Baja California, as far north as British Columbia, and as far east as Yellowstone National Park.

About 70 percent of bald eagles survive the fledgling stage. FOBBV does not tag their eagles, so it’s not possible to follow the chicks’ journeys after they flee the nest.

Can I help Jackie and Shadow?

Yes. Environmental groups are currently fundraising $10 million to protect Jackie and Shadow’s foraging area from development. Learn more at SaveMoonCamp.org.

Bald eagle Jackie rescued after fight with other birds