Internet-famous eagles Jackie, Shadow, Sandy, and Luna aren't the only inhabitants of this beautiful pine tree towering over Big Bear Lake. And sometimes, the watchful parents make their presence known.
According to the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), one of the tree's most famous residents approached a family of eagles last weekend. Fiona the squirrel made several appearances on the night of May 30th and 31st. During one of her visits, Jackie decided to send a message to the bushy-tailed squirrel.
«"Jackie responded with a dramatic slap and cheeky remarks that reminded us she would not tolerate Fiona trying to sleep," FOBBV writes.
Later that day, the not-so-little eaglets Sandy and Luna also practiced scaring off squirrels and flapping their wings.
Fiona is one of the common names for the flying squirrels living near Jackie and Shadow. FOBBV isn't sure how many of these rodents live in the area, but Fiona and Fast Freddy (another nickname) have been making live appearances for years. The squirrels occasionally visit the nest, mostly to scavenge for food scraps.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these nocturnal animals are San Bernardino flying squirrels ( Glaucomys sabrinus californicus ), a subspecies of the Humboldt flying squirrel. They can glide at heights of up to 90 meters and feed primarily on truffles, conifer seeds, and lichens. FOBBV volunteers note that the squirrels "are very fond of Shadow's fish tails, coot feathers, eggshells, and even crunchy beetles!"«
So far, Jackie and Shadow's eggs and chicks haven't been seriously threatened by squirrels. The same can't be said for the crows in the tree, which destroyed the couple's first two eggs this breeding season.
All the most interesting events can be watched live 24/7 on Eagle Nest.
Jackie and Shadow's Children Due in 2026: Everything You Need to Know.
For Jackie and Shadow, a pair of internet-famous bald eagle parents living in the San Bernardino National Forest in southern California, this nesting season has once again been full of surprises. After crows destroyed two of their eggs in January, Jackie and Shadow laid two new eggs, which successfully hatched.
The first chick hatched on April 4 at 9:33 PM PT, and the second on April 5 at 8:30 AM. Their large nest in Big Bear Valley east of Los Angeles is livestreamed 24 hours a day by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and has attracted millions of viewers.
On May 1st, FOBBV announced the names of the chicks: Sandy and Luna.
How long will the chicks stay in the nest?
Chicks usually remain in the nest for 10-14 weeks.
What difficulties do eaglets face?
Before leaving the nest, chicks face threats from other birds of prey, including hawks, ravens, other eagles, and owls. Inclement weather can also pose challenges for the chicks. In 2025, a March snowstorm resulted in the death of one of Jackie and Shadow's three chicks.
Only 70 percent of chicks survive the nesting season. One of the biggest threats comes from cars, which can injure or kill birds while they forage for food among roadkill.
Who are Jackie and Shadow?
This pair first mated 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 hatch successfully, so this pair has already overcome all the obstacles.
What happened to the eaglets Jackie and Shadow, who were supposed to be born in 2025?
In 2025, Jackie laid three eggs, all of which hatched in early March. On March 13, a severe snowstorm dumped up to 60 centimeters of snow and lashed the nest with strong winds. Only two chicks were visible on the webcam when the storm passed the following morning. FOBBV later confirmed the death of one of the chicks. The two surviving chicks were later named Sunny and Gizmo after 54,000 fan-submitted names.
What happens after the chicks fledge?
Young eagles typically leave the nest and begin to fly when they can spread their wings and develop flight-ready feathers. This typically occurs between 10 and 14 weeks of age. Males also tend to make their first flight slightly earlier than females.
According to FOBBV, Southern California chicks have been seen as far south as Baja California, as far north as British Columbia, and as far east as Yellowstone National Park.
Approximately 70 percent of bald eagles survive as chicks. FOBBV does not tag its eagles, so it is impossible to track the movements of the chicks after they leave the nest.
Can I help Jackie and Shadow?
Yes. Environmental groups are currently raising $10 million to protect Jackie and Shadow's feeding grounds from development. Learn more at SaveMoonCamp.org.