There’s a bittersweet update on the Internet’s newest viral animal obsession. Sadly, the bald eagle family in Southern California’s Big Bear Valley has lost one of its members this past week. After a heavy winter storm brought two feet of snow to Big Bear Valley last week, there was speculation about one of the new eaglets missing early Friday morning. Unfortunately, the news was confirmed over the weekend by Friends of Big Bear Valley, which reported one of the three eaglets did not survive.
Difficult updates have been shared by the organization’s executive director, Sandy Steers, via Facebook. “We have no way to know what happened or why the chick passed,” wrote Steers. “We also do not know which chick it was because they were all very close in size.” She provided updates, stating, “Jackie and Shadow also did what they needed to do with the chick who had passed away, so they could move on from the sadness. Shadow moved it from the nest bowl to the side of the nest. And later, Jackie flew it off the nest.”
Although this news is heartbreaking, there is solace in knowing the remaining two chicks are healthy and safe. Resources from the group reveal the eaglets enjoyed hearty feedings from both parents, Jackie and Shadow, under the sunny skies following the snowfall on Sunday, March 16.
Devoted eagle followers on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have flooded the comment sections with love, support, care, and concern for this notable eagle family. While Californians are proud of their eagle friends, fans have emerged from across the globe. Many have begun monitoring Big Bear’s weather daily to prepare for updates on Jackie, Shadow, and the two eaglets.
Jackie and Shadow welcomed three baby chicks between March 3 – 6, 2025, and have captivated tens of thousands of online birdwatchers glued to the 24/7 live stream out of Big Bear. The eaglet nest, approximately 145 feet high up in a Jeffrey Pine, remains under the close observation of the Friends of Big Bear Valley, which operates the live streaming.
According to the organization, the recent snowstorm has temporarily impacted some of their equipment. Currently, two different cameras are providing feeds—one with closer perspectives and another offering wider shots from afar. Unfortunately, during the storm, the nest camera’s microphone and infrared light ceased functioning, so the team is using audio from the wide-angle camera to keep audiences updated as best as possible.
The Big Bear Valley eagle-watching community has come together to mourn the loss, sending messages of comfort and concern. Sandy Steers expressed mixed emotions about the remaining eaglets and their learning from the deeply rooted parenting skills of Jackie and Shadow. “We do not know what happened or why it passed. This tragedy came after they were observed together as fed at 6 PM on Thursday, March 13,” shared Steers.
“Please allow yourself to grieve and feel whatever you feel,” the Friends of Big Bear Valley encouraged on social media. “Honor the chick for its courage achieving this far and all it came to do.” From the living-room armchairs of environmentalists, amateur bird watchers, and schoolchildren alike, viewers from all walks of life have immersed themselves deeply within the lives of these charismatic, symbolically important creatures.
For those who love watching Big Bear’s bald eagle live cams, Friends of Big Bear Valley invites viewers to enjoy other animal livestreams from various California organizations. One such featured attraction is the San Diego Zoo’s Platypus Cam, allowing watchers to see the only two platypuses outside of Australia. The live cam operates as more animals continue to captivate audiences with their unique qualities.
While the bereavement continues with heartfelt messages circulating, the eagle community looks forward to seeing how Jackie and Shadow continue to thrive and protect their two little ones. Those who witness the resilience of these eagles know all too well about hope being reborn, even following loss.
