Three months after leaving their nest following the successful fledging of their two chicks, Sunny and Gizmo, Big Bear Lake’s famed bald eagle parents Jackie and Shadow were spotted making a visit to the treetop dwelling this week.
The prominent predators came swooping into the nest on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 26, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit organization that operates a 24-hour live camera feed of the nest.
“They’re back!” FOBBV Exective Director Sandy Steers gleefully announced in a social media post. “Jackie and Shadow touched down—Jackie first, followed right behind by Shadow—for a beautiful joint arrival at the nest!”
The couple hasn’t been seen together in the nest since vacating their seasonal home in June after eaglet sisters Sunny and Gizmo spread their wings to strike out on their own.
Fresh feathers
Jacke and Shadow had some fresh plumage to show off, FOBBV said.
“They have both obviously finished their summer molting and their feather coats look absolutely stunning,” according to Steers.
A black sap stain that had adorned Jackie’s head all year and helped eagle-eyed viewers easily tell the parents apart, was gone.
Preparing for a new family
With the onset of fall, Jackie and Shadow were already seemingly preparing for the next generation to come.
The couple generally welcomes new eggs in January, with hatching expected in March.
“The weather is a bit cooler, the angle of the sun in the sky based on our latitude is apparently telling them to start preparing,” Steers explained.
The pair inspected the nest and adjusted some sticks before settling in for the afternoon on a portion of the nest volunteers have dubbed the “front porch.”
“Jackie and Shadow sat on the front porch together for another couple hours, just watching around and observing whatever was happening in their neighborhood,” Steers said. “They even stayed out front for some close-ups of their gorgeous new coats.”
As night fell, Jackie and Shadow once again left the nest to sleep in the favorite roosting tree nearby, according to FOBBV.
“We are all very happy to see them spend the afternoon in the nest!” Steers added.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Big Bear Lake celebrity bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow spotted paying visit to nest
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
