This story has update with additional information
Eagle supporters are wondering if a recently rescued eagle in Big Bear is Jackie, the mate of Shadow, whose family nest sits atop a tree near Big Bear Lake.
Friends of Big Bear Valley on Saturday, July 18, took to Facebook to say that a bald eagle was recently rescued in Big Bear and taken to a wildlife center for care.
The following day, FOBBV said video images of the unidentified eagle from a rehab center, shows a bird that looks like Jackie.
On Saturday, FOOBV said, “This eagle is an adult and may or may not be Jackie, we do not have confirmation at this time. The good news is that this eagle is in the best place it can be. This wildlife center is excellent.”
In early April, the popular eagle couple experienced the birth of their eaglets, Luna and Sandy, according to FOBBV, which maintains and operates the famed 24-hour online stream that broadcasts the daily activities of the eagle family.
In Saturday’s post, Jennifer Voisard, the media manager for FOBBV, emphasized that the public should “NOT CONTACT” any wildlife centers to inquire about the eagle; otherwise, they will interfere with the care they need to provide.
“It is also very important to care for yourselves while this eagle heals up,” Voisard said. “Shadow’s got his eye on Sandy and Luna right now. Send your light and loving energy to all of them. It doesn’t do anyone any good to panic and remember to step away from the livestream as needed. Nature is naturing.”
Voisard said they are in direct communication with the wildlife center and will provide updates as they receive them.
“We do not have any other information at this time,” Voisard said. “Please have patience and consideration for our team and each other. As always, keep the faith.”
Voisard told the Daily Press that Jackie and Shadow have not been tagged, and the nonprofit does not know if the rescued eagle was female. She added that she would share more information as it becomes available.
Sandy and Luna alone
On Saturday, the live cam captured Sandy and Luna near the nest as they greeted the sunrise. At about 6:26 a.m., the young eagles flew off, and the nest remained empty for most of the day.
At about 4:28 p.m., Luna, Sandy, and possibly Shadow returned to the nest with a fish. The adult eagle remained in the nest for about 14 seconds before leaving.
Luna and Sandy were heard screeching several times as they looked out over the valley.
Saturday night update
Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, FOBBV said they do not have an update on the bald eagle rescued in Big Bear in the early morning hours.
“The initial wildlife rescue group did a light exam and did not see any obvious injuries other than the eagle seemed lethargic, but that it was still somewhat active,” FOBBV stated.
The eagle was later transferred to another wildlife group that is more equipped and experienced in these rescues, according to the group.
“We have been in contact with them and when they have any information to share, they will reach out to us, “FOBBV said. “Initial exams, tests and/or x-rays can take time to get results.”
FOBBV said they will share more information when they hear something, adding, “Thank you for your well wishes for the eagle and please be patient during this difficult time.”
Sunday update
On Sunday, FOBBV said that on July 19, an adult bald eagle was observed on the ground near Dana Point Park, which is located in Fawnskin, near the eagle’s nest.
“It had been observed there the previous day as well. Later, that eagle was seen in a short ground altercation with two other subadult eagles,” FOBBV stated. ”Cell phone video confirmed that the adult was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using its talons, but was unable to fly far away.”
That eagle was picked up by the LA County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue and then transferred to an unnamed specialty care facility, the nonprofit stated.
The nonprofit still does not know the identity of the eagle nor confirmation of the bird’s sex.
“There is a lot of misinformation and speculation online right now and we will provide the facts as we obtain them,” FOBBV said. “We have not seen Jackie on our cameras for several days and we don’t know how many visiting eagles are currently in the area. She is not banded.”
Just before 7 p.m. on Sunday, FOBBV said, “We saw the images of the eagle in the video posted from the rehab center and it looks like apparently it could be our Jackie! If it is her, we are so happy she is in good care. Keep the faith eagle family. Please be kind and considerate to our team members and each other as we all navigate this together. Roost well sweet eagle family.”
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Is Jackie the rescued eagle found in Big Bear?
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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By Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
