The health of Jackie, the bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, has taken another turn for the worse, according to the Ojai Raptor Center in Ventura County.
Ojai Raptor Center Executive Director Chris Eksteen on Friday, Aug. 7, said the blood values of “Bald Eagle 26-519,” also known as Jackie, have declined again, with her packed cell volume falling below 10%, and her condition remaining critical.
Jackie’s packed cell volume should ideally be above 30%, according to Raptor Center officials.
Around-the-clock monitoring
On Friday, the eagle remained in intensive care, receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and around-the-clock monitoring, Eksteen added.
“This week’s contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy have provided important new information, while additional specialized testing remains pending,” Eksteen stated.
Some of that specialized testing includes further heavy metal analysis, he said.
The center’s onsite veterinary team continues to work closely with specialists from across the country, including those at the University of Georgia, UC Davis, and avian specialists in Northern California, to evaluate these findings and determine the next steps in the eagle’s care.
“We know how deeply so many of you care about this eagle, and we’re so grateful for your continued patience, compassion, and support,” Eksteen said. “Every decision we make is guided first and foremost by her medical condition, her welfare, and what is truly in her best interest.”
Jackie, the eagle mate of Shadow, was last seen at the family nest in Fawnskin on Sunday, July 12, according to the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s tree top cameras.
Jackie arrived at the center on July 17 after the already ill bird was involved in a ground altercation with two juvenile eagles.
Since then, the eagle’s health has been a roller coaster ride of improvements and setbacks.
Jackie and Shadow’s nest
On Friday morning, FOBBV shared an update about Shadow and the family nest located in the San Bernardino Mountains.
“Shadow flew through the habitat early this morning and landed on one of his favored perch trees, the lookout snag,” FOBBV stated. “He perched for about 45 minutes looking out over the lake.”
A nearly mature, banded eagle joined Shadow, who did not appear in the mood for company as he left his perch in less than 30 seconds.
The visitor waited about a minute and headed out in the same direction as Shadow.
“A bit later in the morning, a very vocal subadult showed up to the nest,” FOBBV said. “This eagle seemed to be tracking something up above. The subadult spent about 40 minutes at the nest before heading out.”
The nonprofit said it is not uncommon for eagle visitors to stop by the nest in the off-season.
“We believe this eagle is too young to be looking for a nest or territory; it is also not the right time of year,” FOBBV said. “We cannot say with any certainty whether this eagle is a male or female or if it is the same subadult that has been active in the habitat the last few weeks.”
There have been several bald eagles of various ages spotted around the valley recently, the nonprofit said.
FOBBV said the live cameras last picked up Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, Sandy and Luna, on July 23, and it appears “they have left the valley on their grand journey. We wish them both the best on their future adventures!”
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: Ojai Raptor Center officials report Jackie the eagle’s health declines
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
