A rescued bald eagle near Big Bear Lake may be Jackie, the mate of Shadow, one half of the famous bald eagle pair whose San Bernardino Mountains nest has attracted viewers around the world.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation posted a video Sunday of an adult eagle being treated. The video quickly sparked speculation that the bird may be Jackie and has since garnered 1.8 million views.
The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, which monitors, protects, and livestreams the famous wild bald eagle couple, confirmed late Sunday night that the eagle resembles Jackie.
“We have received a good number of videos and pictures from the public and the initial rehab center and it is apparent that the rescued eagle is likely Jackie,” FOBBV officials said in a Facebook post.
The eagle’s identity and sex have not been confirmed since the adult bird was observed on the ground Friday, July 17, near Dana Point Park and the eagle’s nest in Fawnskin, said Jennifer Voisard, FOBBV’s media manager.
Voisard told The Victorville Daily Press that Jackie and Shadow have not been tagged.
The nonprofit said the adult eagle was also spotted near the park the day before.
“Later, that eagle was seen in a short ground altercation with two other subadult eagles,” FOBBV said. ”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.”
Los Angeles County Parks’ San Dimas Raptor Rescue picked up the eagle before it was transferred to an unnamed specialty care facility, the nonprofit said Saturday.
LA County officials share video of rescued eagle
The County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation video shows a bright-eyed eagle using its wings to maneuver across a body of water, and photos of the bird perched, caged and receiving specialized care.
“When a bald eagle was found in need near Big Bear Lake, an incredible team came together to make sure it received the care it deserved,” county officials said.
County officials also expressed their gratitude to the San Dimas Raptor Rescue Team, part of the county’s parks and recreation department, for responding, safely rescuing the eagle, providing initial stabilization and coordinating its transfer to a specialized rehabilitation facility.
County officials also thanked FOBBV and San Bernardino County Fire for their assistance and support regarding the eagle’s rescue.
Officials urge public to avoid speculation
County officials also echoed FOBBV by asking the public to avoid speculation and to rely only on verified updates from the organizations involved.
“Please do not contact San Dimas Raptor Rescue or the rehabilitation facility for updates,” Los Angeles County officials stated. “Their teams need to dedicate their time and resources to caring for this eagle and the other animals in their care.”
Just after 7 p.m. Saturday, FOBBV said 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.
“The eagle is safe and receiving specialized care. We will share confirmed information as it becomes available,” the county said.
What’s happening at Jackie and Shadow’s nest?
Meanwhile, the 24-hour online stream on Sunday showed the eagle’s nest mostly vacant, with Shadow and the couple’s young eaglets — Luna and Sandy — appearing a few times throughout the day.
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.
Later that afternoon, 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.
How to watch Jackie and Shadow
The live feed for Jackie and Shadow operates 24 hours and is available at Friends of Big Bear Valley’s YouTube page.
As of Monday morning, more than 15,000 people were tuned into the nonprofit’s two separate live feeds.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Rescued bald eagle ‘likely Jackie,’ 1 of Big Bear Valley’s famed eagles
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz and Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rene Ray De La Cruz and Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
