Big Bear Valley’s iconic bald‑eagle nest, perched in the San Bernardino National Forest near the city of Big Bear Lake, has a new visitor. On August 15, wildlife observers recorded a young female eagle, banded KD1 and affectionately called “Katie,” perched beside Shadow, the resident male who had spent years raising a family with his former mate, Jackie.
Background on the nest and its residents
Shadow and Jackie became a beloved pair for viewers of the Friends of Big Bear Valley livestream, which has broadcast the eagles’ daily activities to a national audience. Their partnership began years ago, and the pair successfully raised several eaglets that were also featured on the live feed.
Jackie’s health began to decline in late July after an altercation with other birds left her injured. She was rescued and taken to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she received intensive medical care for more than three weeks. Despite the efforts of veterinarians, Jackie died on August 10, 2026.
Katie’s arrival
Friends of Big Bear Valley noted that Shadow returned to the nest on August 14, his first visit since July 23. The following day, Katie was seen alongside him, spending several hours together in the nest. Because Katie is banded, observers could confirm she is a younger bald eagle that has been spotted previously throughout the Big Bear Valley region.
The group cautioned that while the two eagles were together, it does not guarantee a new mating partnership. Bald eagles are wild animals, and interactions at the nest can be driven by a variety of factors, including territorial behavior or simple curiosity.
Community response
Fans of the livestream quickly expressed a mix of grief for Jackie and excitement about Katie’s presence. Comments on the Friends of Big Bear Valley Facebook page ranged from heartfelt tributes to light‑hearted jokes. One viewer wrote, “I have an addiction to watching for hours now. Still missing Jackie, but I absolutely adore this new lil lady that is keeping him company.” Another imagined a dating profile for Shadow, describing him as a “recently widowed, handsome middle‑aged man, excellent fisherman and nest builder.”
Some commenters saw a deeper meaning in Katie’s appearance, suggesting that Jackie’s spirit might have guided the new eagle to Shadow. “I think Jackie sent this beautiful new lady to take care of her beloved Shadow,” one fan posted, adding hope that the pair might eventually raise new eaglets.
What’s next for the nest?
The Friends of Big Bear Valley will continue to monitor the nest through their livestream and on‑site observations. The organization emphasizes that any future breeding activity will be documented and shared with the public, as it has been in previous seasons.
For residents and visitors to the Big Bear area, the eagle nest remains a popular natural attraction, drawing birdwatchers, families, and tourists who appreciate the chance to observe a thriving raptor population up close. The ongoing presence of Shadow, now accompanied by Katie, underscores the resilience of wildlife in the region and offers a hopeful narrative of renewal after loss.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
