Jackie, the bald eagle made famous by a nest camera at Big Bear Lake, died after receiving care at the Ojai Raptor Center. She had been taken to the center after falling ill following a confrontation with two other bald eagles.
Officials at the Ojai Raptor Center said intensive treatment did not stop her decline. "Over the past several days, her condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive treatment and the combined efforts of our veterinary team and consulting specialists," center officials said.
The eagle drew a global following through the Big Bear Lake webcam. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the group that runs the cameras and works to protect the birds, said the loss will be deeply felt. "We know this news will be deeply felt by the many thousands of people around the world who have followed her journey, hoped alongside us, prayed for her, and supported the people caring for her," center officials said.
Shadow Spotted With KD1 And Reactions From Fans
Shadow, Jackie’s mate for nearly 10 years, has been seen on wildlife cameras with another bald eagle identified as KD1. Friends of Big Bear Valley said KD1 visited the pair’s nest several times and that Shadow joined her in the nest at least once.
Friends of Big Bear Valley described the sightings cautiously. "Is this a new bond forming between these 2? Well, it could be and it may not be, only time will tell," the group said, noting that breeding season will not begin until later this fall and winter season.
Observers and the group said the new sightings have offered comfort to fans mourning Jackie. "It is great to see Shadow up close and doing well," Friends of Big Bear Valley said. Jenny Voisard, the group’s spokeswoman, added, "It reminds us that nature is nature and life will go on," and said people are finding comfort in Shadow not being alone.
The developments tie both to the immediate loss of Jackie and to the uncertain but closely watched behavior of wild eagles around the Big Bear Lake nest. Friends of Big Bear Valley will continue to monitor the pair and the nest via its cameras.
