Friends of Big Bear Valley has officially named the young, banded eagle seen at Shadow the bald eagle’s nest as Kaydee, the group announced after repeated sightings with the well known male. The organization said it rarely names visiting birds unless they remain long term, but it decided to call KD1 Kaydee whether or not she stays in the area. Observers identified her as KD1 from a lavender leg band that wildlife biologists use to track birds born in Southern California.
Kaydee began appearing at the nest soon after the death of Shadow’s longtime mate Jackie, which attracted worldwide attention and prompted an intensive rescue and medical effort according to the Ojai Raptor Center. Friends of Big Bear Valley and livestream viewers recorded the two eagles perching near each other, touching beaks, chortling, and spending hours together in favored roost trees. The group described moments when the pair sang morning calls to the valley and when Kaydee appeared to check the nest.
The naming followed public interest and a steady stream of shared camera footage. Friends of Big Bear Valley posted that the band read KD1 and that Kaydee shows signs of a young adult still growing adult feathers. The nonprofit also cautioned that these interactions do not prove a permanent pair bond. Bald eagles are wild animals and behavior observed now does not guarantee mating or nesting together when breeding season arrives.
Reaction Background And Outlook
Fans of the nest expressed a mix of grief and comfort on the group’s Facebook page. Some viewers said Jackie’s legacy made them grateful for ongoing access to the nest. One commenter joked about Shadow’s dating profile and another suggested Jackie “sent” Kaydee, language repeated by several supporters. Friends of Big Bear Valley summarized the community reaction and urged patience while the eagles’ relationship develops.
Wildlife biologists who banded the bird identified Kaydee as KD1 and said she was born in a Southern California basin and is nearing the age typical for first breeding attempts, according to the Orange County Water District and a named biologist. The group and experts noted that mating hormones and courtship behaviors for the region usually arrive in winter months, so observers will have more clues when the season begins. Friends of Big Bear Valley also said agencies are planning a public memorial for Jackie and are polling viewers to help set the venue size.
