After weeks of watching and waiting, it now appears that three eggs belonging to famous Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow will not hatch, experts said Monday.
Concern over the eggs began to grow on March 8 when eagle expert Sandy Steers said in an interview on KTLA that the first egg was probably not viable.
At that point, the other two eggs were still within the window of possibility, but now that time seems to have passed.
“As of today [Monday], there has been no confirmed pips in any of the eggs,” Friends of Big Bear Valley posted on its website. “This is later than Jackie’s eggs have hatched in the past, so it is probably unlikely for them to hatch at this point…but as someone pointed out to me, miracles do happen.”
Three bald eagle eggs are seen in Big Bear on March 7, 2024. (Friends of Big Bear Valley) 
One of two bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, whose nest is in Big Bear Valley is captured on a live cam. (Friends of Big Bear Valley) 
Jackie and Shadow, a local pair of bald eagles laid their first egg of 2024. (Friends of Big Bear Valley) 
Bald eagles Jackie and Shadow seen in their nest in Big Bear Valley. (FOBBV) 
Jackie and Shadow’s nest is seen in an image taken from a live feed on March 7, 2024. (Friends of Big Bear Valley)
Steers said in her interview that the eagles themselves would let watchers know when to abandon hope.
“Jackie and Shadow will let us know when to give up. They will start giving up themselves and leaving the nest for longer periods of time,” Steers said.
But for now, the Live Nest Cam remains active with more than 22,000 followers still watching as of Tuesday morning.
“At this point, they are both caring for the eggs, switching places, arguing over who’s turn it is and being gentle and tender both with the eggs and with each other,” FOBBV said.
The couple’s nest is located in Big Bear Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 145 feet up in a Jeffrey pine tree.
Watchers can tell the bald eagles apart because Jackie is larger and her beak is both longer and thicker than Shadow’s.
FOBBV states on its website that it is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
“We protect and preserve our amazing natural surroundings through environmental education and advocacy about its value and community benefit,” the website says.
