Jackie and Shadow Welcome Third Eaglet—See the Exciting Moment Here

Last week, Southern California's beloved bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, welcomed two new hatchlings, with thousands of viewers watching on the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FBBV) Facebook livestream. This weekend, the couple's third egg hatched.

National Park News shared the exciting update on Instagram, saying that Jackie and Shadow finally welcomed a third eaglet into the world. "The news is sure to thrill fans from around the world who keep close track of the birds perched in their nest in California’s scenic San Bernardino National Forest," the caption read.

On Thursday, March 6, FBBV reported that pip movement was spotted in the third egg. "You can see the chick's beak moving inside the egg," the non-profit wrote on its Eagle Stories blog. By Saturday morning, the eaglet was carefully unwrapped and emerged from its shell.

The other two eggs hatched about five days before the third one did, which is normal since they had different incubation times. Jackie and Shadow have been busy collecting food for their babies, including fish and waterfowl. "The chicks look healthy and will be eating a lot and growing quickly," FBBV wrote on the blog.

Jackie laid her eggs in late January, and viewers from around the world have been closely following her journey. "The live stream is captivating, especially knowing there are three adorable eaglets tucked safely under doting mom, Jackie," National Park News wrote on Instagram. "You never know what’s going to happen next, and it’s exhilarating to catch a glimpse of the little birds during feedings or shift changes."

Jackie and Shadow successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. Sadly, the last two seasons weren't as lucky for the beloved couple. Jackie laid three eggs last January, but none of them hatched. Everyone who has followed Jackie and Shadow throughout their journey is elated about this year's outcome.

Jackie and Shadow will care for their three eaglets over the coming weeks. The babies will fledge at about 12 weeks of age, spending a month or two in the area before heading off on their own, according to the American Eagle Foundation.