Celebrity bald eagles Jackie and Shadow are about to welcome a new chick, just in time for Easter. The excitement started when chirps were heard coming from one of their two eggs, high in a tree above Big Bear Lake.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit that runs a live stream of the nest, explained that the chick was breaking through the internal membrane. Observers even spotted a crack in the eggshell, indicating that hatching was in progress. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for a chick to fully hatch after the first crack.
This moment is especially joyful because Jackie and Shadow lost their first clutch back in January when ravens snatched their unattended eggs. Despite that setback, the couple worked hard to prepare their nest again, bringing in twigs and fluff, and mating, which hinted that Jackie might lay more eggs.
The eagerness to watch the hatching live has drawn many viewers. This year, their nature livestream became incredibly popular, racking up 243 million views from fall to spring, according to Rebecca Mauldin, a social connectedness researcher at the University of Texas at Arlington. People are captivated by the drama and beauty of nature.
Jackie and Shadow have partnered for eight years and raised two daughters, Gizmo and Sunny, last year. Their story reflects resilience and the strong bond of animal families, resonating with fans who find joy in their journey.
As people worldwide tune in, it’s heartwarming to see how wildlife continues to unite us, reminding us of nature’s wonders. If you’re interested in more updates, you can check out the live stream here.
