The eaglet born to a well-known pair of eagles in Southern California, Jackie and Shadow, has sadly died following a severe winter storm. Jenny Voisard, who manages media for Friends of Big Bear Valley, confirmed that the eaglet "did not make it through the severe winter storm."
During the storm, the area received over two feet of snow, which made survival difficult for young birds. Jackie and Shadow are famous for their livestreamed nest, where their journey as parents is shared with eager viewers. At the end of January, they laid three eggs, and all hatched in early March.
Videos from the nest showed all three eaglets being cared for, but when the livestream resumed, only two were seen. The third chick had passed away after being observed with its siblings while being fed. Voisard indicated that the exact cause of death is still unclear, largely due to the obstructed view of the nest caused by the melting snow.
Despite this tragedy, Jackie and Shadow have continued to care for their two remaining eaglets. Voisard expressed a hope that their resilience could provide comfort to viewers. "Days like these test us," she said. "We fear uncertainty and the unknown, but nature is wild and unscripted."
Wildlife experts note that the challenges faced by these eaglets are not uncommon. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, many young birds do not survive their first year, especially due to harsh weather conditions. This statistic helps highlight the often harsh realities of nature, even when it unfolds in a setting that feels familiar to us.
For more information about eagle conservation and their natural habitats, you can check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by wildlife.
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Source linkJenny Voisard, winter storm, Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino Mountains, Friends of Big Bear Valley, Jackie and Shadow, eagles' nest
