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Jackie and Shadow’s 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna, have officially left Big Bear Valley. The 17-week-old eaglets were last spotted on July 23, and Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) announced today that they’ve likely set out on their next adventure. They may pop up on the non-profit’s live cameras from time to time, but since they are not banded, we likely won’t know where they will go on their journey.
“We wish them both the best on their future adventures!” FOBBV writes.Â
Now that Sandy and Luna are out of the neat, their father Shadow is on his “summer vacation.” He will occasionally be spotted on FOBBV’s cameras. Big Bear Lake is about seven miles long with 15 miles of shoreline, so the papa eagle has plenty of space to perch and relax. Without the eaglets to care for in the nest, he does not have a real need to remain there.Â
Viewers can still tune into the nest’s livestream, but likely won’t see Shadow, Sandy, or Luna.
Shadow’s partner Jackie is still being cared for over 100 miles away at the Ojai Raptor Center. On July 17, she was found on the ground near Dana Point Park, following an altercation on the ground with two other subadult eagles. Cell phone video confirmed she was able to fend off the other eagles by turning over and using her talons, but could not fly far away. The Los Angeles County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue then picked her up and she was transferred to the Ojai Raptor Center.Â
She has been diagnosed with anemia, which has been worsening in recent days. The Ojai Raptor Center says that they will continue to update the public on Jackie’s condition, as she is beloved by millions. Unfortunately, this outpouring of love and demanding updates can impede work and has helped misinformation spread online.Â
“There is a petition out there that FOBBV does not support, demanding updates for the public,” FOBBV writes. “None of us are entitled to any information, this petition does nothing for Jackie, hinders her care team and only heightens people’s anxiety over the situation.”Â
FOBBV added that it is disappointing to see the nasty comments left on Ojai Raptor Center’s Facebook page and elsewhere.Â
“Their goal is to get Jackie healthy and release her back to her territory, please let them do their job,” says FOBBV. “We are all in this together, continued prayers, positive thoughts and hope for Jackie and her medical team is all we can do at this time.”
This is a developing story and we will continue to share updates as they become available from the Ojai Raptor Center and FOBBV’s official channels.
It’s been another roller coaster nesting season for Jackie and Shadow, a pair of internet-famous bald eagle parents living in San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. After two of their eggs were destroyed by ravens in January, Jackie and Shadow laid two new eggs that have successfully hatched.
Chick 1 hatched on April 4 at 9:33 p.m. PDT, while Chick 2 followed on April 5 at 8:30 a.m. Their large nest in Big Bear Valley east of Los Angeles is livestreamed 24 hours a day by nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and has captivated millions.Â
On May 1, FOBBV announced the chicks’ names: Sandy and Luna.