11/28/2025
Shadow & Jackie are now in their seventh year together. When Shadow first arrived in May of 2018 he was sporting quite a bit of dark plumage. In the fall and winter of 2018 he was showing some dramatic changes as his head feathers were becoming predominantly white. It's important to remember that eagles just like other wildlife and even humans can mature at different rates. Shadow is a great example in that he showed that surge in maturing right before some of our eyes. Some of you have been following the Big Bear bald eagles for the past seven to eight years and you got to see that dramatic development that Shadow went through and the transition of Jackie switching mates. Others are newer to following the local eagles so it is nice to rehash some of the intriguing history. This picture is from 10/24/18 and you can see how Shadow has matured. It was rather unusual to see him get higher up or above Jackie as she normally would jump perch and circle back around to position herself above him. During this observation she did not do that as she allowed Shadow to be the high percher. This is the time period where they were preparing to have their first nesting season together. It was wonderful to see how Jackie had transitioned from Mr. B to Shadow without any interruption as far as mating seasons go. Such a fascinating time to observe as she had just finished nesting season 2017/18 with Mr. B and was on her way with nesting season 2018/19 with Shadow. Both of these seasons were successful as there was one fledgling in 2018 (Stormy) and one fledgling in 2019 (Simba). There are some sad notes regarding these seasons and these fledglings but I prefer to focus on this positive stuff that went on at this time. Thanksgiving is approaching and there is so much to be thankful for here in the eagles neighborhood by Big Bear Lake. - Trish :)
