Friends of Big Bear Valley, an advocacy organization operating a livestream camera of a bald eagle nest, reported that a female eagle believed to be named Jackie has been located alive but injured following an encounter with other eagles. The group stated that observers first spotted the bird on the ground last Thursday and witnessed it engaged in what they described as a brief ground altercation with two younger eagles on Friday. According to the organization, cell phone video documented the adult eagle defending itself by turning on its back and using its talons, though it was unable to fly any significant distance.
San Dimas Raptor Rescue, a division of the Los Angeles County Parks Foundation, rescued the injured bird and provided it medical care at a wildlife treatment facility. The parks and recreation department of LA County posted video and images of the eagle receiving treatment on social media. Friends of Big Bear Valley initially stated uncertainty about the rescued eagle’s identity, noting that the group had not confirmed whether it was Jackie and that multiple visiting eagles may be in the area. However, the organization later told local news station KTLA5 that it now believed the rescued eagle is Jackie, one half of a nesting pair with her partner Shadow that have been featured prominently on the organization’s livestream in recent years.
Jackie’s disappearance prompted continued viewership of the nest as Shadow remained at the site caring for their two young chicks, Sandy and Luna, which had taken their first flights approximately three weeks prior. According to a timeline maintained by Friends of Big Bear Valley, Jackie and Shadow occupied the nest beginning in 2016 and have produced offspring annually, with most eggs hatching successfully despite some losses attributed to harsh winter conditions. The organization noted that the chicks were old enough to leave the nest imminently.
The incident occurred as Friends of Big Bear Valley and other groups continued opposing a proposed luxury residential and marina development called Moon Camp on the lake’s north shore. The organization stated that the development site is adjacent to eagle habitat and less than one mile from the nest, and characterized the area as an ecological corridor supporting rare plant species, wildlife, and food sources relied upon by the eagles.