Yahoo Lifestyle Watch: Adorable Baby Eagles Enjoy Feeding Time on California Nest Cam
Two baby bald eagles have hatched on a nest cam in California’s San Bernardino Mountains. Now, the world eagerly watches for a pip in egg no. 3, but for the moment, glimpses of the adorable balls of fluff will do. This event is, after all, a huge deal.
In 2024, mama bird Jackie made national news when she protected her nest for nearly 62 hours straight during a snowstorm. (Her partner Shadow would have gladly taken a turn, but Jackie was determined.) Viewers glued to their story last year ultimately learned a hard lesson about nature. None of the three eggs Jackie laid that year hatched, which makes the current news about the new chicks’ arrival all the more joyous.
“Even after laying eggs, hatching is never guaranteed, something that Jackie and Shadow know well,” says Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist, native Californian, and cohost of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild on NBC. “Incubation is a meticulous process and is a true symbol of eagles’ unwavering commitment to their offspring. After two years of unsuccessful hatches, Jackie and Shadow’s new hatchlings are a true testament to the perseverance of the beloved pair.”
The ever-unfolding saga of the feathered pair is made possible by the live nest cams maintained by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, and their triumph this nesting season is part of the larger comeback story of bald eagles.
“Bald eagles were once teetering on the brink of extinction, but thanks to the Endangered Species Act and wildlife organizations across the U.S., there is an estimated 316,700 now in the lower 48 states,” Wynn-Grant says. “While they’ve seen a tremendous comeback, still, every eagle born is crucial to the species’ long-term success and highlights the vital importance of protecting our wildlife.”
What’s next for the eaglets—other than a naming competition?
“The journey from pipping to first flight can be long and challenging, so it’s important to be patient as we keep an eye on the newly born chicks, but there are a few main milestones to keep an eye out for,” Wynn-Grant says.
“After the eaglets are fully hatched, they rely entirely on their parents for food and warmth. Jackie will provide warmth by sitting close to them or often covering them with her body and using her brood patch to maintain warmth, especially in these early days. This typically lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks, after which the chicks are better able to regulate their own body temperature. During this time, Jackie and Shadow will also take turns hunting and feeding the chicks with regurgitated food. [Be sure to watch the video in this story to see feeding time in action!]
“Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, the eaglets will begin to show interest in solid food but will remain dependent on Jackie and Shadow for nourishment. By 8 to 10 weeks, they’ll start transitioning toward eating on their own but will continue to rely on their parents to catch food and teach them how to hunt. Bald eagle chicks typically fledge the nest at around 10 to 12 weeks. During this time, they begin to strengthen their wings and practice flying short distances. After fledging, the young eagles will continue to rely on the nest for safety and food, so we’re likely to still see them pop on the nest cam.
“By 6 months, they’ll begin hunting independently, starting with small prey and progressing to larger animals as they develop their skills. From there, it can take up to 5 years for the eaglets to fully grow and achieve their full adult plumage with their iconic white head and tail.”
The fact that we can observe all of these stages in real time is pretty incredible, says Wynn-Grant: “The impact of these live cams can’t be overstated. Thanks to nonprofit organizations like Friends of Big Bear Valley, people have rallied from all over the world to follow the pair’s journey, caring about them and learning about the species in the process. … Jackie and Shadow have united people worldwide, reminding us of the profound bond between nature and humanity and our desire to care for wildlife.”
Stay tuned for details on the eaglet naming competition and daily nest cam recaps on Friends of Big Bear Valley’s Facebook, @FOBBV. Jackie’s previous surviving chicks have been named Stormy (in 2018; with her former mate Mr. B), Simba (in 2019) and the children’s book-famous Spirit (in 2022).
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