Jackie And Shadow Live Update: 5 Shocking Things The Big Bear Eagles Are Doing Right Now (December 2025)

The world's most famous bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, are once again captivating millions of viewers from their Big Bear Lake nest, and the current updates for December 2025 are full of unexpected activity. While the dramatic 2025 nesting season, which saw the successful fledging of their two eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, is officially over, the dedicated pair has already shifted their focus to preparing for the 2026 season. The live nest cam, provided by the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), has been documenting fascinating pre-nesting behaviors, from intense nest maintenance to surprising solo missions by the Queen of the Nest, Jackie herself. This deep dive covers the most recent, up-to-the-minute details as of December 15, 2025, and what their current actions signal for the upcoming year.

The anticipation for the next clutch of eggs is already building, and the recent footage provides a crucial look into the eagles' current dynamic. Bald eagle behavior is highly seasonal, and what Jackie and Shadow are doing right now—gathering sticks, rearranging the nest bowl, and defending their territory—is the bedrock of their next breeding cycle. Fans are tuning in daily to catch a glimpse of the iconic pair in the San Bernardino Mountains, proving that even in the quiet season, their lives are anything but boring.

Jackie and Shadow: The Big Bear Bald Eagle Biography and Profile

Jackie and Shadow are a pair of wild bald eagles residing in a massive nest high up in a Jeffrey pine tree near Big Bear Lake, California, within the San Bernardino National Forest. Their lives have been documented since 2017 via a 24/7 live-streaming nest cam run by the non-profit organization, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).

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• Jackie (The Female): The Queen of the Nest. She is the larger of the two, known for her dedication to the nest and her powerful, independent nature. Jackie has been the primary resident of this nest for many years, originally pairing with another male named Ricky before Shadow arrived. She is the main incubator and protector of the eggs.
• Shadow (The Male): The King of the Nest. He is slightly smaller, known for his diligent stick-gathering, providing food (prey), and taking incubation shifts. Shadow is often seen bringing large, impressive sticks to reinforce the structure. He is known to be a slightly less experienced, but increasingly devoted, partner.
• Location: Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino Mountains, Southern California.
• Nest Cam Provider: Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), with updates often provided by eagle specialist Sandy Steers.
• Notable 2025 Eaglets (Clutch): Sunny and Gizmo.
• Recent Activity (December 2025): Intense nest maintenance, stick delivery, and territorial defense in preparation for the 2026 nesting season.

The 2025 Season Recap: The Story of Sunny and Gizmo

The 2025 nesting season was a rollercoaster of emotions for the thousands of dedicated viewers, highlighting the harsh realities and incredible triumphs of nature. The season began with great promise and a large clutch of eggs.

The Hatching and Early Days

Jackie laid her first egg of the 2025 season on January 22, 2025, followed by two more, resulting in a clutch of three eggs. After the typical incubation period, all three eggs successfully hatched in early March 2025, with the third eaglet debuting on March 6, 2025. The trio of fluffy chicks kept Jackie and Shadow busy with constant feeding and protection duties. Sadly, one of the three chicks did not survive a severe winter storm, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by wild bald eagles.

The Naming and Fledging of Sunny and Gizmo

The two surviving eaglets were officially named Sunny and Gizmo. Sunny, the older eaglet, was named for the bright future the pair represents, while Gizmo, the younger, was named for its resourceful nature. The final, triumphant chapter of the season came with the fledging process. Fledging is the critical moment when the young eagles take their first true flight from the nest. Sunny fully fledged and flew away from the nest on June 2, 2025, with Gizmo following shortly after. While the young eagles remain in the area for a time, practicing their flight and hunting skills, the parents began preparing for the next cycle.

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5 Shocking Things Jackie and Shadow Are Doing Right Now (December 2025)

The "live" updates from the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam in mid-December 2025 show that Jackie and Shadow are fully engaged in pre-nesting activities, a critical phase that dictates the success of the 2026 season. Their current behavior is a mix of domesticity, diligence, and dominance.

1. Shadow Took a Day Off (And Jackie Noticed)

In a recent update from December 13, 2025, the FOBBV Eagle Log noted that Shadow, the diligent male, appeared to have taken the morning off. In true "Queen" fashion, Jackie immediately stepped up, bringing a lone stick to the nest to continue maintenance. This highlights the pair's complementary roles and Jackie's independent nature. While Shadow is the primary stick-gatherer, Jackie ensures the nest preparations do not stall, reinforcing the nest bowl for the upcoming clutch.

2. Intense Nest Bowl Rearrangement

Current footage shows both eagles spending significant time rearranging the nest bowl. This isn't just casual tidying; it’s a crucial behavior that involves meticulously shaping the depression where the eggs will be laid and incubated. They are adding soft materials, sticks, and pine needles to create a safe, insulated environment. This intense focus signals that the pair is hormonally ready and physically preparing for the potential egg-laying period, which typically begins in late January or February in the Big Bear region.

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3. Jackie is Asserting Dominance and Staying "In Charge"

A video update from early December 2025 specifically highlighted Jackie's temperament, noting that she was "in charge" and "stays calm and independent". This behavior is typical for the female bald eagle, who is the dominant partner in the pair. Her calm, assertive presence is vital for maintaining the nest's security and ensuring Shadow remains focused on his duties, such as delivering prey and sticks. This dominance is a key factor in their successful partnership.

4. Defending Against Juvenile Intruders

Territorial defense is paramount during the pre-nesting phase. Jackie and Shadow have been observed defending their massive nest from juvenile bald eagles attempting to encroach on their territory. These encounters are loud and dramatic, involving aerial chases and defensive calls. Successfully warding off intruders ensures the Big Bear nest site remains secure for their 2026 clutch, preventing potential threats to future eggs or eaglets.

5. Returning From a "Vacay" to Full-Time Nest Duty

In late October 2025, the pair took a short hiatus, described by fans as a "2 wks vacay," before returning to the nest for the start of the winter season. Their return marked the beginning of the serious preparatory phase. Since returning, they have been consistently present, reinforcing the nest structure and re-establishing their bond. This consistent presence in December is the strongest indication that they are committed to a full 2026 nesting season.

What Comes Next for the Famous Bald Eagle Pair?

Based on their current activities in December 2025, the timeline for Jackie and Shadow's 2026 nesting season is becoming clear. Eagle specialists like Sandy Steers, who provides regular updates, will be closely monitoring their behavior for key indicators.

The current phase, known as the nest-building and bonding phase, will continue through late December and early January. This period is essential for strengthening the nest and the pair bond. Fans can expect to see Shadow bringing larger and more decorative sticks, a ritualistic behavior that signifies his commitment.

The most anticipated event is the egg-laying period, which, based on previous seasons, is expected to occur in late January or early February 2026. Once the first egg is laid, the long, dedicated process of incubation begins. Viewers will then be on "pip watch" in the spring, waiting for the first tiny crack in the shell that signals the imminent hatching of the next generation of Big Bear bald eagles.

The continued dedication of Jackie and Shadow, combined with the tireless efforts of the Friends of Big Bear Valley, ensures that the world can watch the drama of nature unfold live from the San Bernardino Mountains, keeping the legacy of the Big Bear eagles alive for another thrilling year.