Big Bear bald eagles lose eggs in raven attack, Jackie may lay again

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By: Jessica Morrison

Big Bear bald eagles suffered heartbreaking loss yesterday as ravens invaded the nest and destroyed both eggs. The beloved pair Jackie and Shadow may still have hope to lay again during the 2026 nesting season at their famous Big Bear Lake home, according to wildlife officials.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • Attack Time: Friday afternoon around 3:30 p.m. on January 31, when both eagles left the nest.
  • Both Eggs Lost: A raven breached and damaged both freshly-laid eggs, making them unviable.
  • Live Cam Footage: The entire attack was captured on the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam livestream.
  • Second Chance: Wildlife experts confirm Jackie can lay another clutch before the season ends.

Heartbreaking Raven Attack Destroys Dream Nest

On Friday, January 31, internet-famous bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow experienced devastating loss at their Big Bear Lake nest. The two eggs they had carefully laid just days earlier were destroyed in a shocking predator attack. A raven flew into the unguarded nest and aggressively pecked at the eggs, causing fatal damage to both. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit managing the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, confirmed the tragedy that unfolded live on thousands of viewers’ screens.

The raven attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. while Jackie and Shadow were away from the nest. Video footage shows the bold predator landing directly in the high nest perched on Big Bear Lake and methodically destroying the eggs. One egg appeared to have crack before the attack while the other seemed intact, but both became non-viable after the raven’s assault. The entire sequence was captured on the live feed that thousands of eagle enthusiasts watch daily.

Internet-Famous Eagle Pair Faces Setback

Jackie and Shadow have captivated millions of viewers through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, which broadcasts their nesting activities year-round. These beloved bald eagles had successfully hatched three eaglets in 2024, with two chicks named Sunny and Gizmo eventually fledging and leaving on their own. The pair has had previous challenges, facing unsuccessful nesting seasons in 2023 and 2024, making this year’s fresh start especially meaningful to fans.

The nest itself sits dramatically 145 feet high overlooking Big Bear Lake in California’s San Bernardino National Forest. Thousands of people follow Jackie and Shadow’s journey through the livestream, tracking every development. This latest tragedy struck just days after the pair had laid their first egg of the 2026 nesting season, then welcomed a second egg on Sunday.

What’s Next for the Beloved Bald Eagle Pair

Timeline Event Details
Egg #1 Laid January 23, 2026 – First egg of the season
Egg #2 Laid January 26, 2026 – Second egg welcomed
Raven Attack January 31, 2026, 3:30 p.m. – Both eggs destroyed
Possibility Likely – Jackie can lay again this season

“Jackie and Shadow lost the eggs today sadly.”

Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam Management

Revival Hopes for the Nesting Season

Despite the devastating loss, experts believe Jackie can still produce another clutch of eggs this season. The 2026 nesting season is still young, with months ahead for the bald eagle pair to recover emotionally and biologically. Many bald eagles lay replacement clutches after losing their first batch, and Jackie and Shadow have proven their dedication through multiple years of nest management. Wildlife officials monitoring the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam expressed cautious optimism about future laying attempts.

The raven attack highlights ongoing challenges for nesting eagles, including predator threats and environmental pressures. Ravens are known aggressive predators of eagle eggs and chicks. The San Bernardino National Forest nesting site, while ideally positioned and protected in elevation, still faces risks from wildlife. Viewers hoping for Jackie and Shadow’s success in 2026 are now watching carefully for signs of renewed nesting behavior in the coming weeks.

Will Jackie and Shadow Ever Recover from This Tragedy?

The loss of both eggs in such a dramatic fashion raises questions about resilience and hope for the internet-famous eagle pair. Jackie and Shadow have overcome challenges before, surviving unsuccessful seasons and bouncing back to produce healthy chicks. Their dedicated fanbase on the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam continues to offer support and encourages the pair forward. Friends of Big Bear Valley maintain that the couple’s track record shows they remain capable of successful breeding.

Bald eagle conservation depends on these precious nesting attempts, and Big Bear’s famous pair serves as an inspiration to millions about wildlife recovery. The 2026 nesting season is far from over, and Jackie may yet surprise her devoted followers with new eggs in the coming weeks. Until then, eagle enthusiasts worldwide hold onto hope that this beloved couple will write a triumphant chapter in their remarkable journey at Big Bear Lake.

Sources

  • ABC7 Los Angeles – Breaking news coverage of the raven attack and egg loss at Big Bear nest
  • Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) – Official nonprofit managing the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam livestream
  • VVNG – Detailed reporting on the predator breach and survival assessment of eggs

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