The internet’s favorite eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, has officially welcomed two new eaglets into the world. After a challenging start to the season, these new arrivals are ready to begin their journey, and the public is being invited to help name them.
A Community Tradition: Naming the Chicks
The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), a nonprofit organization that manages the famous 24-hour livestream of the nest, is hosting a naming contest for the new brood. This has become a beloved annual tradition that engages the public and supports the conservation efforts of the San Bernardino National Forest.
How to participate:
– Submission Method: Names must be submitted via the FOBBV website.
– Deadline: Suggestions are being accepted until Sunday, April 26, at 11:59 p.m. PDT.
– The Selection Process: FOBBV will select a random sample of names to create a finalist list.
– The Final Decision: In keeping with a tradition started by Jackie’s parents (Ricky and Lucy), a group of third-grade students from Big Bear Valley will choose the winning names.
This community involvement is significant; last year, the organization received over 54,000 suggestions. The students eventually selected “Sunny” and “Gizmo” from a shortlist of 31 finalists.
Resilience Amidst the Challenges
The arrival of these two chicks is a hard-won victory for Jackie and Shadow. This nesting season has already been a “roller coaster” for the pair:
– Early Setbacks: In January, two of their eggs were destroyed by ravens.
– The New Arrivals: Following those losses, Jackie laid two new eggs, which successfully hatched on April 4 and April 5.
The survival of bald eagle chicks is never guaranteed. The FOBBV notes that the survival rate for eaglets during the “fledging” stage (when they first leave the nest) is approximately 70%. Before they even fly, these chicks must contend with:
* Predators: Hawks, ravens, owls, and even other eagles.
* Extreme Weather: Severe storms, such as the March 2025 snowstorm that claimed one of their previous chicks, remain a constant threat.
* Human Impact: Once they leave the nest, young eagles often face dangers from vehicles while scavenging for food.
The Journey Ahead
The new eaglets are expected to remain in the nest for 10 to 14 weeks. During this period, they will develop the necessary feather strength and muscle to attempt their first flight.
While Jackie and Shadow have faced several unsuccessful hatching seasons in recent years, their ability to produce viable chicks demonstrates the resilience of this specific pair. Once these birds fledge, they may travel vast distances—from British Columbia in the north to Baja California in the south.
Summary: As the public submits names for the newest members of the Big Bear Valley eagle family, the focus remains on the survival and growth of these chicks through a high-risk period of their development.
