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Jackie & Shadow's Chicks: A Race Against Development
10 Apr
Summary
- Bald eagles Jackie and Shadow are raising new chicks amid a habitat conservation effort.
- A $10 million conservation goal aims to protect wildlife habitat by July 31.
- The nest camera has drawn global attention, highlighting the need for habitat protection.
Bald eagles Jackie and Shadow have captivated a global audience with their newest brood of chicks. Viewers are closely following the eaglets' development via a live nest camera operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). This intimate look into the nest is being used to rally support for a crucial $10 million conservation initiative.
FOBBV, in partnership with the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust, is working to purchase the Moon Camp area, a vital habitat for the eagles. The deadline for this acquisition is July 31. If the conservation deal fails, the 63-acre property is slated for development, potentially including housing and a marina.
The bald eagle population in Big Bear Valley has a rich history, with numbers dwindling significantly over the past three decades. However, a shift occurred around 2009, signaling a return of these magnificent birds as year-round residents, culminating in the first documented chick hatched in 2011-2012. This chick, Jackie, initiated a new nesting era.
Jackie and her mate, Shadow, have since established a prominent nest, drawing consistent attention. The current eaglets, though small, face a dynamic environment, with their parents diligently feeding them and teaching survival instincts, including normal 'bonking' behavior to establish dominance.
