Wildlife observers watching the Big Bear nest are seeing a new chapter unfold on the live cameras. Shadow, a male bald eagle, is spending time with a new eagle identified as KD-1. This follows the death of his long-term partner, Jackie, who died on August 10 after a period of poor health.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, the organization maintaining the nest cameras, recently shared footage of the two eagles vocalizing together at dawn. The group described the interaction as a morning duet, noting the pair seems to be establishing a rapport. While the exact nature of their relationship remains to be seen, the development has brought a sense of optimism to the dedicated community that follows the nest.
KD-1, who was banded in the Prado Basin in March 2022, is approximately four and a half years old. Observers believe KD-1 is likely female based on size comparisons to Shadow, though DNA testing has not confirmed this. Shadow, who is 12 years old, remains a fixture at the Big Bear Lake site where he and Jackie raised several chicks over the past eight years.
Experts note that while eagle vocalizations are not fully understood, the current teamwork between Shadow and KD-1 suggests they are forming a functional bond. The cameras continue to broadcast daily, providing viewers with a look at how these birds interact with their environment and with one another as the season progresses.