Shadow and Kaydee | New Partnership at Big Bear Nest

A New Presence in the Big Bear Nest

A new bald eagle named Kaydee has moved into the nest in Big Bear Lake, California, that was previously occupied by Shadow and his long-term partner, Jackie. This shift in the avian hierarchy follows the death of Jackie, who passed away at the Ojai Raptor Center after falling ill. The nest, monitored by the Friends of Big Bear Valley, has become the center of attention as observers track how Shadow adapts to the arrival of this new bird.

Recent footage from August 23, 2026, shows the two eagles engaging in nest maintenance together. They were seen moving large sticks, a behavior typical of pair bonding and territory establishment. While Shadow has occupied this space for years, the dynamic now shifts as Kaydee asserts her presence in the structure.

Observing the Interaction Dynamics

The interactions between Shadow and Kaydee have drawn thousands of viewers to the live feed. In the footage captured on August 23, Kaydee exhibited bold behavior, nibbling near Shadow's beak. Shadow appeared wary at times, reacting with a guarded stance that suggested he is still setting boundaries within the space he once shared with his previous mate. The two birds also engaged in a notable stare-off after one of these nibbling attempts.

This behavior is common among eagles as they establish dominance and familiarity. Observers note that Kaydee seems comfortable in the environment, even spending time checking out the nest structure and investigating the camera equipment. The birds have been seen touching beaks in previous weeks, which indicates a potential for a sustained partnership as they prepare for future seasons.

Context of the Eagle Population

Jackie was a fixture of the Big Bear region, and her death left a vacuum in the local bald eagle population. When a mate dies, the surviving eagle often seeks a new partner to maintain the territory and potential breeding grounds. Shadow's acceptance of Kaydee follows a period of solo occupancy after Jackie was transported to the Ojai Raptor Center, located 170 miles away, where she eventually died.

Experts who track the local population watch these interactions to see if a new pair will successfully nest in the coming months. The survival of these eagles depends on their ability to defend their territory against intruders and successfully share the resources of the Big Bear Valley. For now, the public continues to monitor the feed to see if this new pairing will lead to a long-term bond.