Chick 1 Has Hatched! Jackie & Shadow Welcome Their First Eaglet of 2026 🐣🦅

A huge moment has arrived at the Big Bear eagle nest—Chick 1 has officially hatched! At 9:33 PM on April 4th, the first eaglet of the season broke free after an intense 36-hour hatching process, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Jackie and Shadow, the beloved bald eagle pair of Big Bear Valley.

For eagle cam viewers and bird-loving friends, this is one of the most exciting milestones of the year. After days of incubation and careful monitoring, we now have our first healthy eaglet in the nest.

The newly hatched eaglet—currently referred to as Chick 1—is resting after the demanding process of breaking out of the shell. Meanwhile, Egg 2 has already pipped and is making steady progress, meaning a second hatch is likely very soon.

This staggered timing is part of a natural survival strategy, as bald eagles carefully manage incubation to give their chicks the best possible start.

With Chick 1 now safely in the nest and Chick 2 close behind, Jackie and Shadow enter the eaglet-rearing phase—a time filled with feedings, rapid growth, and unforgettable moments on the Big Bear eagle cam.

For fans, this is just the beginning.