Signs of Fall in Big Bear – Jackie, Shadow & the Nest Prepare for What’s Next 🍂🦅

As the first golden leaves begin to drift through the forest canopy, Big Bear’s eagle habitat is showing signs that autumn has arrived—and Jackie and Shadow seem to feel it too.

Over the past two weeks, the beloved bald eagle pair has returned night after night to their favorite Roost Tree, sharing peaceful evenings and cozying up in their usual perches. Mornings have followed a comforting pattern: Shadow flies first to the Lookout Snag, then Jackie joins him shortly after, often with a signature chortle that eagle watchers know and love.

On Thursday morning, after singing together, Jackie scooted up close beside Shadow on their favorite limb. It was a moment of connection that reminded fans of their bond and long-standing devotion. They’ve used this nest and territory for seven years, and every flight, call, and visit deepens the story we’ve all been watching unfold.

Nature’s Rhythm Returns

Even as Jackie and Shadow spend much of their day exploring beyond the camera view, their evening returns are reassuring signs of the seasonal shift. And they’re not the only ones showing up:

• A juvenile bald eagle believed to be from the 2025 hatch year visited the Simba Tree, then perched overnight in the Roost Tree—possibly even Gizmo

• A young Cooper’s Hawk made a brief stop at the nest

• A curious mouse appeared one evening, only to be quickly followed by Fiona the flying squirrel, who’s reclaimed the nest porch for nighttime exploration

• Fiona’s fast-footed buddy, Fast Freddie, joined her for some nocturnal squirrel antics

• A group of 25+ swallows landed on the Cactus Snag for what felt like a cheerful pre-breakfast bird convention

Even after a powerful lightning storm knocked the cams offline, nature quickly bounced back. When the cameras returned, Jackie’s chortles rang out once more, and the peaceful, post-storm forest was alive with birds, light, and promise.

Are Nestorations Around the Corner?

This time last year, Jackie and Shadow brought the first sticks of the season back to the nest—kicking off a new cycle of preparation and parenthood. With shorter days and cooler nights settling in, many eagle cam fans are waiting with bated breath for the first stick drop of Fall 2025.

There’s no guarantee when they’ll begin, but their pattern of returning to the Roost Tree, visiting the Lookout Snag, and vocalizing together all feel like signs that something special is coming.

🛍️ Celebrate the Season with Fall-Inspired Eagle Gear
Whether you’re following the cams daily or just love the magic of this eagle pair, we’ve got gear to match the moment:

Shadow with Stick Classic Shirt  - For fans who know what that first stick means.

Fast Freddie and Fiona the Flying Squirrel Classic Shirts - A cozy nod to our nightly nest visitors.