The famous bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, recently lost one of their three eaglets in a winter storm that hit their nesting area in Big Bear Valley, California. The eaglet was last seen alive being fed on Thursday evening, but its death was revealed as the snow melted from the storm. The cause of death is unknown, but the remaining two eaglets are said to be doing well, with their parents continuing to care for them.
The nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, which monitors the eagles through a webcam, expressed sadness over the loss of the eaglet but also honored its courage and the joy it brought during its short time. The organization also mentioned that the storm caused damage to some of their equipment.
Jackie and Shadow have gained an online following since a webcam was set up in their nesting area in 2016. The pair have had a mix of successful and unsuccessful breeding seasons, with chicks being welcomed in 2019 and 2022, but eggs being lost in 2023 and 2024. The recent hatching of three eaglets saw the loss of one, but the two remaining eaglets are said to be thriving under the care of their dedicated parents.
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