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Marching towards our goal…



Before she passed, Sandy was asked what she learned about Jackie and Shadow from watching them. She said that every Bald Eagle has their own individual personalities. She believed they had the right to thrive where they chose to be. She was not anti-development, in fact she was a partner, asset and resource to the local community where she lived. She advocated for eco-tourism as a key pathway to benefit the environment and the economy, and she presented at various clubs, nonprofits and on special hikes and boat tours about the history of the Big Bear Bald Eagles so that locals could form special connections with them.



Jackie and Shadow’s appeal grew beyond Big Bear Valley, the state of California, and the US. Why? Perhaps it is their personalities. It could be the stories and community Sandy created. It could also be the beautiful backdrop of Jackie and Shadow’s home that we are fighting to protect. It provides a type of therapy and healing for those that can’t experience nature firsthand. Having a connection to it, and Jackie and Shadow, has been a lifeline for many. Including myself. Watching Jackie and Shadow move forward after experiencing loss has been my greatest lesson and comfort. I also developed an awe and wonder about this uniquely special place.



In one month, we have raised $1,436,199 on savemooncamp.org, the official fundraising site to preserve Jackie and Shadow’s foraging area. Great job eagle family! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for donating when times are tight. There is an effort underway to secure large donations. We are outreaching to select celebrities, corporations and institutions hoping they will step up to the plate. We appreciate all your ideas. Keep spreading awareness.



Included are some favorite moments from our team and an article in US Weekly to enjoy and share.



www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/how-jackie-a…



Jenny

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2 months ago | [YT] | 4,289

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Home Is Where the Nest Is



After a busy yesterday of large bulk fluff deliveries and lots of shift changes, Jackie and Shadow settled in for a well deserved, restful night. But it wasn't long before daybreak was on the horizon, and we heard Jackie’s pre-dawn chortles from the roost, perhaps to let her beloved partner Shadow know she was awake. In the distance we could hear the sounds of the valley stirring with a distant melody of morning song.



Jackie stepped up from her nest tuck to observe her perfect eggs, before making her way to the front porch to fly off to the lookout snag. It was here she joined Shadow, who was surveying his beautiful surroundings. After a brief good morning to one another, Shadow took the hint and immediately made his way to the nest to check on their clutch.



Always the remodeler, Shadow took it upon himself to relocate a rather large stick, first over the eggs, then to the other side of the nest. He momentarily gazed into the nest bowl, rolled one of the eggs a bit, then settled in for a perfect daddy sit. It was his turn to tend to the household.



As the morning sun continued to cast an illuminating light on Big Bear Valley, we could hear a soft eagle vocal in the distance. Our alert Shadow was tuned into the beautiful, melodic sound, and we could only wonder if it was his Jackie calling out to him. It wasn’t long after we heard the song, that they each took flight, changing places in the nest. In true Shadow fashion, however, he carefully maneuvered one of the nest sticks before taking flight for his break. Jackie returned to her motherly work, rearranging some fluff, then carefully turning the other egg.



After some quiet time for Jackie, Shadow returned to the nest with the first stick delivery of the day! Grateful Jackie sweetly sings, as if to tell Shadow she was pleased with the new gift. She took a moment on the back porch, before departing the nest, while Shadow moved some fluff and tucked comfortably into the nest bowl.

Today, as we continue to watch this gift of nature, Jackie & Shadow are our constant reminders of their nurturing commitment, and what it truly means to all of us as observers.



Valerie 203

2 months ago | [YT] | 3,004

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Believe…

In just two weeks we have raised over $743,288.59. This does not yet include a slew of checks received in the mail. We update the tracker on SaveMoonCamp.org few times a day so check back now and then to see our progress. The outpouring of support has been AHH-MAZING. Thank you!



Sharing is also caring. If you can’t afford to donate, please share the website SaveMoonCamp.org, and spread the word. We have had some great media coverage so far but we need more awareness. It helps to let your favorite news outlets and others know that you are interested in something. If you are new to the topic of Moon Camp, we are raising money to preserve 63 acres that is slated for development and is less than 1 mile for Jackie and Shadow’s nest. We only have a short window to get this done. There is background reading in our featured posts.



The goal is daunting but there is no doubt in my mind that we are going to make this happen. Stay positive and believe that good things will come. Since our last update Jackie laid another egg so we have many reasons to celebrate together as a community!



We have had quite the season so far eagle family. We have experienced joy, loss, worry and resolve. Thank you for being with us on this unique journey. Thank you for your support and hard work. The connectedness of this community is magical. We feel Sandy’s spirit everywhere.



Sandy will be honored in the CA State Assembly with an Adjournment in Memory on Thursday, March 12th, @ 9:00 am on the Assembly floor at the end of voting. You can watch live on assembly.ca.gov or we will post a video after. AIM is gesture of respect for someone with ties to the district who has done great things in their community. Sandy’s name and other information will be entered into the official record.

Jenny

2 months ago | [YT] | 5,009

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Moon Camp Update:

Dear Eagle Family,

Sandy Steers fought against a luxury housing and marina development called Moon Camp for nearly 25 years. This project is why Friends of Big Bear Valley originally came to be and stopping it was Sandy’s top priority as executive director. This undisturbed land is on the North Shore and is less than 1 mile from Jackie and Shadow’s nest. It is where they perch and forage for food. It is also home to a rare and endangered plant species. The destruction of this shoreline will make it more difficult for Jackie and Shadow to raise chicks and the disturbance may cause them to leave their nesting area altogether.

Sandy helped put together a limited purchase agreement between the developer that owns the property and the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust (SBMLT) before she passed away. SBMLT has an opportunity to buy Moon Camp for permanent conservatorship. The challenge ahead is considerable. SBMLT has to raise $10 million in less than 6 months.

FOBBV has partnered with SBMLT to lead the fundraising effort to Save Moon Camp – on behalf of Jackie and Shadow and the other endangered species that rely on the ecosystem. We need your help! Our team has created a special website called SaveMoonCamp.org where anyone can donate towards the purchase. This is the biggest fundraiser we have ever undertaken and it is the most important one of all. It was Sandy’s vision and mission.

Please feel free to get creative, involve your friends, organize into groups and encourage businesses to help. There are special designations and recognition for large donations.

The clock is ticking, we only have until July 31, 2026. We ask that you donate and let everyone know about SaveMoonCamp.org. DO NOT DONATE FOR THIS ON FOBBV’S WEBSITE PLEASE.

Jackie and Shadow need everyone to be their heroes. FOBBV and SBMLT are deeply grateful for your support. Lets get this done for Sandy!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Jenny & the FOBBV Team

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 4,429

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Sunset Nest Visits…



Jackie and Shadow have stopped by the nest at sunset the past two nights to enjoy a little bonding time. Two nights ago, Jackie arrived first and waited for Shadow to join her. She gave him a little shout out from the back porch and he raced over from the Cactus Snag. Before retreating for the night, they stood together, soaking in the quietness of the evening.



The next morning, a couple of ravens briefly stopped by the nest again. The ravens are free to do as they please, until Jackie and Shadow make it clear they can't. When the eagles are ready to use the nest again, they will let the ravens or any other intruders know they are not welcome. Since nature sets the rules, we don't know how long that will be.



Jackie and Shadow are very familiar with the ravens and as their past experience has shown us, they will defend when they feel threatened. Although there are no guarantees in nature, no other birds have caused the eagles to abandon their nest thus far.



Last night, Jackie arrived in the nest first again and Shadow was just seconds behind. Both used their beaks to dig in the bowl and Shadow found his favorite little toes to nibble on… Jackie's! Her white tail feathers looked a little cleaner. Perhaps she got it wet while fishing or maybe she had her own spa day down by the lake.



After Jackie headed out to roost, our handsome Shadow confidently showed off how well he can actually turn his head! Eagles have 14 vertebrae in their neck (7 more than humans) which allows them to turn their head 180° to see behind them and all around. Then Jackie called her king, who was busy posing for fan photos on the back porch. He responded by chortling back and then flew off in Jackie's direction.



We are all here as observers, to capture just a glimpse into the lives of this stunning pair of bald eagles, our beloved Jackie and Shadow. In a sense, we are also avid “nest visitors”. We are here to enjoy nature and to learn from what we see.



So as we view Jackie and Shadow and all of this incredible wildlife, whether furry, feathered, friendly or otherwise, let's keep it in mind to always be kind.


BKind22

2 months ago | [YT] | 2,407

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More mating, nest work and an unwanted visitor…



As another beautiful sunrise, complete with blue and orange hues, filled the morning sky on Tuesday, Jackie and Shadow were heard sharing another mating session. A couple of ravens briefly stopped by the nest, but when Shadow suddenly appeared, the two noisy birds quickly flew off. He did a nest check to make sure all was well before heading over toward the Cactus Snag.



Later in the day, there was a territorial encounter between Jackie and Shadow and another adult bald eagle that took place near the Split Pine and Twin Pine trees. Jackie and Shadow first flew up to a branch on the Split Pine. Jackie left there and did a low pass before landing on the Twin Pine. The visitor then flew up from the Twin Pine area and supplanted Shadow off the branch.



Shadow was just fine and rejoined Jackie. Both gave the visitor an earful of loud calls and chortles. Jackie then strategically flew back over to the Split Pine and supplanted the visitor off its branch. All three then headed toward the roost tree area. After much vocalizing, the disturbance seemed settled and things quieted down for the night.

Fiona, the nocturnal squirrel, showed up to take full advantage of a few more nightly nest visits until the big brown and white nest owners return. She was free to nibble and frolic in the straw without any wingslaps from Jackie… at least until more eggs are laid. She’s fast though and can escape quickly if she needs to. If you listen closely, she was quite chatty as she left the nest with her treasures last night.

Yesterday morning, Shadow delivered three new sticks to the nest and he and Jackie both spent some time there moving sticks and digging in the bowl to freshen it. They spent the afternoon tree hopping, perching and observing the area. At sunset, they visited the nest again briefly before heading off for some sleep.



It's a bit early to say yet, but it appears Jackie and Shadow's hormones may be resetting and possibly preparing for a new clutch. They seem to have moved on from the events of the past week. We look forward to seeing what is next for this beloved pair!



BKind22

2 months ago | [YT] | 1,625

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A Fish, A Hawk, and A Raven…


It was a beautiful day in the eagle habitat on Sunday as Jackie and Shadow continued to watch over and care for their first new egg. After their morning chortles, Jackie took her first break of the day and Shadow arrived for Daddy duty just a few minutes later.


A short time passed before Jackie and Shadow were heard mating but it was not visible on either camera. Jackie may have called out to Shadow and these two lovebirds met up in a secret place for a quick mating session.


Jackie returned to the nest after their rendezvous, while Shadow headed to the lake to pick up the perfect fish gift for his favorite lady. Shadow landed just inches from Jackie's beak with the fish in his talons. As she was thanking him with her softer vocals, she sweetly accepted it and happily ate every bite. This was such a touching moment to witness between two wild bald eagles.


Not long after, Jackie was hidden on a lower branch of the Cactus Snag when Shadow suddenly heard her intense calls. A hawk came swooping down at Jackie, in a possible attempt to knock her off the branch. She fended it off using her wings and vocals and the hawk flew away as Shadow raced over from the nest tree. Jackie seemed fine and surprisingly, after the hawk exited, she and Shadow mated again- right there!


Shadow returned to take care of the egg, tidy the nest and fluff the bowl for a couple more hours. He also had a close eye on his surroundings, intently tracking movement around the nest tree as he kept the egg safe.


After Shadow flew off, Jackie was nearby watching and listening. Things were calm and quiet, then suddenly a squawking raven had Jackie's full attention. She called out and raced to the nest in full defense mode, landing with one wing outstretched to protect the egg.


Before calling it a day, Jackie was under the nest in the basement, checking things out before heading back up to the nest for the night. She called out to Shadow and he answered from a distance. So she settled in, had a crop drop snack and tucked in over their egg.


Could there be a 2nd egg later today? Jackie has been known to lay eggs three days apart. Stay tuned everybirdy!


BKind22

4 months ago | [YT] | 2,056

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Shadow's First Look at Egg#1 and more…


Congratulations to our beloved Jackie and Shadow! Not long after Egg#1 was laid last night, Shadow arrived to tired Jackie's soft chortles. He stayed just long enough to get a perfect look at the egg as it nestled under Jackie. He may have been perched nearby and since this isn't his first rodeo as a Daddy, he came in to check on Jackie and the egg to make sure all was well.


As he stood in front of her beak-to-beak with a twinkle in his eye, he carefully looked at the egg, then looked again, just to make sure it was really there! As he turned to fly off to roost on his own for the night, Shadow softly brushed the top of Jackie's white head feathers with his beak. So sweet! Since eagles prefer to sleep standing up on a branch, Shadow sleeps on a nearby roost tree while Jackie will remain in the nest at night.


If you are a night viewer, you may notice some wingslaps by Jackie. Since visitors are not allowed on the nest now, their nocturnal neighbors from the basement (who are not a threat to the eagles), Fiona, the squirrel, and Dash, the mouse, should get the message soon to take their winter vacations!


Shift exchanges were efficient this morning and the egg was covered most of the time. Jackie and Shadow have proven to be excellent parents and if the egg is alone, one or both are likely nearby with an eye on the nest.


Mating will continue until all eggs in the clutch are laid. Only Jackie knows how many and when she is done. Eggs are laid 3-5 days apart. Jackie tends to lay every 3 days. In the meantime, if other eggs are on the way, incubation for Egg#1 is delayed in order for all eggs to hatch closer together. This helps with the survival rate of the chicks after hatching. They practiced successful delayed incubation with their 3 eggs last season.


Shadow brought a fish this morning which Jackie happily claimed and ate after getting her talons loose from the front porch sticks. Soon after, Jackie delivered some fluff and while both used their beaks to spread it, Shadow also used his feet to stomp on it to make sure it would stay put.


All is well… stay tuned for more egg-citement to come!


BKind22

4 months ago | [YT] | 1,850

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“Egg Watch” Continues…



Thursday afternoon was fairly calm around the eagle habitat. Then Jackie dropped by the nest for a few minutes before heading over to the Cactus Snag. She spent about forty minutes perched there. It was quiet except for the persistent sound of her occasional calls. Her calls could have been a shout out to Shadow, who showed up soon after and landed on a lower branch to the left of her.



Jackie soon headed over to the nest tree where she briefly laid down and waited for Shadow to come over and join her for some nest time. On his way there, he made a couple of flybys first. This fly-around included a fast zoom by the Simba Tree, along with the sound of a heavy duty branch being snapped off. Very impressive Shadow!

After doing some work together and perhaps thinking they were done, Shadow climbed up to the back porch. That was probably not the best move, as Jackie may have wanted more bonding time. It was then that she initiated a loud and lengthy conversation that really only made sense to them. ‘Eaglish’ sure is a beautiful language but it's difficult to interpret!



So Shadow retreated and climbed back into the nest. They made some good attempts to place his latest stick, which was unruly and not being very cooperative. It finally found its place though, as a reinforced guardrail on the left side of the front porch. Whew!



They carried on another discussion, perhaps about when Jackie might be ready to lay her first egg… but unfortunately, we couldn't understand that either! She may have looked a little ‘eggy’ last night but not quite yet, so they did some more bowl work then called it a day and both left to go roost for the night.



This morning, listening from a quiet place, the beautiful songs of our favorite eagle couple filled the air. Jackie arrived first and they enjoyed a lovely bonding session. Shadow fetched a couple of sticks as the sunshine filtered through the clouds and other bird chatter could be heard. They perched back-to-back observing the area from both porches before flying off.



There are still No Eggs yet and we remain on Egg Watch. Stay safe and well Jackie and Shadow.



BKind22

4 months ago | [YT] | 2,639

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In the Waiting Room…

Jackie made another very early nest visit before sunrise yesterday morning, staying about fifteen minutes. She returned three more times and laid down briefly during all three visits. A mid-morning break spotted both adults perched on a couple of favorite trees around the lake, including the Twin Pine and the Cactus Snag.



After lunch, Shadow delivered another hefty talonful of dry straw and grass. Jackie showed up right away to join him but he had some possible raven business to take care of, so he turned and left quickly out the front porch. Jackie had a small smudge of dirt on her head when she arrived, but that mark soon disappeared after digging in the new straw.



After Jackie spread the new fluff around, she laid down again briefly. Then she stood in the nest for just shy of 1.5 hours before moving to the front porch to fly off for a break.



When she returned, Jackie had her longest pancake session so far, 32 minutes. Then she watched Shadow circle the nest a couple of times before he landed with a guardrail stick. As she stood in the bowl, she quietly vocalized something to Shadow. He reacted by quickly stepping in to fluff up the straw and move tiny sticks out of the bowl. Maybe Jackie was just tired from all the housekeeping and needed a rest.

As days end, they stood together on a calm evening in the nest and shared a sweet beaky kiss before Shadow decided to do a little more stick work. Jackie stretched her neck to try to help him but Shadow took charge and finished his work. Jackie initiated a couple more beaky kisses and they were off to roost, completing their day.


So far, it's been a fairly quiet day today, a bit cloudy and a little cooler. Jackie delivered some wet fluff this morning and promptly spread it out near the bowl to dry.
She spent just over two hours on the Lookout Snag grooming, rousing and enjoying a couple of ‘crop drop’ snacks. The more time Jackie spends near the nest and the longer she spends laying down, the closer she may be to laying the first egg of this season.



Stay tuned as we continue to wait and watch together…


BKind22

4 months ago | [YT] | 2,190