The Journey of Jackie and Shadow: The Third Chick Hatches in Big Bear
Throughout history, the number three has held symbolic significance, representing balance and harmony in cultures around the world. This notion finds a contemporary reflection in the nest of Jackie and Shadow, two bald eagles residing in Big Bear, California. With the hatching of their third chick this season, the couple solidifies the connection between nature and the engaging storytelling it inspires.
Captivating Audiences Worldwide Through Live Streaming
The live streaming initiative of Jackie and Shadow is operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife preservation. Their efforts have unexpectedly captured the attention of millions. As reported by Jenny Voisard, media and website manager at FOBBV, a remarkable 100,000 viewers tuned into the live feed all at once at one point this season, a testament to the eaglet’s popularity.
The FOBBV website has seen extraordinary traffic, garnering 950,000 unique visitors in a single week, which occasionally led to site crashes, prompting the need for a dedicated server. Their social media presence has surged as well, currently boasting about 1.73 million followers across various platforms. Their Instagram account has amassed over 46,000 fans, while their Facebook page is close to reaching one million followers, with individual posts being shared up to 15,000 times. Additionally, the organization’s YouTube channel nearly approaches 500,000 subscribers.
The Hatching Timeline of Chick Three
The journey to the third chick’s arrival began on January 28, when Jackie laid her final egg. Typically, the incubation period for bald eagles lasts around 35 days. On the chilly morning of March 6, eagle enthusiasts rejoiced when the initial pip was observed at 10:21 AM. By 10:53 AM, the crack had significantly progressed, but the hatching process extended over the course of a couple of days.
Due to the snowy conditions, Jackie remained vigilant atop the nest to keep her eggs warm and sheltered. It was not until 2:11 AM on March 8 that the chick became visible, albeit still partially in its shell. By 6:13 AM, the final member of the brood completed its transition into the world, ready for its first feeding.
Since its hatching, Chick 3 has been diligently cared for by both parents. Although its eyesight continues to develop, making navigation tricky at times, Jackie and Shadow’s nurturing has kept the eaglet safe, even as external threats such as ravens have attempted to invade the nest.
Sibling Dynamics and Future Fledging
As Chick 3 adjusts to its new environment, it will also need to adapt to life alongside its siblings. It’s common for eaglets to engage in some sibling rivalry as they establish a pecking order within the nest. These interactions may manifest as gentle jostling as they develop their relationships.
In approximately 10 to 12 weeks, Chick 3, along with its siblings, will take its first flight, marking the beginning of a new chapter as they navigate life beyond the confines of the nest. Initially, they will remain close to home, gradually gaining independence.
For those eager to witness this captivating journey, the live webcam remains accessible for viewing the family dynamics unfold.
