A rescued bald eagle was confirmed to be the internet sensation named Jackie, one half of a power couple whose daily life has been live-streamed by the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) since 2018.
Jackie had not been seen at her nest for several days when a rescue team with the County of Los Angeles found an adult bald eagle near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. The bird was seen fighting off two juvenile eagles using its talons but was later unable to fly away.
Friends of Big Bear Valley shared an update on Monday, confirming that the bald eagle is indeed the beloved eagle mom Jackie. The popular bird is currently receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center while its fans eagerly await Jackie’s return to the nest.
“Jackie is a strong eagle and we as a community will get through this,” FOBBV wrote in its update.
Internet famous
Jackie first came into public view when she took over an abandoned nest near FOBBV’s livestream camera in 2017. She was later joined by her current mate, named Shadow, who replaced her original partner, Mr. B.
Over the years, the pair gained popularity with millions of viewers who tuned in to the couple’s efforts to raise their chicks. Earlier in January, Jackie and Shadow laid two eggs that successfully hatched and were later named Sandy and Luna.
Last week, things took a dark turn when Jackie went missing. The bald eagle was not seen on camera for several days and couldn’t be located since she’s not banded. On July 17, an adult bald eagle was spotted on the ground near Dana Point Park. The eagle was seen in an altercation with two juvenile eagles, but it was able to fend them off by turning over and using its talons.
The bird was later picked up by the Los Angeles County Parks Department and transferred to a specialized care facility. At the time, FOBBV could not identify whether the bald eagle was Jackie. “This eagle is in the best place it can be, it is being cared for, and we are sending positive thoughts along,” FOBBV wrote in an update.
Get well soon, Jackie
The saga of Jackie’s sudden disappearance came to an end when FOBBV got in contact with the rescue facility and identified the rescued bird. “Jackie is stable and they are waiting on diagnostic results that can take several days,” FOBBV wrote in Monday’s update.
Meanwhile back at the nest, Shadow continues to care for the two chicks, Sandy and Luna, while protecting the couple’s territory in Jackie’s absence. “Shadow is an excellent mate and father,” FOBBV added. We love a good male role model.
It’s not clear when Jackie will be able to return to the nest, but her fans are eagerly awaiting the couple’s reunion. “I have been really affected by her story[.] Shadow is taking care of the family & he is clear[ly] missing her,” one viewer wrote on Facebook, while another one declared that they know Jackie “better than some of my own relatives.”
English (US) ·