Big Bear Bald Eagles Jackie and Shadow's Egg Shows First Signs of Hatching

The first pip was spotted on March 2, raising hopes for a successful hatch after years of challenges.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed a pip, the initial crack in an eggshell, in one of Jackie and Shadow's eggs at 3:09 PM PST on March 2.
Jackie and Shadow, a bald eagle pair in Big Bear Valley, have faced several years of unsuccessful hatching due to environmental challenges, including predation and harsh weather conditions.
The hatching process, which can take over a day, is being closely monitored via a 24-hour livestream maintained by the Friends of Big Bear Valley.
This year's clutch of three eggs mirrors the pair's 2024 clutch, which failed to hatch due to suspected low oxygen levels and severe winter storms at their high-altitude nest.
Fans and conservationists are celebrating the hopeful development, though experts note that only about 50% of bald eagle eggs typically hatch successfully.