In Memory of Jackie: Lessons from a Nest High Above Big Bear Valley
Published on HivePostify by @ericvancewalton · Tue Aug 11 2026
My wife and I have been watching the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) YouTube channel religiously for years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4-L2nfGcuE
In those years we’ve had a front-row seat to what few humans prior to that have had the privilege of witnessing—something truly miraculous: eagles raising their young. Since we discovered the channel, the pair of majestic Bald Eagles that occupy this nest, Jackie and Shadow, raised five healthy young eaglets to maturity.
This spring my wife even had the great honor of winning a contest, which was sponsored by FOBBV, to name one of this year's fledglings—Luna. I was very proud of her for winning and the fact she got to name one of the babies this year only deepened our connection to the little feathered family. Although I'm still astonished they didn't choose either of my suggestions—Ren and Stimpy (kidding).
Since discovering the YouTube channel, created thanks to the key visionary force of the [late executive director of FOBBV Sandra Steers](https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/sandy-steers-big-bear-eagles-nest/3846171/), we’ve learned a glossary of new terms like “clutch,” “fledgling,” “pip,” “crop,” “fluff,” and “mantling.” When we talk about it outsiders probably think we’re speaking in some kind of code. Even more importantly, we’ve learned how inspirational these animals are and what they have to teach us. Jackie and Shadow have been incredibly loyal and affectionate to each other. The pair worked incredibly well as a team, each knowing their role and playing their individual parts to perfection. They were also phenomenal parents.
We’ve seen these eagles shelter their young during both intense snowstorms and torrential rains. We’ve seen them defend their nests against other predators. We’ve watched them gently rearrange soft fluff around fragile eggs, carefully feed tiny, bobble-headed chicks fish, and later encourage their growing eaglets to stretch their wings and take those first uncertain flights into the picturesque skies of Big Bear Valley.
Through every heartbreak and obstacle—failed eggs, lost chicks, harsh winters—Jackie and Shadow displayed quiet resilience, devotion, and an unbreakable partnership that felt almost human in its depth and tenderness. Sometimes their bond felt even deeper than human.
Then, a few weeks ago, came the news that stopped so many of us in our tracks. In July 2026 Jackie was found injured and critically ill. She was carefully transported to the Ojai Raptor Center, where a dedicated team of veterinarians and rehabilitators fought with everything they had to save her. They provided oxygen, supportive care, and round-the-clock attention while battling severe anemia and kidney inflammation. Though their efforts ultimately could not keep her with us, the compassion and skill shown by the Ojai Raptor Center staff reminded us that even in the wildest and harshest corners of nature, there are people willing to put forth an immense amount of effort for a single magnificent bird.
On August 10, 2026, sadly, Jackie passed away.
Jackie was more than a bird we watched on a camera. She was a mother who sat lovingly and steadfast through blizzards, she was a loyal mate who answered Shadow’s calls across the valley, and a living symbol of wild beauty that unknowingly shares her life with thousands of us through a live stream. Although her white head, piercing eyes, and powerful wings will no longer grace that huge Jeffrey pine, the lessons she gave us—loyalty, perseverance, fierce love of family—will remain.
We also want to express our deepest gratitude to the Friends of Big Bear Valley. For years this small nonprofit has quietly maintained the eagle cams, moderated chats, protected the habitat, and shared the story of Jackie and Shadow with the world—free of charge and free of ads—simply so that people everywhere could feel closer to nature. Their work is a gift of connection, education, and of hope. In the days since Jackie’s passing, the outpouring of love from the FOBBV community has shown just how powerful and precious that gift has been.
We have every reason to believe the channel will continue in Jackie's absence. Shadow is still out there, and the valley still holds the memory of the extraordinary pair they were together. Jackie’s five fledglings—Spirit, Sunny, Gizmo, Sandy, and Luna—carry her immense strength and legacy into the skies around Big Bear Valley. And those of us who watched, season after season, carry a little piece of Jackie’s wild, pure heart with us as well.
Thank you, Jackie.
You soared free. You were deeply loved. Your life, it made a real difference.
All for now. Make this a wonderful day.
---
[www.ericvancewalton.net](http://www.ericvancewalton.net)
Tags: #story#life#blog#nature#animals#silverbloggers#proofofbrain