Good news for this Monday: Jackie and Shadow, California’s world famous Big Bear Bald Eagles, are parents again.
Fans were able to welcome the two new chicks to the world over the weekend thanks to a web camera maintained by the nonprofit Friends of the Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).
Here’s some background information so you can be the resident Bald Eagle expert in your office.
When did Jackie lay her eggs?
The eggs that hatched this season were actually the second clutch laid by Jackie.
The first two were laid on January 23 and 26, but unfortunately ravens breached the eggs while Mom and Dad were away. About a month later, Jackie laid an additional clutch on February 24 and 27. Pip watch began on March 31 for these eggs.
When did the eggs hatch?
The first pip, or crack, actually came on April 3 for egg number one. Egg number two’s pip was just one day behind. The first chick hatched on April 4 while the second chick emerged the following day.
When was the first feeding?
Hatching is not an easy feat, and the chicks have to do it all on their own. Mom and Dad do not typically help.
Nature has a way of fueling this strenuous process. Before making their world debut, the chick consumes the remaining yolk sac. It does this by pulling the yolk into its abdomen through its belly button.
This meal is packed full of nutrients, such as proteins, fats, and water, so it gives both the parents and the chicks some extra coverage in the first 24 to 72 hours of life.
The chicks do not need to eat right away, because of this meal.
Jackie and Shadow are not first-time parents. They have successfully raised previous chicks named Sunny, Gizmo, Spirit, and Simba.
What are the new chicks’ names?
Right now, the chicks do not have monikers. The honor of naming the chicks is a team effort. Typically, the public is able to suggest names for a small donation. Those suggestions are compiled into a list that is presented to local third grade students in Big Bear who vote on their favorite.
How to help the Big Bear Bald Eagles
For the last 25 years, RCK Properties has wanted to develop the Moon Camp property located about one mile away from Jackie and Shadow’s nest.
This area is important to the eagles because they hunt for fish and perch in it. If RCK’s deal goes through, 50 custom homes and 55 boat slips would be built instead. Environmentalists predict the disruption would cause the eagles to abandon their nest.
FOBBV was formed in 2001 in part to prevent this from happening. The nonprofit is teaming up with the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust to purchase the property with the goal of preserving the open space for future generations.
This objective comes with a steep price tag of $10 million that needs to be raised by July 31. Fundraising efforts have generated about $1.7 million as of today.