Big Bear Eagle Cam ~ Shadow & Mrs. BB Spend Time At Nest ~ Perch Together 6.22.18

Mrs. BB flies into the nest and 30 seconds later Shadow follows and lands on the edge of the nest by Mom's branch. Shadow is submissive and lowers his/her head as Mrs. BB softly vocalizes. Shadow makes no sounds at all - in fact I have never heard Shadow vocalize at all from the videos I have made. Shadow goes to Mom's branch until Mom comes up and Shadow flies off only to come right back & land in the nest and work on the sticks. Mrs. BB comes back to the nest and nips a little at Shadow - who goes to the outer branch until Mrs is done and then returns to the nest -- Mrs didn't like that & nips at Shadows wing - Shadow goes to Dad's branch and she returns to hers. Shadow returns to the nest to move sticks for several minutes then joins Mrs on her branch. Very nice to see them so close to one another and comfortable. Shadow once again returns to the nest to move sticks and then returns to Mom's branch before flying off for the evening. Mrs. BB stayed on the branch. Very interesting dynamics going on here and it seems to me that Mrs allows Shadow because Shadow is so submissive and non threatening. There is an endearing quality about Shadow that I find myself attracted to this story especially if Shadow can not vocalize (this is just an observation). Shadow is certainly thriving and enjoying the time spent not only at this nest but with entire family. Thank you for watching!
Video captured & edited by Lady Hawk
Big Bear eagle cam is located in Big Bear Lake, California. Watch live: • Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam
This camera is provided by The Friends of Big Bear Valley. Learn more about them at friendsofbigbearvalley.org/.

[@sydorfan]

Shadow looks like he is building up the rails and looking for nestovers. He’s so cute. We don’t get to observe very many juveniles. Hence, he is such a treat to watch. 🦅🦅🦅

[@somebodyswatchin5]

So sweet, the SA lands and immediately shows submission; I love how Mom vocalizes softly and the SA drops his/her head in accordance, then begins to fiddle with a stick to divert any measure of threat or annoyance away from his/her sudden appearance. Such a beautiful and delicate balance via communication through body language in signaling friend or foe... Delightful! Thank you Lady Hawk!

[@captainstaysea3113]

She’s adopted him. She’s got such a distinctive voice, doesn’t she.

[@myrnaescamilla5527]

Shadow was in love with Jackie since he was 3 years old.

[@janajamer734]

Since these videos of when Shadow first arrived are new to me, it's almost like watching a new nest! LoL Lady Hawk, thank You for capturing and sharing this rare moment in time. Thank You FOBBV Cam for providing this footage!

[@girluvshepherds]

I agree! I'm addicted to these beautiful birds. I've even started at the beginning of Lady Hawk's videos JUST to see how it all started. This is probably my favorite...so far! It's very interesting & much worth my time!! On to the next one ❤️🦅🦅❤️

[@evaandersen3450]

You never know or have the answer to unfamiliar happenings but I’m truly amazed how Shadow has made his appearances at this nest and neither Stormy or mom have been aggressive toward him. It warms my heart to see kindness in the wild. Thanks Lady Hawk for the smile ❤️🦅❤️

[@ashington1779]

Shadow is a sweet but smart bird hes showing you don't have to be the most aggressive male to always succeed hes a strong bird too im sure he could defend himself but he uses a more subtle approach and its very calm and patient avoids conflict if possible thats a very intelligent bird indeed

[@proudcatmamaof3962]

Mrs BB seems quite calm around Shadow, which I find so sweet! I'm hoping everything works out for everyone on the nest! Thanx Lady Hawk for sharing another great video! 💗🦅💗

[@P1DiscoGina]

Heart is in my throat! 😢 Mrs. BB & her surrogate eaglet. ❤️

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Love watching Shadow. He is so beautiful. Mrs.BB is very tolerant of him. She really is pretty gentle with him knowing that if she wanted to she really could rip his face off. Maybe she was thinking, he dude you can do all the work you want till the ole man comes back. Who knows what they are thinking. I'm just glad that Shadow is here, at least for now that is, and that we are getting to enjoy another Eagle in this Big Bear family. I sincerely hope he hangs around! Thanks Lady Hawk for taking to time to upload another great video!!!

[@chrissyellem7397]

I'm obsessed with sticks! Keep me around you'll appreciate it haha

[@user-ti4iz8qj8m]

The Shadow is not yet adult and needs communication and attention to itself. Mrs. BB does not offend the Shadow and it is great. Good life to them. Lovely bideo. Thank you, Lady Hawk💜👍

[@victoriaschrader7250]

Love that Mom tolerates and allows Shadow to practice housekeeping on her nest. Great video! Thanks Lady Hawk!!

[@sararosati4130]

Well there must be an endearing sense of abnormal to the other Eagles and like here Mrs. BB that Shadow is not vocalizing? She nips at him knowing he will listen and Stormy seems to be his buddy. So you think they understand he isn't vocalizing and passive so he needs the Eagles friendship which he gives? This blows my mind. Thank you Lady Hawk.

[@loretta7683]

Love the tolerance, Shadow seems to be a loner looking for some friends...😊

[@mistyseas568]

Very interesting to watch the interactions between these two beauties. Thank you Lady Hawk, wonderful video! 🦅💜🦅

[@TomHigginsWx]

7:59 SO CUTE watching Jackie get irritated when Shadow hopped back on the nest, as she was walking away 🤣🤣

[@Intheslithytoves]

Thanks, Lady Hawk! Saw this last night and was hoping you would capture it. From my perspective, Mrs. BB was pretty territorial, especially in the beginning. Shadow didn't "fly off the branch" he was deliberately pushed, with a vengeance, after several advances by Jackie. Then after he returned, waiting for her to leave the nest bowl before he jumped in again, she came back in a fit and chased him out and up onto dad's branch. Sheesh. After Shadow took off for the night, I think Mrs. BB bunked out for the night.

[@veronicapace7198]

Love this story Lady. Maybe shadow is Mrs. B's long lost son. lol Thank you!

[@valdarichards4239]

Shadow has never vocalized at all. I am beginning to wonder if Shadow is a male, a very passive male. Mrs. BB is still mated to Mr BB. When Mr BB reappears this next mating season Shadow will be chased away, however if Mr BB does not re-appear I wonder if Shadow will turn out to be a sneaky male. Shadow has got us all mystified. I love Shadow and Stormy, two very different eaglets, Stormy's squees can be heard from a distance, I have to turn the volume down LOL. Thank you Lady Hawk for this beautiful video.

[@debbie995]

I was thinking about this too. It could very well be that Shadow is almost 5 years old, or has reached maturity, and is looking for a mate. His actions with Mrs. BB seem to show this by the way he always works on the nest and stays there even when Mrs. BB nips and vocalizes. Since Mr. BB has gone to his vacation spot, Shadow has no competition. So, like you said, come fall, we'll see if Shadow is still around. What do you think *Lady Hawk*? :-)

[@ladyhawk]

Hi Debbie Michele! Nice to see you again! Shadow is 3 years old and won't be looking for a mate for a couple more years. Shadow is learning nest building skills and this is really interesting to see with Mrs BB. Mr BB is still around he is just not at the nest - photographers are seeing both Mr and Mrs, Shadow and Stormy still flying around together. The way things are going I think Shadow might stay the summer! Nest building for Big Bear won't pick up till January so no competition at this time.

[@debbie995]

Oh! Thank you for the info! I thought Shadow was at least 4, lol. He's a great character to watch as he learns to nest build. And he's a gorgeous eagle too :-)

[@valdarichards4239]

Thank you Lady Hawk. Shadow had our imaginations going into overdrive. We all love him/her so much. These cameras have given us such an insight into eagle behaviour that waiting and seeing how these things pan out isn't an option sometimes LOL. Thank you so much.

[@ladyhawk]

Hi Valda Richards - Shadow has not vocalized at all from the times seen on the cams or by local photographers. Shadow is very submissive and could be a male. Mr BB is still in the area we just don't see at the nest lately and both Mr and Mrs BB stay in the BB area - they do not leave. They will most likely let Shadow stay until next January when the new season begins.

[@dawnkeyser4802]

Has anyone seen our BB hearthrob Stormy?? Shadow good company for Mrs. BB, though

[@ladyhawk]

Local photographers seen him in the area!

[@teddygram45able]

So nice to see that mom has accepted shadow into the nest..shadow must be feeling the love..I hope stormy is not jealous and stays away from the nest, that would be very sad

[@franceshenry2239]

Amazing. Thanks.

[@jackr.3945]

Very interesting observation LH. Shadow does seem a bit confused or a bit off..Just can't put my finger on it..but I do feel very sorry for him for some reason. You are very observant...he has never even peeped. Poor thing.

[@TomSawyerEaglePro]

The soap opera continues! Notice no warning vocals from Mrs. BB upon Shadows arrival. Mrs. BB is becoming quite tolerant Shadow. More total submissiveness from Shadow and the amazing possibility that Shadow may be one of the only mute Eagles caught on live cam! Mrs. Bear knocks Shadow off of her branch at the 2:30 mark with no resistance from Shadow. Shadow can be seen returning at 3:45 with Mrs. BB not quite sure what to make of him/her again but allowing the encroachment on het nest. If Shadow can't vocalize back then Mrs. Bear has no reason to perceive a threat combined with these non aggressive actions from Shadow. At the 6:40mark we see nice close-ups of Mrs. BB while shadow gives her some space. The most prominent example of Mrs. BB tolerance of Shadow and Shadow's subservience can be seen at the 8min mark where Shadow jumps on the nest and Mrs. BB nips repeatedly at him/her but not in a harmful way. After these nips and softer vocals Shadow moves once again off the nest giving Mom her control back but then Shadows back to do more nestorations while Mom keeps a keen eye on the work which continues through the middle of the vid. Shadow's learning to be quite the nest builder! At the 14:50mark Shadow decides to perch next to Mom and Mom tolerates it on her own branch! This relationship has progressed quite a ways. Shadow close-up around 22:40. At the end we see Shadow get very close to Mom and she tolerates it again. Amazing footage here, thanks for capturing the whole visit Lady Hawk. So interesting❤! 😄

[@marcusthelion9051]

It appears Shadow has made himself right at home!!! Until he gets his Eviction Notice! LOL!!!

[@patriciaadler5743]

And we know who got evicted - not Shadow ❤ Smooth operator 💕

[@sixtoibarra5807]

I miss stormy where are you dude?

[@nancyj5562]

Ohhhhhhh Lady Hawk!!! This is absolutely unbelievable footage!!! A HUGE thank you for all the time you took to edit this coverage for all of us. I've been out of touch a little lately so I was wondering if Mr. BB has been around lately or socialized with Shadow at all? I don't recall seeing Mr. BB lately. I'm LOVING this in Southern California!!! This just made my day!!! Thanks again Lady Hawk!! Stick around Shadow....Stormy can learn some things from you...xoxoxoxoxo

[@ladyhawk]

Hi Nancy -yes Mr BB has been seen in a tree with both Shadow and Mrs! Thank you dear - so glad you are enjoying it. Stormy is out and about having a good time - so far all is good!

[@grandmas.3335]

You are so right Lady Hawk. The dynamics on this nest are fascinating. Shadow is like a magnet that seems to make us all wonder what and why he has aligned himself with mom and Stormy. Neither seem to be threatened by Shadow. Do you think Shadow was born unable to vocalize, vocal cords injured by a sibling always attacking, or just chooses not to chatter? I guess it is anyones guess. Wish Shadow could tell us and solve the mystery.

[@ladyhawk]

HI Grandma S- I think it is a possibility that Shadow was born unable to vocalize, He does not have any injuries to suggest something happened otherwise. but I love watching the dynamics here. I do hope that as Shadow becomes ready to mate in a couple of years the lack of vocals will not be too problematic. Mating vocals, communications, warning and alert vocals for his nest and mate - etc. I wish we could see how this would play out.

[@kathyc3659]

Maybe this will turn into another Trio eagles...maybe?

[@SamtheMan0508]

Kathy C That's what I thought too.

[@kathyc3659]

It will be interesting to see where this goes. Besides, all the eagles I watch have all fledged so Shadow is making my day be coming to the nest often.

[@ladyhawk]

It sure would be interesting if it did! But not this year - Shadow is too young :)

[@kathyc3659]

Yes, unfortunately. I was just trying to put a happy spin on it when the new season comes around and Mrs. BB has more eggs and Shadow's fate.

[@dianewhitlock1917]

❤️

[@steemdup]

Look how young Shadow is here! Is he even old enough to bond with a mate?

[@captainstaysea3113]

Maybe s/he’s just quiet. She’s not. 😀

[@djr6876]

Do you think Shadow can’t or won’t vocalize? Off topic, but I have a guinea pig who either can’t or won’t vocalize, and having had other piggies this is a first.

[@ladyhawk]

At this point it is just an observation. We don't know if Shadow can vocalize .From reading the reports of ground photographers who see him in the tree or flying trying to vocalize but nothing coming out - it is hard to know if he can't due to some disability or he learned to be quiet. The fact Shadow is so timid and submissive can be a result of not being able to communicate. But nature is just amazing to watch and Shadow is thriving!!

[@charlesdole5576]

IS STORMY out in the big world now, and not coming back? Or does he still pay a visit to the nest once in a while? Sorry to say, I have not been keeping up on Stormy; for too long. I miss him!

[@judylattimore3756]

Hi Lady Hawk. I have a question 😊. Is Shadow going to move on (migrate) or is Shadow going to stay around. I know not at this nest but in the area? I too like Shadow. Is Shadow learning from Mrs BB and Mr BB? It is unusual for them to let Shadow be close the Stormy. Unusually adult eagles let sub adults and Juvies hang around when nesting season is over, right?

[@ladyhawk]

Hi Judy - Shadow has no need to migrate at 3 years old most likely is here to stay in Big Bear year round and will find a mate in a couple of years. Yes Shadow follows Mrs BB around and is very observant of her and her behavior. I am sure is hoping to steal a fish or something lol Shadow is learning from Mr as well just by being around this family. It is unusual to let a sub adult in their nest when they still have a juvie in the area too - and Shadow is here almost everyday now for the past 6 weeks or so! May stay all summer with Mrs BB who knows!

[@judylattimore3756]

Lady Hawk, thank you so much. So I am learning 😁. Thank you. Great teacher.😁

[@2010clif]

Ela já está evitando ele? Ele já não está sendo tolerado?

[@caroldickerson7414]

This is a very heartwarming story and certainly raises my curiosity. Do you think Shadow has a disability and this is the reason she doesn't vocalize?

[@ladyhawk]

It is very possible that Shadow can not vocalize. I have never heard any sound and neither has the local photographers watching them.

[@karenreilly1720]

I wonder where Mr. BB is during these exchanges. I do like the Shadow & Jackie (Mrs. BB) growing relationship. Would Shadow be about 3 years old?

[@ladyhawk]

Yes between 3-4 years old - Mr. BB is in the area and Shadow is seen close to him or flying with him too!

[@karenreilly1720]

Thank you, Lady Hawk!

[@sherrivansyckel7527]

Is it possible Shadow can not hear because of him not being vocal?

[@rcdyer]

So did Mrs. BB leave and Jackie show up or what?

[@ladyhawk]

Hi RC - Mrs BB is Jackie! That is what we called her initially. She had a different mate we called him Mr BB. They had two eaglets together - Stormy and Triple B. Triple B passed away due to hypothermia unfortunately. After Stormy fledged, Shadow showed up at the nest - Mr BB did not come back to the nest or to Jackie. She then mated with Shadow that following winter and laid two eggs which became Cookie and Simba.

[@AngieTX]

@@ladyhawk it is so amazing to look back at the videos from 4 years ago and see the dynamics between Jackie and Shadow. We are all enamored with Shadow now, and he matured into the most amazing eagle ever. I am glad their story turned out this way and we all get the pleasure of witnessing a wonderful nest with these two entertaining eagles. This season went beautifully for them, and they showed the world an example of perfect eagle parents. Shadow was exemplary in his role as the male eagle and doting father, and Jackie couldn't have been a better mother eagle. Just so heartwarming to perch at the nest cam and see it all unfold. They raised a mighty eagle in Spirit and I know she is off doing great eagle things. I enjoy your videos. Thank you!

[@ladyhawk]

@@AngieTX You are very welcome! I will never forget these early days with Shadow arriving at the nest and all his quirky personality traits! I fell in love with him back then and he has just blossomed into a wonderful Dad and mate for Jackie!

[@feliciavetrone1561]

I've been going through the videos, starting when Shadow first showed up and I have not seen Mr BB at all, not even once. Did he just disappear?

[@tasosat6807]

is 2 years old?

[@ladyhawk]

Hi Tasos at - Shadow is a 3 year old sub adult :)

[@MelbaL.]

I really love Shadow and the interaction with Mrs. BB. This is very interesting. Is Shadow also a bald eagle ?? I miss Stormy but as long as the photographers catch him about I’m happy. I love this nest so thanks for the video 😊

[@ladyhawk]

Hi Melba - yes Shadow is a bald eagle. From the time they are juvies until they are sexually mature and have their white head and tails - they go through annual molts and will look like Shadow - a mixture of white and brown on the head, tail and underside. The sub adults are quite striking in this age bracket! I miss Stormy too and maybe he will still return to the nest and spend some time!