Big Bear🦅Plot Twist!🌲Bonding Practice Or New Nest From Scratch❓2022-10-02

Our eagles had an interesting morning! They brought at least 25 sticks to a snag tree seen from the new Wide View camera. Most fell, but some stuck around.
The new Wide (or should I say Wider?) View camera provides a unique opportunity to see off-season activities that we have never witnessed before.🤓
Stick delivering and nest building are part of the bonding process for the species. They usually pick tall trees with a great vantage point and a sturdy fork at the top, allowing easy entrance.
That’s likely why the species holds the Guinness World Record for the largest bird nest on the planet (the largest nest was measured 9 ½ feet wide and 20 feet deep). Some pairs build “practice” nests in their territories, some have up to 6 different nesting sites!
Right now, we have more questions than answers. Only time will tell whether we are witnessing routine bonding activities or a beginning of an alternative nesting site. We have never been able to observe Jackie and Shadow’s off-season behavior before. There is no way to know how many sticks they bring and to how many trees.
The season is just beginning for our eagles: nestorations and nesting site selection process usually start in October-November, eggs are typically laid in January-March. We will wait patiently in fascination to see what wonders the eagles will reveal in the future. Looks like it is going to be an interesting season!
Resident male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014
Resident female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012
♀Spirit was last seen on the nest 6/23, in the area 6/24, fledged 5/31, hatched 3/3
Daily Recaps & Observations➡ bit.ly/3Md8TSz
Big Bear Eagle Nest History➡ friendsofbigbearvalley.org/ea...
Quick Reference Guide➡ friendsofbigbearvalley.org/ea...
Courtesy of ‪@FOBBVCAM‬ , environmental advocacy group dedicated to protecting & preserving Big Bear Valley. Learn more on how you can help➡friendsofbigbearvalley.org/
Visit FOBBV on Facebook➡ / friends-of-big-bear-va...
Visit FOBBV Bald Eagle group➡ / 531281757566020

[@stephaniefromWC]

OH my goodness!! I just love it when a stick falls and they both watch it fall!!! Never gets old!

[@MeMe-fw8ij]

☺👋❤ - I hear ya!

[@sandyg3639]

It is so amazing that we can watch Jackie and Shadow live their lives. We can sit, watch, listen and wait. Thank you Cali and FOBBV. 🦅😍

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@teresaroth196]

How delightful ! Many thanks to Jehovah for to his creation

[@aquamarineblue8690]

Jackie is always watching Shadow and giving him advice. Jackie’s new house is going to be beautiful. It has a basement, an attic . A balcony. Perching views. It’s actually stunning. Now just comes the nest, egg, babies ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😊

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@miglena2s]

@Elle 🌸 They have each other. All else comes with it - sooner, or later; and in One way (not another). 💯❤️👍

[@marilynwargo6288]

This looks a bit exposed. A new nest needs to be very stable. I wonder how they will test their foundation? Will it have enough insulation? Oh my!

[@aquamarineblue8690]

@@marilynwargo6288 I see what your saying. Leaves still need to grow on the tree in spring. And other nests are wide open too. This one is quite high too. I truly just put trust into them. I believe they know. They will be ok. I’m sure they will. It’ll be ok. ❤

[@deannacoleman913]

@@marilynwargo6288 I am with you with that comment Marilyn, it is very exposed I am live in So.Calif & it likes to rain and snow alot in B.Bear in the winter months , they have no cover in this 🌲🦅🦅 tree 😕 unless it's a back up! I guess only the eagles know😐

[@bumbleb4556]

So fascinated by their behavior, what a treat for us to be able to witness them up close and personal like this. Love the new cameras! I am glued and as usual can't seem to pull myself away from watching. I am patiently waiting for their next move. Thank you Cali for all the updates. 💜🙏🦅🦅

[@aquamarineblue8690]

It’s so breathtaking. I can’t get enough of if. My grin is so wide my cheeks hurt. The love is real. Good to see you too Bumbleb. ❤😊

[@faithannhochgurtel3099]

Love, love, love the Plot Twist! J & S truly keep us on our toes.

[@simplycurlyde]

Oh no! Not after Dr S & team just worked on the can on the nest tree.

[@gerin.6418]

This is very exciting! Can't wait to see what Jackie & Shadow have up their talons, lol! ;) Only time will tell... until then we will sit back & enjoy the adventures of this amazing couple! 🦅❤🦅

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@lyssaharsin6837]

Figures, after all the work to put up the cameras! But then again, Jackie could've taken one look at the old nest and told Shadow I'm not going to clean up that mess! And then Shadow thought he'd give it a go, but no way!😂🦅❤️🦅

[@aquamarineblue8690]

Maybe during the storm when it blew out the camera, Shadow and Jackie thought it’s not safe now. Maybe they saw a spark or sparks? I’m just glad they are safe and able to rebuild. ❤❤ these two mean so much to me.

[@lauraschleicher7315]

🤣😂🤣

[@lyssaharsin6837]

I am going back at least 2 months ago, but the last time they were at the nest they moved a few sticks around and then we're like I'm oughta here!🥰🙃😂

[@EverydayisaHolidaywithtwoyoots]

Thanks for the info.Hopefully Wherever they end up Making their home,We will still be able to see it.We love these Eagles and can't wait to follow their journey again.🦅❤️🙏

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@jacquicoder7160]

Well, I'm full of questions, too, but I guess we will just have to wait and see. Thanks for sharing this very interesting turn of events, Cali.

[@jenniferross4646]

I love the new wider angled camera and am very appreciative of the gesture and look forward to seeing the results of the new nest. I love having the Eagles back at their nests, I really missed them and can't wait to see what's ahead for them. This is such a beautiful and serene environment to enjoy. Thanks Cali for this awesome sighting!

[@jgrazzi1438]

It would appear as if they’re building a new nest. Very interesting development. Of course we’ll have to see for sure but it’s different from what we’ve seen. Perhaps they watched all the activity from a distance and said to themselves, “we can improvise too”. 🦅🦅😁

[@janajamer734]

ROFLMMFAO 😅😂🤣😭

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@bentchick2869]

WOW, I've never watched a nest being built before.... how amazing!

[@Whatnok]

Amazing view of our precious Jackie & Shadow. Thank you to all who a Work so hard to allow us to enjoy the majestic beauty of JnS! Thank you CC doe the amazing video🙏🏼👑✨❤️🦅🦅❤️🥰🤩

[@yvonnedohoney3243]

Yup..building new nest..and Shadow brings the best sticks...!

[@gailresources3970]

Maybe a little bungalow for Spirit?

[@bhowe5162]

Wow....That was amazing to watch. Thank You, Cali Condor for all the detailed information. The wide view cam is awesome !

[@KayCee_13]

I was watching this live this morning! I was excited to see them both in action again…. And there were some majestic fly-ins!! 🦅❤

[@sophieh9387]

If Shadow and Jackie only knew how adored they are.. What an experience this is!! Thank you for posting!!

[@Susan-hc1nq]

you have GOT to be kidding? All that work? Wow...well we'll have to wait and see and...TTE! (Trust the Eagles)

[@aquamarineblue8690]

Trust the eagles. 😊

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@aquamarineblue8690]

I knew it. I knew it. ❤❤ I didn’t want to say anything. But I had a feeling a new nest is happening as we wait. 😂😂😂They got tired of Fiona’s antics 😂 They’re just so darling. I can’t stop watching them ❤❤

[@EverydayisaHolidaywithtwoyoots]

Oh Man...this is guite the shocker,though right?!...🦅🙏

[@aquamarineblue8690]

@@EverydayisaHolidaywithtwoyoots isn’t it. It’s awesome. I’ve been waiting and watching the nest. And no eagles. But all the other nests in other areas were busy being built again and added to. But our nest here was still empty. And I thought , they are up to something. Lol. And I thought, they have to be building or looking for a new area to build. And yes, here we are. It just breaks my heart because every time Shadow brings a stick, 3 go crashing down. 😂. But they don’t give up. And it’s so wonderful to watch. 😊❤

[@EverydayisaHolidaywithtwoyoots]

@@aquamarineblue8690 So true,Harriet,and her companion have been making nestorations and so have Samson and Gabby,so this would make perfect sense.We will be watching👀and 🙏for them

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@aquamarineblue8690]

@@EverydayisaHolidaywithtwoyoots yes, I can’t wait. ❤

[@deannacoleman913]

I don't know about this, I just watched another video - it said they are building a new nest😥 I hope not & I think you are right Cali with this new wide camera we didn't know what J&S did on their time off!! I just don't think this tree has much of a canopy to protect from the winter element's snow, rain ,the wind 😮💨🌨️ that 140ft Jeffrey pine has been around.along time it's going to be sad that we all won't see the new babies this season😭🥚🥚🐣🐣 if they choose this nest tree to lay eggs!!. But only the eagles know best we will surely find out soon🤔🤨 thanks so much for the updated description Cali & fobbv🙂

[@lisat9802]

♥🦅🦅 Thank you so much Cali.!

[@mamalori2500]

Maybe too much Spirit drama attached to the main nest… lol. Orrr… they’re onto us and don’t want us spying on them anymore. Orrrrr… they’re sick of Fiona and Fast Freddie building their garden in their nest. Whatever the reason, they’re fascinating to watch. Love these two. 💜

[@joycekirkpatrick4503]

Oh wow, hopefully if they build another nest we will still be able to watch . Thank you

[@lb1460]

How incredibly awesome is this? Like they read the early plans to possibly build an e-bike trail and started on their alternate "eagle nest plan."

[@sherrigibson6739]

Cali, thank you so much for your wise council. I learn so much from you. This is a gorgeous choice for a tree but lacks the canopy of their present nest. Is this tree further away from civilization? Do you think they saw the human activity at the other nest and now feel it’s unsafe? Just curious for your opinion. These new cameras will give Jackie the real star paparazzi shots she would adore. Because she knows she’s the Queen. Thanks again.

[@melmasi5098]

Great video and info Calu, thanks so much! Fascinating developments, I can hardly wait to see where they have their baby/babies! I vote for the old nest but even my cat doesn't listen to me when we're a foot apart, Jackie & Shadow certainly won't!😁 Take care, I love your posts Cali❤

[@raf4887]

10-10-2022 In Alabama we have Bald Eagles around Lake Guntersville. A pair has been nesting in the park in the middle of the city of Guntersville for several years now, since 2019. There are numerous nests around the lake. And in winter we get transient birds flying south to avoid cold northern winters. We live about 17 miles north of Guntersville and in the past week have observed a pair calling and flying over our place. I hope they will next nearby. Majestic birds in flight.

[@julieh-c949]

Fascinating yet majestic beautiful serene peaceful and full of love ❤❤ .. the true beauty of what is being experienced is undeniable!! J&S ❤❤

[@mariaparra8025]

So beautiful watch the majestic eagles 🦅 🦅♥️♥️🙏🙏🌹🌹

[@jeremiahhealy3339]

No comment

[@bextra1968]

This is so fascinating to watch! Thank you!💕🦅

[@packerkats7578]

Absolutely fascinating development.

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@mikehalahan104]

My thought exactly.

[@MeMe-fw8ij]

Ummm - what's goin on J/S - it's so great to see you again! 🥰Are you practicing or building a new nest? We're here for you regardless. Maybe you're bored with the old one, or you just want a new view, or one closer to the water because it's better fishing. We can't tell how far apart those limbs are. The sticks just keep on dropping - maybe you could use the sticks from your old nest!

[@miditrax]

we'll know for sure if they start taking sticks from the old nest to build a new one!

[@sheilanewell50]

Thank you again for your wonderful videos it’s so good to see Jackie and shadow up close and personal always appreciate your videos so thankful that our Eagles are safeThe surroundings were very pretty in your video to look forward to your next one thanks again

[@marinarodriguez5826]

I know it's late, but I love the new wider camera and close up. And the sound is better too.

[@tyruo9998]

Thanks for the video! Will be interesting to see whether this will become their new nest if not. Wonder if all of that human activity at their “old” main nest changed their minds 🤔 … we shall see! But very happy to see shadow and Jackie flying back around the area

[@mikehalahan104]

You have correctly framed the Alternatives--Cali. New Nest or Nature's photoperiod stuff going off on a Tangent from Normal. Skipped thru video and see they did bring in and leave a net stick deposit in this Perfect Roost tree . If it's a new Nest Tree, I see they haven't figured out the wind angles on approach, and had to circle several times, something Spirit had trouble with also. It's welcome that they are doing something, even if it means nothing . We don't know very much about Eagles, Do we ? Thanks for Posting.

[@WeezyWeez1984]

So happy for Jackie, she's always wanted a vacation nest and they are finally able to build it, sticks must not be too expensive presently. Can't wait to see once it's finished. 😁

[@gailresources3970]

History being made here? Can’t take my eyes off of them.

[@miglena2s]

❤️

[@eileenone8665]

So interesting to hear about this.❤️

[@serapmehmet3346]

Thankyou Cali, 😊 Your video are Amazing, always detailed with beautiful story telling, Thankyou so very much, Wishing Our Wonderful couple here the very best only!, 🦅❤🤗🙏💕💓

[@yvonnedohoney3243]

Anyone seen Spirit??

[@ladydi6648]

So interesting! Thanks Cali 🦅 ❤ 🦅

[@yvonneking9912]

Is it safe to build a nest in a snag tree? They are dead trees? Correct? I love where there current nest is.

[@sherryfuzesy9030]

Remarkable to watch the builders💙💚

[@justmeg8428]

It definitely seems that way. I guess the only way we will know for sure is if they continue building a nest in this new tree and abandoned the old nesting tree. If that's the case I will wonder why they have abandoned the old nesting tree. Something to watch moving forward though.

[@araxiep465]

I watched it live too was fascinating . Does the camera go that far or was it the panning of the camera operator that made it possible to see ? This tree looks closer to the lake , is it? or not too far from J&S current nest.

[@juliesherbondy9668]

thx for the video- its so facinating to llok at the base of the nest and see the sticks poking out and adding up so to speak...

[@starrharrison8178]

Thank you Cali

[@nancyw.4348]

Wow fascinating!❤

[@shirleyhoy5544]

Cal thank you! ❤️

[@60Airflyte]

Will Fiona move too or have the old nest all to herself? Stay tuned.

[@debdew7125]

Wow! Thanks Cali. Very interesting. Great video! Take care. Deb💜

[@annbernadettemayer8985]

Wow...the watcher’s just finished a remodel of the entire system...let’s hope it’s just a weekend getaway!

[@pamhageerty2095]

Right after all the new cam work ! And we won’t be able to see anything on this tree 😮

[@craigrucker2106]

Very interesting but it sure looks like that big Tree is dead or dying if so i am sure the Eagles dont have a clue. Maybe someone from FOBBL could shed some light on there concerns or comments on the Tree. Thank you.

[@lauraroberts3964]

I like how Shadow flies back to the nest the very second after Jackie wingslaps the Ravens! Haha! As always Jackie does the hard work 😂

[@judyjenkins5034]

Shadow is definitely not to be on the short end of tough. He has been in some tough fights on the wing and came out the victor. He’s quite the guy❤

[@MeMe-fw8ij]

It's concerning why they chose this tree - and how long ago. The vid has a 10/2/2022 date - but they could have been roosting in it for some time before that. J/S are young yet - so they have time and knowledge on their side. One thing - they must feel "safe" here, to consider building a whole new nest. That's very encouraging. 🥰

[@desertgirl6511]

I wonder what tomorrow brings for these two. I have to say, the view is amazing. At 7:45 Jackie, I’m assuming it was J, seemed to be imagining herself sitting on eggs and then Shadow tries to bring a new stick. 😂 this spot looks amazing but I would miss seeing them close up. ♥️♥️♥️

[@juliehoot3916]

wow! 😳

[@retiredoldguy706]

I’m ready for this season and whatever the outcome. 😎

[@MeMe-fw8ij]

🥰They're b-a-c-k - 10/04/2022 🥰- chat will be open soon!❤❤❤❤❤

[@roximama]

Hopefully they're just discussing plans for another successful year at the usual nest.

[@steemdup]

I can only hope they will select a living tree for any (potential) primary nest building. It's nice to see them doing eagle stuff, since somebody abandoned us watchers in June....

[@patriciakay1637]

I know, I am wondering if this tree is alive...🤔

[@chrisjohnson1599]

The eagles are on to us; they watched Spirit "box" the camera before she left, and Jackie and Shadow realized that someone has been watching them. Now, they're building a new place where the Raven-neighbors aren't so loud and they don't have to worry about their exploits being splashed all over social media by the mods...or they just miss playing with Lincoln Logs, maybe. 🤔 🤣

[@sophieh9387]

I see a perfect branch above the "V" for a camera!😁

[@stargaiz111]

Maybe their in solidarity with SW Florida eagles Harriet and M15 who are REBUILDING their nest. Blessings the nest tree made it through hurricane Ian.

[@virginia574]

That's what I was thinking!! I worried for J&S during fire & for cousins H&M in Fl too. I'm glad they're good, their lives could never, ever..... yu know.. 😔🥰💕🦅🦅

[@packerkats7578]

I had the exact same thought. ❤

[@stephaniefisher6226]

I wonder if the camera activity and the Drs. going into their space put them off? Maybe if human smell fades? OR. ..doing what some couples do. Building a summer vacation home ❤. Hope this isn't their winter nest. Not much windbreak up there! Maybe it reminds them of their old roost tree?

[@CaliCondor]

Hello Stephanie, eagles possess little to no sense of smell. They are mostly visual creatures. The maintenance at the nest has been performed just about every year since 2015. The eagles have been nesting on camera since 2016. FOBBV contracts professional arborists and eagle biologists who do the work with the utmost respect for the eagles. The latest sighting of Jackie and Shadow in the nest has been in late July, the maintenance at the nest was done in late September. We do not know why eagles sometimes build practice nests or alternate nests, or how many alternative nesting sites they may have in the territory. Or how many times they tried. It just something that happens when it's time. Hope this helps. 😊

[@stephaniefisher6226]

@@CaliCondor I agree with all of this and realize this is nothing new to them. Hoping they still love the big nest because that new tree does not look as hospitable❤. Who knows. Maybe they are noticing more people on that part of the lake or building a lovenest for Spirit. I firmly believe that some of the recent pics were of her.😁 Ok I admit. All of those juvie pics were her in my opinion.🤣

[@Andijt]

Knowing Shadow, there may be dozens of trees with sticks arranged in them! 😅

[@Gryper1987]

@Cali Condor - Did you see the female Northern Flicker in the nest? Visit started around 17:56:24 under the left side of the Y branch (I think that's what it's called - upper left side of the nest). And I love this plot twist video, thanks for posting it!

[@featherbabymom5706]

My gosh, restorations are just around the corner and they begin a new nest NOW? Cali, do you know how long it took to create their current nest ❓ If they do leave their current nest, that means that Cookie will be left behind. IMHO, their current nest has more protection from predators when eggs or chicks are in the nest. I don't know, but my motto is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". I must realize they certainly know better than I. This is a circumstance where I must definitely TTE! ❤️

[@melmasi5098]

I know the feeling FeatherBabyMom! I want them to stay in their "regular" nest too! I fo love getting a broader vision of their world though🤩

[@lorrem2539]

Do you think they noticed all stuff that went on in the original nest? The cleaning and rearranging of it?😮 where is this tree in the grand scheme of things?

[@zoemadrigal562]

Wonders why they build a new nest away from the camera .. we wont be able to see and watch their activity in nest anymore ... hope they go back to thier own old nest where Spirit was born. But then i love to watch Shadow and Jackie together again working on the nest .. i miss the stick urgument 🤣 Thank Cali ❤

[@kateeible9352]

Well wouldn't that be a disappointment after all the updated camera work on the old nest & they decide to move lol

[@miglena2s]

Both ❤ Eagles

[@IDaydreamALittleTooMuch]

Oh i was kinda on a break from the day since Spirit fledged but this is interesting. Would they actually build a second nest so close to the current one when it is still intact?

[@miditrax]

Oh! Just had a thought....What if it's just the same stick, picked up and brought in over and over??? PS - can the 25 sticks be added to the Oct. stick count? And could chat be opened soon on C2 if no sticks are brought to the C1 Nest? TY, asking for a friend 😉

[@nancyvogel4607]

I can't believe Jackie would give up her nest..this makes me sad. We won't be able to see the Eaglets with no camera there.

[@honusmom5144]

Maybe Shadow didn’t like the little woodpecker’s notch in the regular nest branch. 😌

[@HighVibePortal]

Have been offline. Is this of Jackie & Shadow? Say yes pls! Has precious Spirit been seen anywhere since June? Loving the new cam THANK YOU!! xoxo

[@melmasi5098]

Hi Susan, it's Jackie & Shadow🤩💞 All the details are here - just touch the > that points down right next yo the "title" of the video. So exciting!

[@HighVibePortal]

@@melmasi5098 TU!! That makes my heart sing!!!

[@dinalatina314]

Is that the same rt they've been using

[@judyjenkins5034]

I wonder if after having Spirit, they realized they needed a little recuperation nest to go to? Just thinking out loud.

[@cathie9614]

QQQ.. Is this tree closer to the water ?

[@CyntheaFire42]

It seems awfully late in the season for nest building. Is it really possible that they could build one before the weather hits❓️❓️❓️

[@maryrichter2457]

If they had gone up to the next set of limbs in the same tree they would have found a better crotch to hold more of their sticks. But this seems like such unskillful nest building that it makes me wonder if a new pair of eagles has moved in. Or if it is Jackie and Shadow, might they have been unsettled by the recent modifications to the camera system watching their nest? Perhaps they found it too intrusive.

[@Bets1202]

I hope they aren’t building in that tree. It looks dead, and not safe.

[@angelicap2736]

Not sure if you all realize that if they build a nest in this tree, there are no cams and this would be the closest shot we get and chances are they would not move the cams for atleast 2 seasons incase they decide to use the original nest, so that means we wouldn't see any eggs til they hatch! Not sure why you all are so ecstatic over this!

[@mikehalahan104]

Angelica--I'm sorry, but i disagree with your assessment. I'm not ' Ecstatic ' over what J& S have done --more like Fascinated it the term. If it is a new nest, why are both of them showing up to do it--not just one. How was that decided ? Two Eagles here that can't even decide where to put 1 stick without ' Fussing' in the past. We can't assume they are building a new nest to raise Young in this year. If it turns out to be true--much time is left for other Players in this Situation to act. As Yogi Berra , famous Yankee ball player once remarked, " it ain't over, until it's over.". Let's see what "over " really means for Jackie and Shadow and all of us fans that like how they Enhance our lives with all the things they do.

[@miditrax]

Sneaky birds....thanks to FOBBV cam we can get a wider view into their lives, not that they would want to encourage us to! 😜

[@janeliarakos946]

How great would it be if J/S built a new nest and Spirit moved into to old nest ? Did Jackie move into her parents nest years ago ?

[@miditrax]

was half-hoping that J+S would rent out the basement (low-level on the Nest Tree) to Spirit, or set up an airBnB for the winter season

[@flyfreeqhrt5484]

Did something happen to their nest? I mean they really did need a new one.

[@yvonneking9912]

Nothing to protect them from weather in this tree. 😢

[@rubyd3745]

Now if someone could catch them not around for a moment and put a camera in that nest...

[@dinalatina314]

It looks like it's snowing

[@MeMe-fw8ij]

Those are just bugs flying around☺

[@marinarodriguez5826]

Did something happen to Jackie and Shadow's nest?

[@Kavoriken]

Hurricane Ian went over Florida and south east of the United States. J&S's nest is in California, so nowhere near where that happened.

[@marinarodriguez5826]

@@Kavoriken Sorry, you're right. I was just wondering what happened to their nest. Since, on the video, it says they might be building a new nest

[@Kavoriken]

@@marinarodriguez5826 The original nest is still intact. That's why everyone is so curious about this behaviour.

[@EricaC79]

Ummm, did anyone tell them that a new nest is not allowed. That thousands of dollars ad volunteer hours have been put into current nest tree. Tell them to get there butts back over to the other tree where we can watch them flourish their offspring. Whatever is happening here is for bonding purposes only, not for rasing a family.