FOBBV🦅Bittersweet Dusk Rendezvous🌙Shadow Sneaks Back In Behind Jackie Again & Again💕2024-04-10

Video courtesy of @FOBBVCAM friendsofbigbearvalley.org
The opinions presented do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FOBBV.
Jackie and Shadow are letting go and continue their incubation withdrawal process. Jackie stopped incubating on 4/8 while Shadow still sits on the eggs during the day occasionally and takes night shifts. They have been leaving the nest seemingly unattended for longer and longer periods of time.
🥚Egg1 was laid 1/25 16:55 bit.ly/48OfNt5, Egg2 was laid 1/28 13:59 bit.ly/3OkpEi7, Egg3 was laid on 1/31 17:58 bit.ly/3SGTwb5 .
It is unlikely that the eggs will hatch at this point. We have no way of knowing why. It could be environmental, such as temperatures, humidity percentages, oxygen levels at high altitude, etc. It could be biological with something just being off at the time the eggs were created. It is very unlikely that either Jackie or Shadow are infertile since they have already had 2 sets of chicks together - in 2019 and 2022.
When eggs don’t hatch, Jackie and Shadow may start withdrawing from incubation eventually (they usually over incubate for several weeks, details can be found in our Activity Log). Withdrawal is always a process and it happens gradually with longer and longer breaks. Shadow may be a little bit more stubborn than Jackie (this is something we have observed in the past). Left unattended, the eggs may eventually be scavenged by ravens or other animals. The nest cameras are live 24/7/366 weather and maintenance permitting.
ℹResident Bald Eagle male: Shadow (unbanded) since May 2018. Estimated hatch year: 2014
ℹResident Bald Eagle female: Jackie (unbanded) since September 2016. Estimated hatch year: 2012
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[@jacquicoder7160]

We are tempted to say "Poor Shadow" but I think it must be so difficult for Jackie as she tries to get him to see it time to let go. The day will come when he will let go, it is just hard to watch him getting there. I was just thinking that this is another one of those amazing traits I never would have thought eagles to have, not wanting to give up on their eggs, especially when it is the male of the species struggling more than the female. The things we have learned from watching these beautiful raptors.

[@dianahopson8833]

Were you able to watch SWFlorida Eagle nest last season? Talk about male eagle dedication M15 raised he 2 eaglets alone after his mate Harriet disappeared. Talk about dedication.

[@gerin.6418]

❤ Yes! ❤

[@jacquicoder7160]

@@dianahopson8833 I did watch a couple of videos about that nest and, yes, it is an amazing example of male dedication.

[@m-possible1173]

Right ✅ you’re so on point! I keep mentioning to those that come to watch this beautiful relationship between these two eagles that it can be a great tool for troubled marriages or those thinking about marriage like myself.♥️🌺 I have learned so much about the way I should behave and Jackie and Shadow haven’t had to speak not a word to show me. Thank You GOD for sending Jackie & Shadow🥰🥲

[@kcloveonaleash]

​@@dianahopson8833 Yes! Amazing how Mighty M15 managed it all all those 2 fledged as healthy eaglets❤. Only then did Dad rest ❤

[@Summit1962]

A great dad. I sincerely hope that chicks will finally hatch again next year and that Shadow can raise them with all his love. J&S❤

[@irener1111]

From tears to laughter when he snuck back the last time. These two are something else.

[@jamesfreeman2258]

I knew back in February that they wouldn't hatch. When Shadow brought Jackie a meal, shed get off the nest abd eat it. The problem was Shadow wasn't able to get on the nest right away because Jackie's body was blocking him. I counted the minutes once and it was over 10 minutes before one of them got back on the eggs. This was when it was freezing and snowing. I think nature abd their instincts prevail. They seem to know their united strength and when both have all physical, emotional, environmental and psychological strength to raise another generation. The closeness of these two beautiful eagles is do endearing to me. BTW, I went kayaking last year. Itwas off season and it was me , the boat and wildlife. One of the most amazing moments was when a eagle, probably a teenager flew over my head and landed on a tree. It was about a quarter of a mile from me. It sat there and watched me slowly paddle towards it. I talked to it and stopped the boat right in front of it. It sat there looking at me in this calm but what are you doing look? I realize that each time a wild animal allows me a form of communication with it, in it's own environment, I'm receiving a gift from God.

[@gerin.6418]

🙏🏼❤🙏🏼

[@kimme9314]

Amen to that JamesFreeman2258! He’s all around us, just have to look up. These gifts are magnificent, profound. How two silly eagles can polarize so many. Love it.

[@MoogieSRO]

Same, there was also one instance during light snow when whoever was sitting flew off and the other didn't arrive back for 7 minutes. I remember wondering back then if that was long enough to lose too much heat.

[@manditidwell6274]

I feel absolutely the same. I run an animal sanctuary for pigs and all of their animal friends, so we get quite a mix of things. And I get a lot of time to just sit and watch their behaviors. I have learned more about life from watching animals than anywhere else. And feel closest to God when I am outdoors with them, them allowing me to just chill with them. Nothing compares. My hurts for this couple especially shadow right now, but Jackie had her mourning time I feel as I have watched these guys kind of round the clock for a while as I am ill so spend of time downtown to conserve my energy forgings I really want to spend little I have. So i would watch arms watch and take screen shots of them. She sometimes would cry out in this very soulful way that made my heart ache. Never failed shadow would come within in a short period. And then it was as if she would just start pouring her pain out to him in their language. She knew the outcome they were facing yet she sT. I have been there, 10 pregnancies, 1 living still, 2 born alive but died at 4 days old, 1 stillborn, 7 lost. And I always knew . I mean I hoped against hope but way in the back was like my mind would just start trying to prepare me even if I didn't think I could deal, somehow I did. And so will they. I wish they could have laid a second clutch, like the Berry College eagles did. Sadly they lost the second clutch to ilness.today is just a sad day.

[@AngelaS22]

Eggs are mostly water at that stage, which retains heat. It would take a while for the eggs to freeze, likely much longer than 7 minutes. We won't ever know for certain. It could just as likely be the lack of sufficient oxygen at this altitude, especially when combined with less humidity, both necessary for development.

[@juliadoty3300]

I love watching them! I thought maybe for a while today shadow had taken Jackie’s cues as he left the nest for over five hours… But then back again, he comes! He will eventually give up on them yet. In the meantime, it’s always a treat to watch them! Thank you friends of big Bear Valley, and all the volunteers for bringing them to us Cali for all the wonderful highlights!

[@TheEmaile]

OMG I just love that J is using S’s technique of coming in hot with a stick, making sure to poke him sitting on the nest a couple of times, and stepping on him for good measure.

[@lauraeastman]

I wouldn't call him stubborn; I would call him hopeful. 🦅💖💖💖💕☺️

[@marthaheck1831]

Also, dedicated! ❤️❤️🦅🦅❤️❤️

[@emilyward9943]

It looked like she gave him a little hug and said “ I love you.”

[@elizabethsetterlund8160]

Such a beautiful set of eagles 🦅 I’ve learned a lot. Besides it is peaceful to watch them.

[@disieg1160]

Beautiful video...I arose at 5:00 a.m. and of course, the first thing I did was check the nest. Bittersweet is right, Cali...I went to bed with a heavy heart, but resolved of yesterday's activity, knowing it has to happen and now our beautiful Shadow is back for the night shift. You know what? I'll take whatever Shadow wants to give us and when he's ready, I'll try to be ready, too. ❤️🦅❤️🦅

[@edwardizhonig204]

@disieg1160- beautifully said! I feel very much the same way! I often think it’s harder for us humans than it is for Shadow and Jackie but I’m not an Eagle so I will never truly know. I do know I must “ trust the eagles “ they’ve gotten this far without my help! 😊! Have a beautiful day!! 🦅🦅❤️❤️🥰

[@MichelleWilson-ej5dz]

Thank you Jackie and Shadow❤❤. Next season will be blessed and better. Love Them Both❤❤##!.

[@dolliemaesone]

They both know how to work the sticks . I’ll bring one and get the nest then fly away again ,another day or 2 he’ll be ok ! Love them both ❤I love her patience to cox him off the nest .

[@jgrazzi]

Jackie is hinting that it’s time to let them go Shadow. But nobody can blame you for your instinctual dedication. This will pass folks. Shadow knows and will take the next step soon. A beautiful summer is coming! 🦅🌞🦅

[@SusanM.]

S&J make me want to be a better person. More patient, loving, persevering, accountable, have follow through, strong minded, have my 💩 together....

[@tekarock]

That hug was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen ❤️🥰😘

[@LauraB-cn6sp]

Best Dad Ever! :)

[@gerin.6418]

🥇🏆Shadow #1 Dad!🏆🥇

[@marthaheck1831]

Absolutely!❤️❤️🦅🦅❤️❤️

[@maggieramos1544]

Around and around they go 😂 Shadow dad so dedicated! ❤

[@dianahopson8833]

Geri, you are right on track. Isn't it wonderful what WE can learn from these birds.

[@davidwhite9703]

Such incredible parents to not give up. I will however be glad when they start a new family.

[@cattailer1077]

💔. We love you Jackie and shadow💗

[@luvbaobingz9170]

Bless his heart! Precious papa Shadow is having such a hard time letting his eggs go. The hope and the grief. I can remember the other early Dawn morning when Jackie took a long time to leave her beautiful eggs but since that moment she really did detach herself already from her eggs and I know that was hard for her because of the time she took to leave them. She still does take a few minutes to leave them when she is trying to help Shadow transition to the fact that the eggs won’t hatch. It’s such a sad time for them both. But Jackie is also respecting Shadow as she tries to help him and yet lets him stay there when he stays the whole night. I just sorry because he looks exhausted and he needs to sleep. I see he is a little more vigilant than Jackie while he is on his eggs. 😖🙏🏻💕🦅🥚🥚💕🙏🏻

[@lindarandall4094]

I am still overwhelmed by the technology and dedicated volunteers that make it possible for us far flung aunts and uncles to have a front seat to the daily miracles of Eagles lives. Yes we all wished for successful hatchling and now watch the sad details as these two beautiful souls bring to a close this attempt. I will continue to follow them as long as it's possible and wish them happy days ahead with lakes full of food.

[@nettajar1938]

I do believe that it's going to be more difficult for us, J&S lovers, to give up than it is for Shadow. Though, Jackie keeps trying. Bless her heart. Shadow just can't give up "cold turkey" Tee-hee, did you get it . . . B. Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national animal, but it's the eagle . . . yeah, I agree, it was bad. ~ It's going to be difficult going back to my dull life without J&S to keep me entertained. At least we'll have the recap to keep us up-to-date. Thank you for all you do: Cali Condor, Cam ops, Careless Whisper, Dr. Sharpe, FOBBV, Gemma, Just Amy, Kathy Chortles, Maria Gr, Nightbot (even though you are a robot), Sandy, Silent Wings, Soarin CA, Volunteer Team; what a wonderful job you've done to with Q&A, enlightening us about eagles and their habitat, info about the area, keeping us up-to-date on current events with these 2 wonderful creatures. I will be checking in on the recap during the "off season". Keep up the good work. We love and appreciate all of you.🦅🦅🐿🐿🌳🌳🐟🐟🧗🧗💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@edwardizhonig204]

@nettajar1938- I wondered if anyone else knew about Ben Franklin- he was not a fan!! I know what he said too! I like how you thanked everyone- I too want to thank everyone!! Have a nice day!! Ben was wrong in my opinion. 🥰🦅🦅❤️❤️

[@Sean_1970]

Bless both Jackie trying to teach & young Shadow doing what he always has done! Definitely something special about those two & Shadow I'm convinced has a hairbrush hidden as he has to be the cutest & he always has his fluffy head styled 😂 Love & Light Dynamic Dou 🦅🦅💚🍀

[@gerin.6418]

It's his adorable 'nest head' LOL! 😂

[@Sean_1970]

@@gerin.6418 🤣👌👍

[@gerin.6418]

@@Sean_1970 😉😂😉

[@kimhaggett167]

Shadow is clever, but Jackie knows. She is so patient.

[@lfritos5331]

J&S so filled with devotion. Their commitment, loyality...so admirable. They stand by each other.❤ Carry on. One day at a time.

[@w.s.9295]

Love these photos when Jackie and Shadow are shoulder to shoulder. One takes off, and the other looks around to see the direction their partner was headed.

[@bhowe5162]

Thank you, Cali Condor for keeping us updated on the lives of Jackie & Shadow🤗

[@girluvshepherds]

I cant help but to feel so sad & bad for poor Shadow. I thought Jackie was going to give him a light chiding. Sneaking back in was hilarious!!! ❤❤❤

[@CoExist64]

6:05 She hugged him! Sure, we could say she tripped but I prefer to believe it was a hug. LOVE these two! Thank you @Cali Condor

[@JRoseBooks]

Shadow’s like, “she tricked me and left! I’m coming back!” ♥️🦅🦅

[@steemdup]

dearest Shadow, he worries about the unprotected eggs when he's away too long.

[@J.G.817]

I love watching these two,it can be depressing but it is a very peaceful video.🙏 Next year will be a better year for Shadow and Jackie.🦅🦅

[@dianahopson8833]

Thanks , Karen. He is amazing.

[@honusmom5144]

It isn’t harmful behavior at least. They don’t migrate anywhere. Shame fostering is out of the question because of the height of the nest.

[@TheEmaile]

He does look like he’s sneaking onto the nest in that first visit. Looks like the face of someone that’s doing something and not wanting to get caught.

[@theck672]

Thank you for this beautiful video and update❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@kristinLB]

Bittersweet is right. Jackie came to fluff the nest for her eggs. That made me tear up.

[@DigitalPixel_AnimalLover]

Me, too. It was as if she wanted to cover them again, but stopped to follow Shadow. I know the biologists want the eggs uncovered to see what happened to cause them to fail (I want to know, too!), but I keep sensing these two aren’t as much about incubation as they are protecting the eggs from predators. Seeing Shadow as he looked mournfully at the nest last year for almost 10 minutes, makes me get tears yet today. I’m trying my best to stay in the moment with these two. I love them so much. Thanks , Cali - I prayed you’d post this. I knew I wanted to save their back and forths of tonight ❤️🦅🦅❤️

[@sunnysunnywu6971]

心疼傑姬 心疼影子，隨著時間推移牠們倆仍然不放棄““““””””🦅🦅😥

[@addison6384]

Nature can be cruel and the next minute beautiful. This time She is breaking the hearts of two beautiful eagles and all the eagleette fans.😒

[@marthaheck1831]

Very well said.❤️❤️🦅🦅❤️❤️

[@Tammy-Jeanne-Movies]

So nice to see Shadow sleeping on his Eggies ❤

[@Squirrel_101]

I know it's hard letting go, but you can do it Shadow ... Follow Jackie's lead ❤

[@robfowler54]

Thanks, I thought that might have been it.

[@dawnmanley6406]

I love these recap videos ❤

[@laurabarreda799]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢💔

[@sarahmarks7082]

I feel terrible for both Jackie and Shadow 🦅😢 He is trying to let go of the eggs 🥚🥚🥚but he can't. Jackie has let go and she wants him to do so as well, and join her sleeping on their perch. She is so gentle 💕 but her message to her mate is clear - the eggs won't hatch so you don't need to keep incubating them ❣

[@juliadoty3300]

I guess I should’ve checked FOBBV Live update before I made my last comment. It was Jackie, who aerated the nest at 19:48 and hid the eggs or maybe they fell in deeper! So I apologize if I was ugly and wondering why they panned off the nest from camera one when they had disappeared. I should’ve read the update first and kept my big mouth shut! Please forgive me if I was ugly! I love y’all and thank you for your patience with me!

[@apock6115]

6:02 dam it woman I told its my day off 🤣

[@leonaober8849]

He would have been the best dad.

[@ramadasa77]

🙏👍🤗

[@paulettebruno851]

Do you think they're wondering... Why aren't these eggs hatching?

[@trishabaran1521]

I know! I think it’s so sad 😢 It breaks your heart 💔 They were so dedicated to those eggs . We all love them so much and so wanted them to be a family 😢 These 2 🦅 will never know how loved 💕 they are !

[@mygirldarby]

No. There is another eagle nest I watch, and when the female was gone the male killed and ate the baby that was a day old. When the female came back, she simply sat on the egg that hadn't yet hatched. She never looked around for the missing baby, never showed any sign whatsoever that she recognized that it was gone. Eagles don't think like humans do. They can't wonder about things. As far as I can tell by observing them, much of what they do is instinctual. I've seen eagles look shocked when a baby hatches from one of the eggs they've been sitting on for a month. I don't think they know that eaglets are going to come out of the eggs until it happens. It's possible that more experienced eagles understand it, but I'm not even sure they know.

[@Tammy-Jeanne-Movies]

Yes Paulette

[@marthaheck1831]

​@trishabaran1521 Oh, so true!!❤️❤️🦅🦅❤️❤️

[@Linda-eb3kn]

Jackie is so patient giving the time he needs to let go.

[@heatherydew3361]

Shadow makes up now for all the time he didn't get on the eggs, as Jackie always takes the lions share when the eggs are viable. He's just making the most of the fact Jackie has stepped back. He'll follow suit when he's ready ❤

[@yadayadayada4674]

he definitely is looking around when he returns.

[@juliadoty3300]

Hello there Cali And friends of big Bear Valley. I know one of the eggs was lost today. And that’s sad. But it seemed to make shadow except that he needs to give up on these eggs. But tonight around 20:08 or so, the camera operator of Camera, one had panned off the nest into the darkness, which I’m not even sure why, because you couldn’t see anything, and then 20:11 or so, they panned back to the nest, and the other two Eggs were gone. And I’m sure hoping that someone got it on camera of what happened to the last two eggs. It seems very odd that they would pan off the nest into the darkness and then when they pan back the eggs are gone! I love you, friends of big Bear Valley, and all the volunteers Cali, But I’m really wondering what happened here. Can somebody please explain to me and hopefully someone got it on camera what happened to the last two eggs especially while it happened when they had panned off the nest into the darkness?!? I hope somebody responds! Thank you! I love y’all! Julia .

[@susanhirsch7516]

He just doesn't give up its so sad the loss of there eggs .😂

[@Yanquetino]

I think that Shadow is torn between loneliness and duty. When Jackie shows up, he assumes she wants to incubate and scoots, but then… returns upon seeing that she hasn't done so. I deeply admire his sense of devotion and hope, but I honestly want the ravens to relieve him of that responsibility.

[@girluvshepherds]

As much as it hurts to say it out loud, I have the exact same feelings about the ravens. I've been a bird lover all of my life & remember filling my backpack with all of my bird identification books & binoculars when it was time to go "spying on nature's wonders" with my grandma. At least that's what she called it. Eagles were always her favorite! So almost praying for their relief breaks me & I know it would hers too 😢💔

[@loretta7683]

Maybe he just likes the nest and the eggs being there just gives him something to do, otherwise he’d be hanging out in a tree looking out yonder. 😂

[@laurieenns]

It’s to bad that another bird would not come and take the eggs

[@marthaheck1831]

In due time, the ravens will show up. Shadow isn't ready to allow that, just yet.❤️❤️🦅🦅❤️❤️😢

[@robfowler54]

How does the camera stay on 24/7? What is powering it all this time?

[@maandren]

Solar power

[@tamlynjordan6159]

What will they do with the eggs when they realize it's time to let go? I'm guessing their next eggs will be laid in the same nest.?

[@gerin.6418]

Eventually they will completely abandon the nest and typically the ravens will come along and do what ravens do.

[@gerin.6418]

Yes, this has been their nest for many years so most likely this will continue to be so in the future!🤞🏻

[@gwaksdGSDulsan]

제키ㆍ샤도우 는 지금까지 낳은 새끼들 몇마리 일까요 ?

[@mygirldarby]

One I know of for sure. Her name is Spirit.

[@SW13333]

Shadow and Jackie have had 3 eaglets - Simba+Cookie (Cookie passed away due to hypothermia) and Spirit ❤ The Ravens got 2 viable eggs ready to hatch one of the years, another year 2 nonviable eggs. I think I'm leaving out a year. - Stephanie Stephanie

[@candyr7299]

breaks my heart. Shadow wanted to be a dad and raise another family so badly. Why is this keep happening? Honestly, someone in the wildlife higher ups needs to find out what is wrong. Has to be bad organisms in that nest. I so feel for them. Both are grieving.

[@lindaadelwerth8042]

@candyr7299 There's nothing they can do about it, And unfortunately that's nature whether we like ot not. The higher ups are not going to interfere