Three eagle eggs unlikely to hatch in Big Bear

Sandy Steers with Friends of Big Bear Valley joins us to talk about the famous eagle eggs and why they are unlikely to hatch this season.

[@edwardizhonig204]

We still love Jackie and Shadow and always will! Grateful to be a part of their journey! ❤️❤️Thank you Sandy!

[@jdamore44]

My wife and I are grieving with everyone. We were locked on last year through the whole ordeal and we've been here this whole season too. These two deserve to be parents again! They are incredible creatures and we LOVE them!

[@ColtonCarter]

LOL

[@pinguinito3354]

🦅❤️🙏🏼🦅

[@M.C.Blackwell]

❤❤

[@ZennaD]

@@ColtonCartertroll

[@jplester9719]

what happened last year ?

[@katespear1233]

This brought tears to my eyes because we’ve been watching them for weeks. We have fallen in love with Shadow & Jackie and am so grateful that we have been able to be part of their lives.

[@Karen-kj2gt]

Me too 😔

[@Phone-sh7jg]

Years!

[@suesaosa5526]

🥺 it's so very sad.😢🙏

[@dragnflei]

Great interview. Thank you for not only covering the story but for having Sandy on to help us understand the process.

[@happyfunjenn]

My heart is broken for this regal family.

[@annsmith7207]

Jackie and Shadow are loved no matter what and unconditionally. It is not as though they didn't do absolutely everything possible for the eggs to pip or hatch. I have a photograph of both Jackie and Shadow fully covered in snow one early morning having endured a brutal night with a snowstorm --- to remind me of what it takes out in the wild to keep on ....no matter what. Although very aware this is nature --- it doesn't make it any less sad. This will be a quiet evening with some reflection. A sincere thank you to Sandy Steers and Friends of Big Bear Valley for their untiring commitment to Jackie and Shadow.

[@OttoByOgraffey]

3 eggs! We were so excited for 3 EGGS! And now we have this. It's so sad, and depressing. I'm depressed.

[@lindaadelwerth8042]

Bless Shadows heart! He truly wants little fuzzies! Sad news to hear. Was truly hoping and Praying that this year would be better 😢

[@Justme-gi5jb]

Beautiful Jackie and Sensitive Shadow. I watched the video on 3/4/23 when Shadow flew back to the nest to sit on the eggs after they had given up. A grieving father. I cry just thinking about it🦅❤️😢

[@4lottisintellect]

Same here.

[@rebekahruiz111]

Wow ....I'm not the only one!!! I cry just replaying that moment in my mind. He was so heartbroken, he has feelings- no doubt. And to see it again THIS Season Absolutely breaks my heart. 😭💔💔🦅🐣🐣🐣🦅 Yet I can't stop hoping and watching those 2 love birds. If they Only knew how much they are loved

[@annalara9427]

Been watching this for days and days.Both J&S are troopers for being with their eggs round the clock. I will still have hope for a few more days that at least one will hatch.❤

[@cerea4983]

Love and hugs to all involved with Jackie & Shadow.

[@mariaknox9605]

We’re all feeling the pain. I, along with everyone else, was so excited looking forward to seeing the eggs hatch. I’ve cried a few times. Can’t help feeling depressed. J&S are so unique. Love their personalities. I can only imagine how Sandy and all the mods must feel too. We’re all in this journey together ❤. I wish I could comfort J&S.

[@LisetteCoggan-ci1lc]

I’m not surprised at all, they had the most miserable weather, rainstorms, freezing rain, snowstorms and very cold temperatures for days without end, I’m sad for Jackie and Shadow such loving pair, so sad! 😢😢

[@LeeleeGilbert]

I read somewhere that this nest is very old. Probably Lacks insulation now. With the cold weather the eggs are not incubating.

[@LisetteCoggan-ci1lc]

@@LeeleeGilbertI totally agree with you they had to go through this worse weather.

[@climateanxiety2825]

@@LeeleeGilbert Actually they add to it every year, so it is bigger this year than last. Age is not the issue.

[@kimsmith6469]

I agree lee lee. I don't think there was any insulation in the beginning..I remember the eggs being on sticks..for a long period of time..I believe the cold air was getting underneath the eggs...😢😢

[@LisetteCoggan-ci1lc]

@@kimsmith6469 so true and so sad, we all are grieving! 😂

[@joycedouglas6128]

Sad...but there is always next year. J&S have been so faithful.

[@sunnycharacter]

Noooo, this breaks my heart in so many ways. 2nd year in a row for this precious couple.

[@Sharonmxg]

It kills me that science tried to tell us animals don't have feelings for so long. They clearly do.

[@climateanxiety2825]

Nonsense. "Science" never said any such thing.

[@debrapeasley2606]

​@@climateanxiety2825They told us animals don't feel pain.

[@climateanxiety2825]

@@debrapeasley2606 Who are "they"? And please cite your source. And make it recent. You people always have to go to when bloodletting was a thing.

[@climateanxiety2825]

@@A_A_12_ Psychology is not a "wanna-be" science. It is a science with ethical limitations as it should have. It's also ironic that you critique science when you can't write a simple paragraph correctly. People do observe eagles. Most animals are observed. What is wrong with you?

[@MoogieSRO]

The difference is that science updates its teachings when new knowledge is learned.

[@amymartin5753]

Sandy is so awesome! Love her demeanor, smarts etc.

[@roximama]

Of all the interviews I've seen of Sandy I think this one was the best. The questions were on point and sensitive to the situation, showing that at least someone at KCAL is a genuine fan of these beautiful eagles.

[@kerryguzman8263]

Jackie and Shadow did a great job this year with the eggs Jackie sat a record 62 hrs on eggs in the snow I think it's something in them I,m curious how far the eggs developed we will know when the ravens come

[@ellennewth6305]

This is heartbreaking. Jackie and Shadow have worked so hard to keep those eggs warm and safe. Hopefully, they'll have better luck next year.

[@Charko-yk9vp]

I will pray everyday for them to be successful next year and maybe God will send a miracle of multiple hatchings for next time. Have faith and pray. :)

[@susan7bunny]

So sad. But I’m thankful the adult eagles appear to be healthy ❤️❤️

[@AMBennett]

I am feeling like so many here; everyone expresses what is in their heart so well. These birds are one of nature's finest creations. Beautiful Jackie & Shadow - we all want you to have what you have worked so hard for. It is hard to accept but we have to move on with them and keep positive. I am not a biologist but I do keep wondering about the water. 80% of their diet is fish. I would imagine they test the water at times for various reasons. Thank you to the wonderful people at Big Bear for bringing this into our lives. Best wishes to everyone.

[@kathrynnard8059]

On another interview, Sandy said 35-42 days so tomorrow will be 42. Here she also said we don't know what others do that we don't see. I think she's hopeful too. I'm holding out till Jackie and shadow leaves. I'll say goodbye with them to the eggs if none hatch.

[@rennysmith6427]

It is heartbreaking to see them so devoted and knowing there will be no chicks.

[@sonja437]

Thank you Sandy. I’m so thankful that you help us to understand and process what’s going on with our wonderful Big Bear Eagles. Sending Love to Jackie and Shadow. 🤍🦅🤍🦅🤍

[@synovium]

This is nature, and there is nothing we can do about it, and as Sandy says, this happens more often than we realize.

[@elainemcglone672]

1st time watching this wonderful web cam of Jackie and Shadow, so sad, they have been so dedicated 🥰🙏🙏🙏💔❤ lots of prayers from Scotland UK ♥

[@deborahsears8548]

Thank-you so much Sandy for everything you do for FOBBV and Jackie & Shadow! We all feel so grateful to get to see into this special journey and to learn about nature and these beautiful birds. ❤🦅🦅🥰🙏

[@jacquipalasek2571]

😢 A big hug and kiss for Jackie & Shadow. I'm sending my sympathies to them. I hope they know on some level how much we all love them and thank them for taking us along with them in their lives. God bless you Jackie & Shadow. Better days are coming. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@kpf546]

Good questions from these reporters. I don't want think about Lil Shadow being sad. 😭

[@cyndipalmer8061]

Me too… when it was described what Shadow did last time - tears were rolling down my face. 😢😢

[@trishmoss8969]

So sad I was really hopeful!!! Peace and love to Jackie and shadow!!

[@kimberlyaccurso1921]

Very sad. Jackie has been phenomenal taking care of all those eggs through all those snowstorms and the surprise of her laying the third egg was really exciting. I was really hoping everything would work out.🦅❤️🦅

[@ericcarson342]

Amazing, they both mourn in their own ways. Jackie just wants to move on, and Shadow hopes for a slight miracle. Loved hearing about Jackie's 62 hour marathon. It will come next year. Praying for both.

[@Patricia-so9rw]

I too am hopeful for next year as all signs are out there meteorologically speaking that LaNina and not the fierce El Nino will be in force, supposedly a milder winter and the last La Nina year 2022 bore them baby Spirit. Milder weather would be hugely welcome in this situation. We'll just have to see if milder weather IS the answer if in fact that's what happened here with two pretty harsh winters in a row!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🦅🦅❤️❤️❤️

[@Charko-yk9vp]

They are amazing and have stoled many hearts. So sweet, loving and yet strong. Praying for them both for next time.

[@debraperry2006]

I think Jackie just knew it was time to let go and did her best to try to help Shadow let go, knowing what he was going through too.

[@ericcarson342]

@@debraperry2006 Shadow is younger. Yeah, he couldn't let it go. I feel for both. They both did what they could. They'll move on and try again.

[@ConnieLubonovic]

Still praying for Jackie and Shadow. They are so dedicated and I am so invested. I have been following every day.

[@wickedpawn5437]

I've said many times. The huge amount of electromagnetic radiation around the nest from the wireless HD camera isn't helping (I'm an engineer and have an EM pro radiation scanner)

[@suesaosa5526]

Interesting 👍 idea,.so it is a camera placed too close, radiation..& the nest located too high or smth.I had a feeling the location isn't good/also the nest wasn't insulated,too cold..Thx.wicked 💕🌟🙏

[@trailblazer2954]

I've been watching for a week now. Thank you for giving us insight into nature. I'm sad. ...wishing Jackie and Shadow happiness in the near future.

[@vickycasstevens4804]

This is so sad it's breaking my heart thank you for everything Sandy😢

[@Charko-yk9vp]

Me too, I have cried so much over this and have felt sad for days. This is a test of faith and God will surprise us. Keep hope alive and pray for nevt time. They so deserve this. :)

[@RavenSpirit917]

❤these eagles. Thx to family of big bear valley for the camera on this couple and their nest. Lots of fans watching Shadow and Jackie with ❤. I believe they feel emotion (grief) you can hear it when they talk to one another their actions/dedication. It’s been amazing to watch a learning experience.

[@katy2163]

Thank you Sandy for your compassionate response and insights...it's clear to many of us as well that eagles do feel grief as you so beautifully explained. Hoping that there is a small chance one egg at least will pip!

[@l.c.s.7440]

I feel so sad for Jackie&Shadow...but like Sandy says "Jackie could possibly have another clutch".Nature is tough to watch sometimes(and this is one).They were both so amazing with incubation duties.But we shall wait and see what happens in the future.Thank you for this story.✌️&❤️ 🦅❤️❤️🦅

[@j9andphoenix]

I certainly am praying for a miracle - Shadow is so dedicated and the nest they built this season is their best.

[@anavanderveen1141]

Thinking of Shadow and Jackie. I know they will care for each other over the year❤ They very clearly feel deeply for one another

[@debraperry2006]

They do and they will. ❤

[@davedube1148]

Thank you for your wonderful updates Ms. Sandy. 💗

[@cynnajackson4556]

Thanks for having Sandy on. She's such a wonderful person and is so gentle in explaining the sad news.

[@ead9726]

Oh bless Shadow and Jackie 😢😢🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@katepadova]

Love them! Cant wait to see whats next for our favorite duo. ❤

[@cyndipalmer8061]

Heartbreaking 😢😢😢 I feel so incredibly sorry for these two amazing birds!! They would be amazing parents!! ❤️

[@patriciadeweever6433]

I am totally heartbroken. If any bird deserved to have babies it was these two. I'm in tearrs. Hopefully they will be able to produce more. God will take care of them.

[@JoeL-zb1yd]

Thank you, Sandy Steers.

[@lisanetgark415]

Robert Fuller in England rescues birds. He films nests that he has built. There were owls that had eggs that did not hatch. He was in touch with rescuers who gave him owlets. He added them into the nest and the parents adopted them. Jackie and Shadow might help out by being adoptive parents.

[@IrishAnnie]

They have been so diligent in keeping them warm and protecting the nest. We are feeling the disappointment as they are.

[@magdalenarodriguez3652]

Oh noo!!! I’ve been watching them, soo sad, they work so hard together, waiting for their babies!!🥲 love Jackie and Shadow!

[@marylopez8434]

I have been watching for 3 seasons now , I'm so saddened and have been crying for days, I'm sure shadow and Jackie are grieving as well and our eagle family too , 😢

[@rebekahruiz111]

I feel so silly crying so much, but man--- it Hurts😭🥺😩 I love these two soooo much... they stole my heart

[@essferg85]

This is heartbreaking, I am so sad for these two beautiful parents :(

[@mindylee7488]

Heartbreaking. I feel so sorry for Jackie and Shadow. They are such a loving pair. 💔😔😓

[@lorad2551]

From what I understand, this is one of the highest elevation eagle nests in the country. As Sandy stated, lower oxygen levels combined with below freezing temperatures and low humidity levels are definite challenges for this pair. When the eggs are finally scavenged, we may get more answers by observing the contents of the eggs.

[@climateanxiety2825]

It would be interesting to see a comparison of the success rates of this compared to lower elevation nests.

[@rebekahruiz111]

I Pray it's just yolk...😢🥺🐣🐣🐣🦅🦅

[@Kristensfamily22]

So sad. I have been watching forever. 😢😢😢

[@lb1460]

We love you both Jackie and Shadow❤

[@0217ldp]

Sandy you have such kind eyes and a pleasant expression on our face even when you're delivering bad news. I feel so bad for Shadow and Jackie. She tried so hard for 62 hours straight.

[@SoCalMom100]

Might be shedding a few tears :😞 Especially after last year. I hope next time is more successful. Sweet Jackie and Shadow 😥❤

[@karliehatcher]

Second year in a row this happened 😢 last year they had such bad weather i was hoping theyd be successful. I hope this doesnt stop them from trying again next year

[@melbamartinez3472]

PRAYERS FOR JACKIE AND SHADOW.. 🦅♡🦅

[@GoodHeartedSoul]

What makes it sad is knowing the Eagle represents America and these beauties represent and speak for the current situation of America with that they have gone through the last few years. It’s not a coincidence the whole world is watching.

[@dawnmanley6406]

Thankful to watch these majestic creatures ❤❤❤

[@gjerrildkro]

We are all the same breath of life ..

[@pattypratt8751]

This breaks my heart so much😢

[@AndiGeeAg2luvzart]

Thank you Sandy for your dedication and the information you provide. ❤ Not an easy job 💯

[@judithc59]

The weather was horrendous this season. I'm really sorry Shadow and Jackie.

[@lesleywood76]

So sad, my heart breaks for Jackie & Shadow ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@femaleprofessionaldriver7650]

That snow storm that came through!! They made it through that, it was brutal. They have so many challenges to overcome, yet they are strong and beautiful and regal. I hope they will be ok and maybe next year there will be fuzzies!

[@sophieh9387]

Thank you KTLA!! We all adore Jackie and Shadow..❤❤

[@strix.1]

So similar to Rosa🦅 & Lewis🦅 in Dulles...They had two eggs this year and at the end of February, Rosa gave up. The video appeared as if they both made a joint decision. They both stood around the edge of the nest looking down on the eggs and one by one they took off, not looking back.💔🦅

[@dm3363]

So sad. Mother nature can be heart wrenching😢😢😢

[@kellymarks5480]

This makes me so sad. I'm so sorry for Jackie and Shadow.

[@teresashirley1421]

Heartbreaking. They are such good parents.

[@Tranquility32]

I was really rooting for them. Love Jackie and Shadow. I remember when the eggs all cracked (something to do with calcium?). And then poor baby Cookie.

[@ericc2083]

Jackie and Shadow...the Honeymooners of the eagle world. They'll try again next year. Great fun watching these two.

[@Sunshine-do3yv]

We are sending our warmest, kindest loving thoughts to the Best Eagles Parents of the year.....💫❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 The lille pips will try again soon....what a magnificent creature to behold🐣🐣🪶🪶🪶🪶

[@ginaj9354]

The West End nest camera at Catalina Island has three brand new eaglets there right now. The third hatched yesterday.

[@koa64]

This is why I think the problem is weather related. Catalina Island is only 2 hours from Big Bear, but the weather is drastically different being 7000 ft above sea level.

[@gennyolson2257]

I noticed their nest is deeper than the one that Jackie and Shadow have made. I wonder if that keeps the eggs warmer and incubate better.

[@charlespadilla1027]

I am so sas to hear this news … I have been watching these majestic Eagle for several years………

[@iamthirdyt]

Very informative! Thank you!!

[@annaarellano6129]

I havent told my 6yr.old grandaughter yet 😢its part of our goodnight routine to watch them every other night

[@kissaraven6148]

Can they send a drone to pick up the eggs once Jackie and Shadow stop returning? Take a look closer at them to see why they didn't hatch. Perform and egg autopsy!

[@OttoByOgraffey]

That would be impossible to grab them with a drone.

[@climateanxiety2825]

They could send a climber up, but the eggs will likely be gone before anyone could get there, and it could be dangerous this time of year. You might want to check the size and weight of Bald Eagle eggs. They are much larger than chicken eggs.

[@debraperry2006]

Let nature take its own course. The eggs will give back to the cycle of life through being nutrition for others including birds and possibly Fiona and Freddy, who live in the basement.

[@anandchand56]

I said twice before. The climatic conditions those eagles endured, I was very doubtful those eggs would hatch. I was hoping the third egg would have hatched though.

[@ScottMartinD]

Three eggs this year, two last year. That's 5 fewer Big Bear eagles to help populate the San Bernadino mountains. What a tremendous loss.

[@heathertempletonziegler4669]

Please give Jackie and Shadow a miracle for atleast 1!

[@gmeyer6657]

Sad news..My wife & I have been following this beautiful couple. Nature works in mysterious ways. 😢

[@cindiweiss7312]

I love this couple so sad they will have no babies. Hope for next year❤❤

[@lindacecile5647]

I too have become emotionally attached to J and S. Having coverage such as this brings us all closet to God's creations and understanding that we are all connected. I believe animals do feel loss. This has been an amazing journey. Thanks to all the folks who have the technology to allow us to share in this

[@cindythomas5895]

I am so sad .. my heart breaks !! They so deserve a sweet chick !! Most dedicated eagles ever 😢

[@irishkazolotse]

This is nature, there will be another clutch and more chicks, they will move forward and so will we! Last year, the eagles' nest in MN fell down from all the weight, killing an only eaglet, very very sad, but again, the nature is taking its course ❤🦅❤ I also watch SWFL eagles, the phenomenal M15 is now with a new soulmate F23, after Harriet dissappeared from the nest forever last year... M15 singlehandedly brought up two eaglets, and now their teenager E23 is branching!!! Go EAGLES!!!!

[@Summit1962]

That' s so sad. Poor Jackie and Shadow😢

[@Noelhollybells]

Shadow wants to be a dad so bad. May next year be their year! ❤

[@keithrice4458]

I have been watching the nest for probably 6 years and I was hoping at least one egg would hatch. It's sad looking at and empty nest through the the summer months. 😔😔😔

[@Sunshine-do3yv]

Thank you Sandy for keeping vigil.......❣️❣️❣️❤️❤️❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 We will hopefully see better days next time🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🥀🥀🥀🥀❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹🐤🐤🐤🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@beejls]

I think far too many people don’t understand that, in nature, most eggs don’t hatch. It’s more common for them not to hatch than to hatch.

[@Pinkcows]

Sad for these two beautiful creatures who tried magnificently to bring their babies into the world. 😢

[@chrispy104k]

It's been a privilege to have been able to watch them both incubating the eggs but sadly it is beginning to look like there wont be any hatchlings this time.

[@laskey2175]

They worked so hard. 😟

[@janetannerevans2320]

there are 3 chicks that just hatched on Catalina Island. West End Eagle cam deserves some air time!

[@Patricia-so9rw]

That's been my "salvation" nests to see the three cute little ones over there.❤

[@raidenmeslowly]

the camera on that nest is bad and who wants to look at an eagle with a giant piece of paper taped to its wing no thanks

[@janetannerevans2320]

put there by humans. It will be gone in about 10 years. Guess you only watch perfect eagles. Whew.@@raidenmeslowly