FOBBV reports that 17-week-old eaglets Sandy and Luna have fledged and left their Big Bear Valley nest after being last seen on July 23. Their father, Shadow, will be less frequently seen at the nest as he ranges around Big Bear Lake, while Jackie remains in rehab at the Ojai Raptor Center with worsening anemia after a July 17 incident. FOBBV urges the public to avoid petitions and hostile demands for updates and to trust the care teams' official information. The nonprofit also recently secured $10 million to protect land around Big Bear Lake.
Sandy and Luna Fledge From Big Bear; Father Shadow Takes a Break While Jackie Recovers
Sandy and Luna on July 23, the last day they were spotted on the popular livestream.
Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) confirmed that Jackie and Shadow's 2026 eaglets, Sandy and Luna, have fledged and left their Big Bear Valley nest. The 17-week-old juveniles were last seen on July 23 and are believed to have begun independent journeys. Because the birds are not banded, their exact destinations are unknown.
Shadow Enjoys a Post-Nesting Break
With the chicks no longer in the nest, Shadow — the adult male — has effectively begun a "summer vacation." Viewers may still spot him on FOBBV's livestream from time to time, but he no longer has a strong reason to remain at the nest. Big Bear Lake stretches roughly seven miles with about 15 miles of shoreline, offering plenty of perching and resting spots.
Jackie Is In Rehabilitation
Jackie, Shadow's mate, is currently being treated at the Ojai Raptor Center, more than 100 miles away. She was found on the ground near Dana Point Park on July 17 following an altercation with two subadult eagles. Cell phone footage showed Jackie defending herself but unable to fly far; Los Angeles County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue recovered her and transferred her to Ojai for care.
Veterinarians have diagnosed Jackie with anemia, which the Ojai Raptor Center reports has worsened in recent days. The center and FOBBV say they will post updates through official channels as treatment progresses.
"There is a petition out there that FOBBV does not support, demanding updates for the public. None of us are entitled to any information, this petition does nothing for Jackie, hinders her care team and only heightens people's anxiety over the situation." — FOBBV
FOBBV also expressed concern about hostile social media comments directed at the Ojai Raptor Center. The nonprofit asked followers to respect the rehab team's work and avoid actions that could impede care or spread misinformation.
About the Nesting Season
The pair — first documented together in 2018 — hatched two 2026 chicks after an earlier pair of eggs were destroyed by ravens in January. Chick 1 hatched on April 4 at 9:33 p.m. PDT and Chick 2 hatched on April 5 at 8:30 a.m.; the birds were named Sandy and Luna on May 1. The nest is livestreamed 24/7 by FOBBV and draws a large online audience.
Young eagles typically fledge between about 10 and 14 weeks, when they can lay their wings flat and have flight-capable feathers. Before fledging, chicks face threats from other raptors (hawks, ravens, eagles, owls) and severe weather. In 2025, a March storm contributed to the loss of one chick from this pair's brood.
Survival during the fledging period is roughly 70 percent. One significant hazard for fledglings is vehicle collisions while scavenging roadkill. Because FOBBV does not band or tag these birds, it is not possible to track Sandy and Luna after they leave the nest. Past fledglings from Southern California have been recorded as far south as Baja California, north to British Columbia, and east to Yellowstone National Park.
Conservation And How To Help
FOBBV accepts donations to support conservation around Big Bear Lake and recently reached a $10 million fundraising goal to purchase land in the San Bernardino Mountains. A $5.5 million gift from Anna and Greg Brockman helped push the campaign to its target ahead of the deadline.
The Ojai Raptor Center is continuing a Bald Eagle Recovery Campaign to support Jackie's care; supporters are asked to donate through the center's official channels and to rely on verified updates.
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