In a heartbreaking turn of events, one of the three eaglets that recently hatched in the nest of Southern California's beloved bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, has died. The news was confirmed by the nonprofit organization, Friends of Big Bear Valley, which provides a 24/7 live feed of the eagle's nest overlooking Big Bear Lake.
The organization expressed their sorrow in a statement, revealing that the chick succumbed to the harsh conditions brought on by a severe storm that blanketed the area with over two feet of snow. The exact time of the chick's death remains uncertain, but it is believed to have occurred after it was fed alongside its siblings at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Viewers of the live stream quickly noticed the absence of the chick, leading to growing concerns among fans of the eagle family.
Due to the substantial snowfall from two recent storms in the San Bernardino Mountains, parts of the nest were partially obstructed from view. As the snow began to melt, more of the nest became visible, revealing the unfortunate situation. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, the shorter snow berm allowed for a partial view of the deceased chick in the nest bowl, located on the right side.
For several days, there had been rampant speculation regarding the circumstances of the third chick's demise. However, Friends of Big Bear Valley took to social media on Saturday afternoon to clarify the situation. They firmly denounced the spreading of inaccurate information, asserting that the chick did not die as a result of being stepped on by Shadow or from a wingslap by Jackie when a flying squirrel approached the nest.
Understanding the emotional impact of this news, the organization encouraged fans to allow themselves to grieve and reflect on the loss. They emphasized the importance of honoring the chick's bravery in its short life, stating, "Please honor the chick for its courage in getting as far as it did and doing whatever it came to do."
Jackie, an 11-year-old female, and Shadow, a 13-year-old male, have become iconic figures among wildlife enthusiasts across the United States. Their nest has captivated audiences for years, providing a unique opportunity to observe their daily lives online. In previous years, the couple has successfully raised several eaglets while facing the heartache of losing others. The community remains hopeful for the continued success and survival of the remaining eaglets.
