BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Jackie and Shadow, the beloved bald eagle pair of Big Bear Valley, returned to their nest on Friday afternoon, September 26, 2025, marking a highly anticipated moment for eagle watchers and fans.

According to a post shared by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, “Yesterday afternoon, Jackie and Shadow touched down, Jackie first, followed right behind by Shadow for a beautiful joint arrival at the nest!!”

Both eagles appeared in prime condition following their summer molt. “They have both obviously finished their summer molting and their feather coats look absolutely stunning, even Jackie’s black spot of sap on her forehead from last season is gone,” the post stated.

As temperatures dropped and the sun shifted in the sky, subtle signs of fall seemed to prompt the pair’s return. “They both inspected the nest bowl and picked out a few bugs, but then looked like they decided to leave that big mess of a job for later,” according to FOBBV.

In a tender display of partnership, Shadow perched on the side porch while Jackie remained in the nest. “Shadow gave a little call out probably just to make sure the neighbors were aware they were in the area… and after about 40 minutes he headed out toward the lake,” the update noted. Jackie tracked his departure and later moved to a higher vantage point.

Shadow returned roughly 30 minutes later with food evidence on his beak, suggesting a successful lake snack. “If he had wanted to keep secret where he had gone, he wasn’t very good at it,” FOBBV shared humorously.

The eagle pair then spent several hours together on the nest’s front porch. “At one point they had a little discussion, perhaps about all the things they now had to get busy doing since their summer vacation is almost over,” the post added.

Before leaving, Jackie and Shadow made one final inspection of the nest. Jackie exited via the back limb, followed by Shadow, who paused to perform a bit of stick work before joining her. They ended their evening at their favorite Roost Tree.

FOBBV expressed joy at the pair’s visit, stating, “We are all very happy to see them spend the afternoon in the nest!”

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