It's Egg Number 2 For Big Bear's Famous Bald Eagle Pair!

BIG BEAR, CA — Big Bear's most famous couple is set to see the arrival of two youngins sometime in late winter, and the world is watching.

One minute before 2 p.m. Sunday, bald eagle Jackie laid her second egg of the 2024 season after a quick labor that lasted only about 4 minutes.

The process was fast, "efficient and beautiful," according to Friends of Big Bear Valley. "The puffing up, the teakettling, the entire process went much faster and seemed to be a bit less work for her. Amazing job, Jackie! Congratulations to you and Shadow!"

FBBV is a nonprofit environmental education and advocacy group committed to maintaining the unspoiled beauty and unique environment of the Big Bear Valley, including the bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow.

For several years, the lives of the two birds of prey — mating, nesting, meals, squabbles, parenting — have been captured in real-time, 24/7, via the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam (watch live here) that was installed and is maintained by FBBV.

The cam captured Jackie at 4:55 p.m. Thursday when she laid her first egg of the 2024 season.

"Good night sweet mama! Good night daddy Shadow!" one viewer wrote in the cam's comments section after the first arrival. "I'm so happy right now it's like all in the world is ok now that shadow is home and we have an egg."

Female bald eagles typically lay a clutch of two eggs over three to six days, and the incubation period is about 35-40 days.

Jackie and Shadow have bonded since 2018, according to FBBV. Eggs were laid every season since, though not all hatched. The last surviving chick was born in 2022. Believed to be a female who was affectionately named Spirit, she fledged successfully on May 31, 2022.

"Spirit stole the hearts of viewers around the world," FBBV shared.

Once again, Jackie and Shadow's parenting is garnering much online love. After the second bald eagle egg arrived Sunday, hundreds of cam viewers chimed in.

"I just adore their team work," one commenter wrote.

One even speculated as to why Jackie chose Shadow over a previous mate.

"I think Mr. B (Jackie's former mate) left because Shadow is more attentive, an awesome stick and fish provider and of course more romantic (yeah I know, people emotions) Shadow is the best!" the commenter said.

As the two parents took turns sitting on the eggs, one commenter said, "beautiful changeovers. that was picture perfect! I'm sure Shadow enjoys having some time on the nest and his eggies."

FBBV summed it up best. "Every day Jackie and Shadow show us what experts they are at everything they are doing. It is fascinating to watch and we very much appreciate all their awesome lessons."