Less than a month after beloved bald eagle Jackie's death, a new feathered face has arrived at the Big Bear nest, prompting speculation about the future of her mate, Shadow. The newcomer, a 4½-year-old eagle identified as KD1, has been a frequent visitor to the aerie that captivated millions through its round-the-clock livestream. KD1 was first spotted on the Friends of Big Bear Valley cameras on August 6, while Jackie was still receiving critical care.
Identified by a lavender band around its leg, inscribed with 'KD1,' the eagle was banded by the Orange County Water District in April 2022 in the Prado Basin, some 70 miles from Big Bear. Wildlife biologist Jenna Carpenter noted KD1 "looks like a big bird, which would lean female," adding that female raptors are often larger. While not 100% certain, experts suspect KD1 is female and nearing the breeding age of five.
On a recent Thursday afternoon, Shadow glided into the nest, with KD1 close behind. The Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit running the livestream, noted the interaction on social media, questioning, “Is this a new bond forming between these 2?” They cautioned that “only time will tell,” as breeding season doesn't begin until later in the fall or winter. Shadow’s own eaglets, Sandy and Luna, were last seen in late July and are believed to have left, initiating his "summer vacation" period of occasional nest visits.
The arrival of KD1 has sparked varied reactions among the dedicated fanbase. Many are pleased Shadow has company, while others questioned how quickly he appears to be moving on. Some have jokingly dubbed the new eagle “Jolene,” a nod to the Dolly Parton song. One Facebook user wrote, "I believe in signs. And perhaps this new eagle was sent from Jackie as a sign to Shadow that she crossed the rainbow bridge and it was okay for him to move on."
Jackie, the 14-year-old matriarch who shared eight years with Shadow, died on Sunday night at the Ojai Raptor Center. She had been under care since mid-July after being found weak and unable to fly, suffering from severe anemia, blood clots, and organ abnormalities. Despite intensive treatment, her condition deteriorated. Necropsy results from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance are still pending. Her remains will go to the National Eagle Repository for tribal use.
Jenny Voisard, a spokesperson for Friends of Big Bear Valley, confirmed the popular livestream will continue regardless of Shadow's choices. “We don’t know what [Shadow’s] going to choose,” she said. “He could stay here and take a new mate. He could go someplace else. But the cameras will still be there.”
