All of you that participated in the contest and the Big Bear Valley 3rd grade classrooms have spoken…
The winners are SANDY and LUNAR
Chick 1’s name is Sandy with 30 student votes. Chick 2’s name is Lunar with 25 student votes.
The remaining top 5 votes are as follows: Star with 22 votes. Chip with 22 votes. Phoenix with 18 votes.
Sandy was the most popular name entered with 3706 of the 63,915 names submitted.
Please know that although Sandy would not have wanted us to outright name one of the eaglets Sandy, she would have been honored that you and the students went through the process and named one of the 2026 eaglets after her.
Thank you for your participation and your generous support of Friends of Big Bear Valley from the entire team. You are much appreciated!
The following is the entire list of the 30 randomly drawn names that were sent to the students:
Windy Lunar Kazoo Wohali River Whimsy Hazy Camelot Artemis Hickory Mopsy Phoenix Star Chip Glory Mako Willow Sandy Dakota Penguin Nova Liberty Orion Raycee Chace Echo Hope Scorpious Snugs Atlas
2026-04-30
Who’s Who?
Before we make the big announcement of the names tomorrow morning, we would like to give you a few observations that our Eagle Observers have noticed on who is who in the nest!
With our observations, chick 1 is larger, has a larger head and neck and has a slight curve to its gape (see pictures below), and has been the more submissive eaglet.
Chick 2 is smaller, has a straighter gape and has been the more aggressive eaglet, though now they seem to be bonding quite well and most of the bonking is over.
There is one more difference we have noted, it is odd, but true...
Chick 2 makes quite the whistle sound when it does a poop shot, where as chick 1 is a bit more on the silent side. Why? We don’t quite know…
These are VERY subtle differences and will likely change soon. The FOBBV team will continue to observe these 2 little ones 24/7 and note all the changes each chick goes through so we can report those changes to you.
Thank you for soaring along with us on this magnificent journey!
The FOBBV Team
2026-04-29
Gratitude and Hope…
It is day 69 of our monumental fundraiser to preserve Jackie and Shadow’s foraging area from being destroyed by luxury housing and a marina. The property, known as Moon Camp, is the last undisturbed shoreline on the lake. Two nonprofits have joined forces to permanently preserve the nearly 63 acres because it is an integral part of Jackie and Shadow’s ecosystem and the area’s biodiversity.
Why should we care about that? Biodiversity is responsible for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the medicines we take. Big Bear Valley, CA is a biodiverse hotspot – it is the 7th in our country and is considered a “high priority” globally. It has rare habitats with ancient soils and endemic plant species found no where else in the world. It represents a critical, fragile ecosystem within the San Bernardino National Forest. What happens here does not stay here. It impacts our entire country, hemisphere and the planet.
We have raised $2,305,067 in a very short time. This number is mostly made up of small donations, BUT I am happy to report that we have received $50,000 from Dr. Pamela Miller, $50,000 from the Golden Rule Giving Fund, and $77,000 from an anonymous donor. Please join me in a huge thank you to these heroes!! We will be honoring their contributions and generosity on SaveMoonCamp.org soon.
I would also like to thank all of you ‘warriors’ on behalf of FOBBV and SBMLT. You are amazing and we are working hard for your investment! Jackie and Shadow are worth it and so are you.
Keep the faith eagle family, we can do this. I will have more to report out soon.
The mountain chickadee was Jackie’s alarm this morning. Shadow soon came in with breakfish and it must have been a slippery one as he slid right off it!
While Jackie was out taking care of business in the habitat, Shadow stood guard at the nest. He chortled out at Jackie’s loud shrieks as she flew in and landed on the top of the nest tree… she peeked down through the pine needles at the chicks to make sure all was well.
Jackie gave us a great peek into one of the ways the eagles collect sticks for the nest. She flew from her perch, circled around to a branch near the cactus snag and snapped a branch off the tree! This was a real treat as it is not often we catch that on camera, though we do hear them breaking branches at times. She flew off with the branch and within moments, found the perfect spot in the nest to lay it… well after she laid it on the littles, she found the perfect spot!
Jackie has been giving the chicks their space to bond as she perches and preens on the front porch. Shadow, however, seems to really enjoy his cuddle time with the kids.
Jackie arrived later and insisted it was her turn and as usual, Shadow didn’t give in quietly, he protested all the way out the front door… Oh my, did that chick just pull on dads tail? Not once, but twice! We know which parent that one takes after!
The chicks big eagle feathers are growing in by the minute and they are preening often. It is a good possibility that the growth of the feathers might be a bit itchy.
With the eagle’s day coming to an end, and the neighborhood ravens were having one last loud hoorah, Shadow came to check on the family and they both belted out chortles… They must have been saying to quiet down as nothing more was heard from the ravens!
The naming contest has closed and the local third graders are now voting, our little eaglets will both have names soon, stay tuned!
GW
2026-04-27
From Snowshowers to Sunshine
After yesterday’s powdery blanket, the sun rose in the sky this morning on Big Bear to melt away the snow and usher in clear skies. Our dedicated parents did an amazing job keeping the chicks snuggled and well fed through the inclement weather by providing food and fluff to the nest.
Shadow arrived early with morning breakfish. The eaglets began to stir as Jackie chortled in approval. Mom provided the first feeding of the day as her happy chicks were eager to fill their tummies. Later on, silly Mom proceeded to plop one of the newest sticks on the nest right onto the eaglets. The chicks paid her no mind and didn’t budge at all. Meanwhile, Shadow kept watch, settling for a bit on the Simba Tree to monitor the territory and keep the noisy ravens at bay.
The morning also brought more fish deliveries by both parents, with the little ones showing us how polite they are as they took turns with bites. Shadow brought in an especially nice haul, with a fish and fluff secured in his talons. Jackie squealed with delight at the bounty, so much so that she woke the kids up from their nap. Later on he brought in a fish from the back porch, gilded off the nest, and arrived with another less than ten minutes later!
It was shaping up to be a beautiful day when Shadow arrived with another large stick. He tugged at it comically, trying to pry it loose from where he placed it. Jackie commented, probably saying “Oh Fiddlysticks” when she glided off to spend some time surveying from the Cactus Snag. Shadow enjoyed some sweet moments in the nest with the eaglets; he seemed to savor that time by looking so proud of his babies.
It was a bountiful and productive time for our Eagle family today with many fish deliveries. We continued to see the chicks independence as they attempted to rearrange some small sticks and fluff on their own. A keen eye could also see a tender moment when they shared a bite of fish together. The snow has melted, and so are our hearts, as we watch this beautiful eagle family together as the sun shines upon them.
Valerie 203
2026-04-26
A Fluffy Day in a Winter Wonderland
Yesterday, rain started early, turning to snow as the day came to an end. Jackie did exactly what she was supposed to do. She spread her wings to the side wide enough to cover the chicks and keep them dry… mombrella!
Shadow being the awesome eagle dad he is, showed up bright and early with breakfish and it’s a good thing he did, the pantry was covered in snow.
Jackie didn’t waste any time, and the littles popped up right away. Notice they are completely dry? Jackie kept them protected and warm all night. Shadow was near by waiting for his turn with the chicks.
When his turn came, he cuddled up, keeping the chicks warm in the cold breeze and dozed off every now and then… When Jackie returned, he wasn’t ready to give up his spot, but finally gave in. Now it was Jackies turn for a nap.
Shadow, ready for another turn flew in with a BIG ball of fluff, laid some by the kids and thought Jackie could use some too… or maybe that was just to annoy her so she would get up!
Jackie returned the favor with more fluff and started filling the bowl around the chicks.
But wait! Shadow must have thought the nest needed even more fluff! As Jackie and Shadow spread it around the nest, one of the chicks decided to help too!
More fish flew into the nest, 4 in all and yes, MORE fluff, the last batch with a decorative pinecone. That didn’t last long, it was stuck to Shadow’s talon and took a dive off the front porch.
Jackie arrived with another fish, and again, Shadow wasn’t going to budge, but the chicks were hungry and just about knocked him over!
Feeding time before bedtime, Jackie insisted the chicks try a fish tail, after all it IS Jackie’s favorite, but the littles disagreed and didn’t want any part of that tail!
With mom and sibling tucked in and sleeping, one of the chicks was fighting bedtime like a little toddler, playing with anything it could get its beak on…
What a busy day the eagles had…Good night to all from the penthouse suite atop a Jeffrey pine in the Big Bear Valley…
GW
2026-04-25
Growing Up Eagle.....
Yesterday was an eventful day on the nest with fluff and stick deliveries plus five fish. Jackie and Shadow are showing us their wonderful parenting skills, eagle style.
Shadow continued his fishing tournament by delivering the first fish of the day, bright and early. He and Jackie chortled to one another, showing their shared delight for a fresh breakfast for the kids. The little eaglets stood tall and were eager to taste the day’s first offering. Our little chubby fluffballs had a hearty meal before one of them let out a little poop slice to make room for more! We could see their full crops bulging.
Shadow spent some time in the nest, proudly standing over his offspring while Jackie perched proudly on the Lookout Snag, rousing. An eagle “rouse” is a hygienic habit that helps birds keep their feathers clean. It also signals that they are relaxed and calm. We are so fortunate to watch and learn from the eagle’s behaviors.
Our wobbly wingers are growing up so fast right before our eyes. We can see their thermal fur beginning to sprout the first juvenile pin feathers on their wings, which are essential for flight. Today we even witnessed what may have been one of the first eaglet tucks. This is a significant developmental shift towards thermal independence, reducing their need for constant parental brooding. The chicks shoe size also seems to grow larger every day-just look at those feet! While their cuteness keeps us entertained, we are awed by each and every change, and their key developmental milestones.
Jackie and Shadow continued their fluffy and fishy deliveries and parental switcheroos. Several sticks were brought to the nest as well, providing plenty of extra lumber to keep the chicks safe. At one point, while Shadow was minding the nest, he was comically sitting in the nest bowl with both kids sticking out on either side, as they seem to be growing up by the minute!
And speaking of growing up, Jackie and Shadow’s chicks are excited to remind you it’s the last weekend to help choose their names. They would be so happy if you would join in on fun at the link below!
A new day was beginning on the nest tree as Jackie & Shadow sat on the Jeffrey Pine together with their babies nestled to begin another eagle day in the sun. After a night of tending to the eaglets, Jackie took off for her morning routine while Shadow spent some quiet, tender time on the nest. The glow of the sun shone beautifully upon his little ones as they shared a beaky kiss or two.
A bit later, Jackie brought in a reinforcement stick as the chicks looked on. A morning fishing expedition by Jackie was a welcome treat as well; she had quite a busy morning with nest deliveries, and the day was just beginning! While Jackie was busy feeding the kids, low and behold, Shadow arrived with the second fish of the day. After feasting on the fish, the eaglets took a nice long nap.
Shadow kept up his busy morning duties, as he arrived on the nest with another catch, firmly gripped in his left talon. He is quite the fisherman today! One of the chicks approved by letting out a perfect poop slice, maybe to make room for more vittles! Daddy relaxed in the nest, spending some alone time with them, savoring the moment.
While resting in the nest with his sweet babies, Jackie surprised Shadow and the eaglets with some new fluff. A lively conversation ensued, with Jackie doing most of the talking. It seemed like Shadow had enough of her chattering, and made a firm leap to the front porch before heading off to relax on the Simba Tree. Jackie commenced with another feeding.
Shadow kept up his fishing tournament pace today and delivered yet another catch to the nest. Thanks to his latest deliveries, the pantry has been well stocked today with lots of seafood. The eaglets have been eating well, pooping on target, and napping long, to rest up for their next meals.
As Shadow kept watch on the Simba Tree, Jackie spent some peaceful time on the nest with the eaglets who occasionally popped their little heads up to take in the world that surrounded them. They are grateful for their Mom and Dad’s diligent care, and their full tummies and crops on this sunny “Fish Friday.” And so are we.
Valerie 203
2026-04-23
Investing in conservation and community…
We are deeply honored to announce that our fundraising efforts to permanently preserve the last undeveloped shoreline on Big Bear Lake, has yielded over $2 million in two months time. That is 20% of our total goal from mostly small donations. Thank you for caring and sharing. This helps us be considered for larger donations and we are working hard making connections and pitches. Some things are starting to slowly shake loose and it takes a combination of patience and persistence. Nonprofit fundraising ebbs and flows. I believe that Moon Camp will be saved as a result of all of our efforts. If it doesn’t happen by the deadline, then the San Bernardino Mountain Land Trust will take what has been raised and will put it towards a financing option to secure the land. Failure is not an option.
Our strategy to raise this money has been phased. First it took months for Sandy Steers to gain consensus among the parties. Getting all of the negotiators to agree was not easy, as one might imagine. The deal was inked in late January. It was ‘go’ time. Sandy called and asked me if I had my bootstraps on. I told her I did. We had talked about the plan and it was time for me to put it in motion. First, it was to quickly design and develop a special donation site that we could control, protect against fraud and share our story.
Our goal was to launch the fundraiser with our community and in the media first, to help us build momentum and spread the word about our cause. The next phases involve business development, working to attain large donations since the goal is so high. That is where we are now, stay tuned.
As always, thank you for your love and support of Jackie and Shadow and all of the special species in their ecosystem.
The eaglets are growing like weeds, maybe even faster! They will not enter their largest growth spirt until about 30 to 35 days, but they are already expending a lot of energy on growth and need oodles of food and nutrients to get where they are.
The chicks are 17 days old, they weigh about 3 pounds, and by the end of the week will be approximately a foot tall! They have less feedings in a day but are fed bigger bites and are getting more at each mealtime. By the looks of their crops, Jackie and Shadow are doing an excellent job providing for them.
Bonking is fading out and we are seeing more sibling beaky kisses and bonding. Developmentally they are right where they need to be, exploring, handling small twigs, nibbling at food that hits the nest and keeping their parents on their talons!
Both chicks have also developed blue tube-like keratin sheaths at the end of their wing tips. Their dark contour feathers will begin to emerge soon. The first feathers to emerge are usually wing and tail flight feathers. Alula feathers (at the top far end of the wing when grown) are usually the first to be noticed on camera. You can also see the chicks ear holes in some photos, which will not be visible much longer!
Yesterday Shadow flew into the nest, and he was favoring his left leg/foot. Throughout the day he was limping, but he was able to do all things eagle and take care of the chicks. This morning, he flew in with a fish in his right talon, which is a good sign.
Last evening Jackie delivered a fish, and it was soon discovered there was fishing line involved. She struggled with the line and eventually swallowed it. There was no confirmed hook, sinker, or lure, but may have been a leader set up on the line. These are not lead and likely indigestible, so it may be discarded when she later casts a pellet (indigestible matter). Jackie has been eating and feeding the chicks as she normally does this morning.
Everything is moving fast in the sky-high nest, we are glued to our screens, so we do not miss a thing!
Thank you for being a part of this amazing eagle family.
