Jackie, the female bald eagle in Big Bear, laid her first egg of 2026 on Friday, a moment captured live by Friends of Big Bear Valley. The video shows her showing signs of labor at 4:22 p.m., standing up and laying the egg at 4:32 p.m.. This event marks almost exactly one year after she laid her first egg of 2025.
At a Glance
- Jackie laid her first 2026 egg at 4:32 p.m.
- Shadow, her partner, saw the egg shortly after.
- Earlier in the week, Jackie was seen “pancaking” in the nest bowl.
- Why it matters: The new egg signals a fresh breeding cycle and highlights ongoing conservation efforts in Big Bear Valley.
The Moment of Laying
The live video posted by Friends of Big Bear Valley shows Jackie displaying the classic signs of being in labor. At 4:22 p.m., observers noted her movement toward the nest. Five minutes later, she stood and laid the egg at 4:32 p.m.. The group praised her performance, stating “She did a great job and is not resting.”
Observations from Friends of Big Bear Valley
Friends of Big Bear Valley, a local wildlife monitoring group, shared the footage on social media. They reported that Shadow stopped by a few minutes after the egg was laid and saw it. The group also documented earlier that week how Jackie was “pancaking”-lying flat in the nest bowl to prepare for incubation. Their posts provide real-time insight into the eagle’s reproductive behavior.
Breeding Season Context
Bald eagles mate year-round, but Jackie’s fertile period is from January to April. January is typically when she begins to lay her eggs. This seasonal pattern explains why the first egg of 2025 was laid on January 22 and why the new egg appears in early 2026. The timing aligns with the species’ natural breeding cycle.
Previous Year’s Eggs and Survival
Last year, Jackie and Shadow welcomed their first egg of 2025 on January 22. The second and third eggs came a few days later on January 25 and January 28. Three eaglets hatched in March, but only two-Sunny and Gizmo-survived and later fledged. This record shows the challenges young eagles face even within the same nesting season.
Timeline of the 2026 Laying Event
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 4:22 p.m. | Jackie shows signs of labor |
| Friday | 4:32 p.m. | Jackie lays first 2026 egg |
| Friday | ~4:35 p.m. | Shadow sees the egg |
Egg Count Summary
| Year | Eggs Laid | Eaglets Hatching | Survivors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Conservation Significance
The live capture of Jackie’s egg-laying offers valuable data for conservationists monitoring bald eagle populations. By documenting the exact timing and behavior, Friends of Big Bear Valley help track reproductive success in a region where human activity can impact nesting sites. The group’s ongoing observations contribute to broader efforts to protect this iconic species.
Key Takeaways
- Jackie’s first 2026 egg was laid at 4:32 p.m. after showing labor signs at 4:22 p.m.
- Shadow observed the egg shortly after it was laid.
- The event follows the typical January-to-April fertile period for bald eagles.
- Last year’s nesting produced three eggs, with only two surviving.
- Friends of Big Bear Valley’s real-time reporting provides critical insights into bald eagle reproduction.
Closing
Jackie’s new egg adds a hopeful chapter to the ongoing story of bald eagles in Big Bear Valley. The precise documentation by Friends of Big Bear Valley underscores the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation. As the egg begins its incubation, observers will watch closely to see how this cycle unfolds.
