Beloved bald eagles Jackie and Shadow are once again trying to become parents this year, as they are hoping for triplets after their eggs failed to hatch over the last two years.
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The famous eagles, which live in California, have grown in popularity thanks to the live cam of their nest that gives an in-depth view into how the birds live cam, which is run by the conservation group Big Bear Valley.
On Jan. 22, the conservation group shared that Jackie welcomed the first of three eggs, as the other two were laid within the next few days.
Now, conservationists and fans are getting ready for “Pip Watch,” which starts on Saturday and allows viewers to monitor for the first tiny holes or cracks in eggshells.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, bald eagle eggs usually hatch after about 35 days, but Friends of Big Bear Valley noted that Jackie and Shadow’s eggs have historically hatched around the 38-39 day mark.
The group also noted that it was a surprise when Jackie laid three eggs this year, as the average bald eagle usually lays two.
“Both Jackie and Shadow seem to be getting more patient with the incubation, with each other, and with the quiet waiting,” Friends of Big Bear Valley said Tuesday.
In 2024 and 2023, none of Jackie and Shadow’s eggs hatched, leaving viewers and conservationists sharing in the heartbreak. Despite the famous birds’ struggles, the bald eagle is making a remarkable comeback in the U.S. after once being on the brink of extinction.
In recent years, conservation data shows that the birds quadrupled in population to almost 316,000 in the past decade. The species live for up to 30 years in the wild.
Jackie and Shadow have had their nest in Big Bear Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California since 2018. Bald eagles mate for life, according to the FWS, but if their partner dies, the survivor will take a new mate.
The eagles have their own personalities, which fans adore online, as they are committed to keeping their eggs warm and often squabble over whose turn it is to sit on the eggs.
“Jackie has been working on secret formulas for how to get your adoring mate, who you love for being so dedicated, to give you your turn on the nest when he won’t get off because he is so dedicated,” Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote in a recent social media post. “First, bring fluff, lots of fluff, and then sweet talk, lots of sweet talk. So, maybe that’s not having an instant affect [sic], since he’s not moving. Perhaps a few beak nibbles. Then wait, be patient, be polite, be more patient and finally beg… and shazam! The nest is yours for sitting.”
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