California Eaglet Vanishes from Nest and Tragically Fails to Survive

"California Eaglet Disappears from Nest and Doesn't Survive"

A missing eaglet from a Southern California eagle couple died in a winter storm, while the other two eaglets remain healthy.

Emily Johnson16 March 2025Last Update : 11 hours ago

One of Jackie and Shadow's eaglets appears to be missing from Big Bear nest

www.nbcnews.com

The missing eaglet born to a Southern California eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, died during a severe winter storm that struck the area. The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed the News on March 16, 2025, stating that the eaglet “did not make it through” the harsh weather conditions.

6 Key Takeaways

Missing eaglet died in winter storm.
Jackie and Shadow's nest livestreamed annually.
Three eaglets hatched; one is missing.
Death occurred after feeding was observed.
Cause of death remains unknown.
Nature is wild and unscripted.

According to Jenny Voisard, media manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley, over two feet of snow fell in the region during the storm. The third eaglet was last seen being fed alongside its siblings before disappearing from view.

Fast Answer: A missing eaglet from Jackie and Shadow’s nest in Southern California died during a winter storm. Over two feet of snow fell in the area, leading to its demise shortly after being observed with its siblings on March 16, 2025.

Jackie and Shadow are known for their live-streamed nesting activities. They laid three eggs at the end of January, all of which hatched in early March. On Thursday afternoon prior to the storm, video footage showed all three eaglets being fed by their parents. However, by Friday and Saturday, only two were visible in the nest.

The timing of the eaglet’s death is uncertain; it occurred sometime after all three were seen together at 6 p.m. Thursday. Voisard noted that due to melting snow obstructing views of the nest, it remains unclear what specifically caused the loss or which chick had died since they were similar in size.

Date: March 16, 2025
Location: Southern California
Snowfall: More than 2 feet
Parents: Jackie and Shadow
Eaglets hatched: Early March

Despite this tragic event, Jackie and Shadow continue to care for their remaining young as they navigate these challenges together. Voisard expressed hope that observing their resilience may provide comfort amid uncertainty about nature’s unpredictable course.

Notice: Canadian readers should be aware that severe winter storms can impact wildlife similarly across regions. Monitoring local wildlife can help understand how environmental changes affect animal populations.

This incident highlights both the fragility of wildlife and the unpredictability of nature. While one eaglet has been lost due to adverse weather conditions, efforts continue to support and observe those still thriving under Jackie and Shadow’s care.