Imagine a pair of majestic birds, punctual to the minute, delivering moments of pure joy to millions around the globe. That’s Jackie and Shadow, the world-famous bald eagles of Big Bear Lake, who’ve just welcomed their second egg of 2026—and the excitement is palpable. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: these aren’t just any eagles; they’re global celebrities, thanks to the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, which operates a 24/7 camera feed capturing every moment of their lives in stunning detail.
For fans of these feathered stars, late January is synonymous with "Egg Watch," a highly anticipated event when Jackie typically lays her first egg. True to form, the first egg arrived on January 23, 2026, at precisely 4:32:24 p.m., following Jackie’s unmistakable "tea-kettling" behavior—a low-whistling sound that signals egg-laying is underway. And this is the part most people miss: Jackie’s second egg has historically arrived almost exactly three days later, within the same afternoon window, down to the minute. It’s a level of precision that’s left bird watchers in awe for years.
So, when the first egg arrived on January 23, calendars everywhere were marked for January 26. Sure enough, Jackie delivered her second egg a little after 5 p.m., after a few kettle-like whistles and some feather-fluffing—clear signs that another egg was on its way. She briefly revealed both eggs nestled in their deep, meticulously crafted egg bowl before settling back to incubate her growing brood.
But here’s the controversial question: Could a third egg be on the horizon? Bald eagles have laid three-egg clutches before, so it’s not out of the question. And this is where opinions start to divide: some eagle enthusiasts believe Jackie’s age might make a third egg less likely, while others argue her track record speaks for itself. What do you think? Is a third egg in the cards, or is this clutch complete?
The incubation period for bald eagles is around 35 days, though, as eagle watchers often remind us, "the birds are in charge." So, while we wait with bated breath, keep your eyes on the nest—perched high in a Jeffrey pine tree—and your hopes as high as the treetops. Will Jackie and Shadow surprise us again? Only time will tell. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—are you team three eggs or team two?
