A bald eagle rescued near Big Bear over the weekend is likely Jackie, one half of the beloved pair featured in a longtime livestream of the nest, according to the nonprofit behind the camera.
Based on videos and images from the public and rescuers, “it is evident that the rescued eagle is likely Jackie,” Friends of Big Bear Valley said in a social media post Sunday night. “She is in the best place possible and is getting the care she needs.”
The adult bald eagle was seen on the ground near Dana Point Park on Thursday and Friday. There is a park by that name in the community of Fawnskin adjacent to Big Bear Lake. While on the ground, the eagle was seen fighting with two subadult eagles, according to the nonprofit.
“Mobile phone video confirmed that the adult was able to defend itself from the other eagles by turning around and using its talons, but was unable to fly very far,” the organization said.
An adult eagle was rescued after being found on the ground and was seen fighting with sub-adult eagles.
(Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation)
The nonprofit said there had been no signs around the nest “for several days” of Jackie, star of the webcam reality show since 2015. Fans have watched as Jackie and her longtime companion, Shadow, tragically lost eggs and chicks, and also successfully raised eaglets to leave the nest, 120 feet up in a Jeffrey pine tree with a commanding view of Big Bear Lake.
Their latest eaglets, Sandy and Luna, took flight for the first time late last month.
The stranded bald eagle was picked up Saturday by personnel from the San Dimas Raptor Rescue Department of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation.
“When a bald eagle in need was found near Big Bear Lake, an incredible team came together to make sure it received the care it deserved,” the agency said on Facebook. The eagle was taken to “a specialized rehabilitation center, where it is now being cared for.”
Sandy and Luna pose next to their nest on June 23.
(Friends of Big Bear Valley)
Big Bear bald eagle fans expressed concern on social media over the weekend as news of the injured bird spread.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley warned of “misinformation and online speculation” surrounding the incident and the identity of the eagle. And fans were advised not to contact the salvage agency: “They don't have the resources.”
“It's been a very worrying wait this weekend with Jackie MIA,” said one commenter on the nonprofit's Instagram account.
One user, on the Department of Parks and Recreation's post, noted: “That's her, hands down. I've been watching for 2 years and now know her better than some of my own family members.”
Following the nonprofit's announcement that the eagle was believed to be Jackie, one commenter responded: “Praying for a speedy recovery so he can return to his family soon!”
