Two bald eagle chicks hatched in the nest of Jackie and Shadow, a beloved pair of eagles in Big Bear Lake, California, over the Easter weekend. The first chick emerged around 9:30 p.m. PST on Saturday, April 4, while the second hatched around 8:30 a.m. PST on Easter Sunday, April 5, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the nonprofit that operates the 24-hour livestream of the nest.
The hatchings were closely watched by millions of viewers worldwide, with the livestream attracting significant attention. The chicks were first heard chirping inside their eggs on Thursday, and their parents, Jackie and Shadow, have been caring for them since. The nonprofit reported that both chicks are healthy and doing well.
The livestream, which has become a popular fixture, is believed to be the most viewed year-round nature cam on YouTube. The eagles have been mating since 2018 and have gained widespread fame. The chicks will be named by third-graders at a local school in Big Bear, according to Jenny Voisard, media manager for FOBBV.
The hatchings come after Jackie and Shadow lost a previous clutch of eggs in late January when ravens attacked the nest. The eagles are expected to remain in the nest for 10 to 14 weeks before fledging.