2 Of 3 Big Bear Bald Eagle's Eggs Start To Hatch: Pip Watch 2025

BIG BEAR, CA — A bonded pair of Southern California eagles has feathered their nest and is awaiting the hatching of at least two of their three eggs.

Shortly before 8 a.m., the Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed the second in a clutch of three eggs belonging to Jackie and Shadow showed signs of pre-hatching activity known as the "pip."

Their three eggs were laid on Jan. 22, 25, and 28. Pip Watch for signs of hatching started on Saturday and occurred on time. The first eaglets made their efforts known on Sunday and Monday.

UPDATE: 2 Eaglet Chicks Hatch Tuesday: Pip Watch On 3rd Egg Underway

"We were able to confirm not one, but TWO PIPS," a spokesperson wrote on their website. No activity has yet been noted in the third egg. However, experts say there is still time for the hatching process to begin.

"It looks like both pips are about equally progressed. This suggests that the chicks have been hard at work (inside the eggs) for some time."

Hatching is a long process, they say.

"It may take a day or more for the chick to emerge from the shell fully. Meanwhile, we will remain patient and hold the most positive thoughts."

The team called it good fortune, as March 3 is the hatching day of their eaglet Spirit, which emerged on this exact date in 2022.

"Congratulations, Jackie and Shadow and the entire eagle family! We’ve been waiting for almost 3 years," Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote.

Jackie and Shadow's nest is high up in the Big Bear Valley, in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, about 145 feet up in a Jeffrey Pine tree. When you watch their videos from a hidden webcam, you can hear the wind in the pine trees and, at times, see the pair of eagles cover and protect their eggs amid rain and snow.

A California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson told Patch that the typical bald eagle incubation period is about 35-40 days after the eggs are laid. Tens of thousands watch the live eagle webcam daily.

On Monday, over 54,000 people had their YouTube channel open, listening to the wind in the pines and the occasional calls and screeches from the eagles from their nest.

"When we take the time to observe nature, we learn valuable skills such as patience, appreciation, and curiosity," a chat moderator wrote during last year's pip watch. "We recognize that we are not in control and instead choose to trust and continue learning from Jackie, Shadow, and Mother Nature."

To help fundraise for the non-profit that observes the Bald Eagle couple, visit their web page and shop.

Watch their progress live on the Friends Of Big Bear Valley YouTube channel:

Related:

2 Eaglet Chicks Hatch Tuesday: Pip Watch On 3rd Egg Underway