I don’t know exactly what it was about this eagle mama, Jackie. 🦅💔 Maybe because I started watching her during the pandemic, when we were all looking for small windows into the world outside. My kids used to tease me for leaving the Nest cam on 24/7, hearing her... calls echo through the house. Me goofily screaming “Look, Shadow brought home a big fish” Maybe it’s because I’m a mama of four and understand that instinct to protect your babies with everything you’ve got. Whatever it was, I fell in love with Jackie. She was regal, fierce, and deeply devoted. I watched her through so many cycles: eggs laid and lost, predators striking, heartbreak, and still she kept coming back to try again. I saw eaglets hatch, grow strong, and take their first flights, and through it all, Jackie just kept showing up. With her life partner Shadow they built their nest, and weathered everything from Big Bear storms to even the Fourth of July fireworks. Together, they were something truly special. I’ve always loved eagles, but the Big Bear Valley nest cam made me understand just how incredible they are. Jackie made millions of us care about one nest in a tree like it was our own backyard. I hate that we lost her like this. 💔 My heart breaks for Shadow and the life he now has to navigate without her. Jackie, you magnificent mama, you were loved by people all over the world. Thank you for letting us into your wild, beautiful life. I never thought I’d be eulogizing a daggone eagle. 😭🦅 But here we are. Fly high, Jackie. You were one special mama. 🤍show more

Here is Jackie completely covered in snow. This would have been in 2024. The 3 eggs that never hatched.

What a nice tribute. We all have a broken heart. Especially those of us who live in Southern California and, like your family, have followed her for years.

i stumbled onto the big bear eagles in 2023 after my teenage son drowned. i left that nest cam on for hours at a time while i grieved and while jackie & shadow tended their eggs high in that tree and sat through crow attacks and snow storms. since then i've kept a keen eye on them each season, and was rapt to see them have chicks last year & this year. very sad she died :(

The winter will seem a little longer this year without Jackie and Shadow. I've kept up with the nest for years. I saw tragedy and triumph through out the hard winters. Nature can be a very cruel mistress.

Jackie was amazing, beautiful & dedicated to Shadow & her clutches. I’ve followed her since 2016. My heart is broken but my memories are precious. Shadow will persevere & find a new mate. God willing he’ll convince her to stay at his place & we can watch anew RIP Jackie✝️🦅❤️

Fabulous post! I started watching in 2020, too. I’m crying over this tonight. I had a feeling yesterday that she wasn’t going to make it.

I hope a different perspective brings comfort. She died from injuries fighting with rival eagles that were probably younger and stronger which is a sign of a life well lived. She didn’t die from a tragedy or because of humans. She died nobly trying to keep her territory. 🦅💕

I cried when I saw the notification of her death. I couldn’t believe how much that affected me. I watched them everyday. I hope Shadow can readjust quickly and find another mate.

Same. I was glued last year when the 3rd chick died. And watched both sets of eagles this year. She was such a good little mama. I watched the nest cam tonight to see Shadow sitting alone. 💔

we need to raise awareness of the neurological damage caused to raptors by consuming lead ammunition fragments in carcasses left by hunters. Anemia is one of the many health problems that lead consumption causes.. no more lead in ammunition.

Jackie was the Queen of Big Bear, her legacy will forever be remembered. She left millions of us with a broken heart 💔. I cry every time I talk about her 😭. Life goes on and Shadow will move on with a new partner as painful as that sounds. He will now be the King of Big Bear. Jackie will never be forgotten. #QueenJackie will forever be in our hearts. ❤️‍🩹

Thank you for this. She was more than "just an Eagle." She was full of so much life and strength and love. I'm comforted to know I'm not the only one sad of her passing. 💔

@KalliopeLB Beautifully said. She will be missed

This is exactly how I feel about Jackie. I bawled when I read the news today. Fly high Queen. 🦅 I will miss you always. 💕

Same, somehow their world comforted me during our messed up world. I longed to be any animal in the wilderness unaffected by man. I slept with the nest cam on all night during Covid. My whole family found joy from the birds.

I've watched her and Shadow for years. I'm a Veterinarian and I think my staff got tired of me saying things like, "Jackie just laid a second clutch!" Or "An egg pipped last night!" Jackie will live on in so many hearts and we will soar into the sunset on her wings.

Little did she know that so many people cared, loved and learned from her. I am sad that she is no longer here.

This is beautiful and appreciate your heartfelt words. So many of us have had the same or similar journey in bringing Jackie and Shadow into our lives. It’s difficult to put into words but you’ve done her proud.

Holly that was a wonderful tribute to Jackie. She was a great momma and loved by many.

Was sorry to hear about this beloved eagle. RIP Jackie. Now she soars in heaven with no more pain. Thank you to Ojai Raptor Rescue for the extraordinary medical care you provided.

I have a friend who was living in Big Bear who posted the live cam. Our family started watching too. Sad to hear of her passing. RIP Jackie.

Fly high Jackie💚🦅😢adored by millions who watched you across the world!

This was spot on! My dogs hated it when they heard Jackie and shadow chirp! Run out of the rm. I left the stream on overnight in our bdrm when she was incubating and had to get up at 5 am. She did the LOUDEST CALL and my husband SHOT UP n a dead sleep. That was the end of that.

I was trying to explain this to my husband today and I just couldn’t put it into words. Thx for saying what I couldn’t.

Holly I loved her too. Everyone in my transplant ICU knew how special Jackie was to me. I had my tablet on all day and people would come in to see what’s happening with the eagles. I loved them so much. My heart breaks for her beloved Shadow. They had a 🩷.

@snowdenhoops I’ll miss her and her fierce dedication to motherhood. Soar high, dear girl. 💔🦅

A lovely tribute 🤍🪶

Thank you Holly - heartfelt & beautiful 💔🦅🙏🏻

All of that, and she had such an impact on humans that the land she lived on is now protected forever. It was in imminent danger of devolopment, w/a rapidly approaching deadline to buy the land fr developers. A couple donated $5 million bc of Jackie & now her home is safe.🦅💓

I’m so heartbroken 😔

She was magnificent 🇺🇸

Well said. ❤️😢 RIP beloved Jackie. I think all she endured this past year just drained her. Fly high and keep an eye on Shadow.

Jackie ruled the sky around Big Bear Valley with Shadow. It broke many hearts watching Shadow looking for her and waiting for her return. Soar high, Jackie. 🦅❤️

My family teased me too, lol, not sure what it is that kept me watching, but I too loved every minute of it. I hope Sandy and Jackie are together in heaven. Free and happy. I pray Shadow will continue to thrive. How lucky we have been to witness nature this way. ❤️

Very nice thank you for sharing, I can relate. Fly Free Jackie ❤️