Third Bald Eagle egg begins hatching in Big Bear Lake

The third and final egg in the closely watched nest of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow has begun to hatch, signaling the likely arrival of an unprecedented triplet of eaglets for the famous Big Bear Lake pair.

Observers spotted the first signs of hatching, known as a "pip," in the third egg on the morning of March 6. This development follows the successful hatching of two siblings earlier last week.

"Earlier this morning, we saw the pip in the third egg, and the hole has gotten bigger," said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, the conservation group that maintains the popular livestream camera focused on the nest. "The eaglet is actively working on getting out of the egg."

Steers noted the hatching process could take several days, similar to the timeframe needed by the first two chicks that emerged from their shells earlier in the week.

According to Steers, the chicks are doing well and have been eating, but occasionally, they are too preoccupied with pecking at one another to eat. Although viewers may worry about the eaglets' well-being, the biologist reminds them this type of sibling rivalry is typical and "just part of watching nature."

This potential triplet scenario is rare for Jackie and Shadow, who have not successfully raised three chicks simultaneously since observations began in 2015. Their previous nesting attempts yielded varying results.

In 2019, the pair successfully raised two eaglets. Their 2022 nesting season resulted in one hatchling, while a second egg failed to develop. Last year, all three eggs in their clutch failed to hatch despite initial optimism from observers.

The additional eaglet will require increased food supplies, but Shadow appears up to the task. The male eagle delivered three fish to the nest last Wednesday alone, providing ample nutrition for the growing family.

"We'll get to learn how they treat each other, how they behave," Steers said of the expanding eagle family.

According to Steers, the two existing chicks are "looking much stronger than they were even yesterday." A public naming process will determine the eaglets' names in the coming days.

The nest's live stream has attracted record viewership as bird enthusiasts and nature lovers follow the unfolding story. "I can't even describe how thrilled I am," Steers said. "It just fills my heart that people are so open to connecting with nature and appreciating it."

Weather concerns remain minimal for the young family despite winter conditions in the Big Bear area. The parent eagles may reduce feeding frequency during rain or snow to limit the chicks' exposure to harsh elements, but protective measures are naturally in place.

"Jackie and Shadow are insulated and waterproof," Steers explained, noting the adult eagles' body temperature of 105 degrees provides sufficient warmth for their offspring. The chicks are small enough to fit comfortably beneath either parent for protection and warmth.

As the eaglets grow, space beneath the parents could become an issue, but Steers indicated this is not an immediate concern.

While excitement builds around the potential triplets, Steers reminds viewers that the livestream offers an unfiltered view of nature, where outcomes cannot be guaranteed. "We just have to let them live and appreciate that we get to watch the magic," she said.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley have monitored Jackie and Shadow since 2015, providing wildlife enthusiasts with a window into the daily lives of these protected birds of prey.