October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Entry 414Filed under Breeding

What Happened to Jackie and Shadow’s Bald Eagle Babies After the 2025 Snowstorm?

One of Jackie and Shadow’s three 2025 eaglets died after a severe snowstorm, but Friends of Big Bear Valley said the cause and identity were unknown at the time. A later history identifies the chick as Misty; survivors Sunny and Gizmo fledged in June.
6-minute read By Animalso Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Three eaglets hatched at Jackie and Shadow’s Big Bear Valley nest in March 2025. One died after a severe snowstorm brought more than two feet of snow to the area; Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) said at the time that it did not know the cause of death or which chick had died. A later historical record identifies the chick as Misty, while the two survivors, Sunny and Gizmo, fledged in June 2025.

The record developed in stages: contemporaneous reports described an obstructed camera view and uncertainty about the missing chick, while a later history supplied the name Misty and the survivors’ fledging dates. The storm’s timing is established, but a specific cause of death was not.

What happened to the three eaglets?

Jackie and Shadow’s first two chicks hatched on March 3 and 4, 2025, and the third hatched on March 8. After a severe storm brought more than two feet of snow to the Big Bear area, a snow berm blocked part of the nest-camera view and observers could see only two chicks.

FOBBV reported that the missing chick had last been seen alive during a feeding at about 6 p.m. local time on March 13. In its contemporaneous statement, the organization said it did not know which chick had died because the eaglets were close in size, and that the cause was unknown.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids
  • 【HIGH-POWERED LARGE EYEPIECE BINOCULARS】 This binoculars for adults has 12x magnification, 25mm objective lens and wide field of view, 273ft/1000yds, letting you look farther and see wider. Coating with FMC Broadband coating and premium BAK4 prism, it ensure imaging verisimilar.
  • 【ADJUSTABLE EYE CUPS FIT EYEGLASS WEARERS OR NOT】The binocs can be pull down the rubber eyepieces and more fit the glasses wearer, getting close to lens and see easily. The long eye relief combined with large eyepiece give you a comfortable viewing while wearing sunglasses or eye glasses. For those who do not wear glasses, will gain more focused slight and feel more easeful through rising eye cups. The compact binoculars has 15mm large eyepieces, can see more clear image than other travel binoculars.
  • 【FMC BROADBAND COATING TECHNOLOGY】The lightweight cruise binoculars is cover with BAK4 prism texture. The objective lens use optical FMC multilayer broadband green film, and the eyepiece-optical is made of blue FMC coating. All design ensure to provide a good image and make you have a amazing experience.
  • 【PORTABLE, COMPACT AND SMALL BINOCULARS DESIGN】 One hand can be mastered when you use the birding watching binoculars for opera,bird watching camping, traveling,wildlife watching,football games,cruise or other outside activity, the low light night vision goggles(Not for completely dark night) is more convenient for using and carrying.
  • 【LIFE WATERPROOF, COMFORTABLE TOUCH】 The kids binoculars are made of ABS plastic and it also come with a cruise binocular strap, you can use this item in different situations. And rubber armor is made for secure grip.The pocket size binoculars is not only suitable for men and women,but also suitable for kids.It is wonderful to give your Father or Children.

A later historical record from It’s Just Big Bear identifies the chick that died as Misty. The same record names the two surviving eaglets Sunny and Gizmo and records their fledging dates:

  • Sunny fledged on June 2, 2025, at 90 days old.
  • Gizmo fledged on June 7, 2025, at 91 days old.

Fledging means a young eagle makes its first flight from the nest. It does not necessarily mean the bird immediately becomes independent or leaves the family’s territory.

The March 2025 timeline

Date What happened
March 3 and 4 Jackie and Shadow’s first two eaglets hatched.
March 8 The third eaglet hatched.
March 13 FOBBV later reported that the missing chick was last seen alive during a feeding at about 6 p.m. local time.
During the storm period A severe storm brought more than two feet of snow to the area. A snow berm obstructed part of the nest-camera view.
March 2025 announcement FOBBV said one chick had died, but that it did not know the chick’s identity or the cause at the time. ABC News reported the statement on March 16; the Los Angeles Times covered the storm and nest updates on March 15.
June 2 Sunny fledged, according to the later historical record.
June 7 Gizmo fledged, according to the later historical record.

FOBBV’s statement, quoted in ABC News’s contemporaneous report, provides the initial account. The Los Angeles Times coverage also describes the storm and the obstructed view. The later identification and fledging details come from It’s Just Big Bear’s eaglet history, not the initial announcement.

What viewers knew at the time—and what they did not

When the chick was missing from view, the nest camera did not provide a complete picture. The snow berm obscured part of the nest, and the chicks were close in size. FOBBV’s initial announcement said it could not determine which chick had died.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The organization also said the cause of death was unknown. Later reporting and the historical record add information about the chick’s identity, but that later information should not be mistaken for what viewers or FOBBV knew at the time of the initial announcement.

Rank #2
Hontry 10x25 Compact Binoculars for Adults and Kids
  • An ideal choice magnification: A 10x magnification strikes the balance between zooming in on your target and maintaining a steady image, making it an ideal choice for everyday use.
  • Equipped with Bak-4 prisms: These prisms deliver images with 3D depth and rich detail. Even under low-light conditions, you’ll still enjoy bright, sharp views.
  • Compact design: About the size of your palm and weighing only 0.6 pounds - makes it easy to carry around wherever you go. With these features, your binoculars become a reliable companion for everyday adventures rather than a tool reserved only for special occasions.
  • Wide range IPD: With an adjustable interpupillary distance ranging from 60mm to 75mm, they comfortably fit both kids and most adults. This means everyone in the family can share the excitement of discovering new sights together.
  • Your one-stop solution: these binoculars absolutely for bird watching, cruising, hiking, and traveling, but they’re not just for the outdoors—catch every thrilling moment at sporting events, concerts, plays, and more. What's more? Don’t forget the simple pleasures: Keep them handy in the car glove box, use them during a layover at the airport, or explore your own backyard. Wherever your imagination takes you, Hontry binoculars are ready to follow.

Did the snowstorm kill the eaglet?

The chick died after the severe storm, but the available sources do not establish that snow or another specific storm-related factor caused its death.

FOBBV said the cause was unknown. The timing and the snowstorm are part of the reported circumstances, not proof of a medical cause or a particular accident. Avoid attributing the death to cold exposure, starvation, injury, or either parent.

The most careful summary is that one eaglet died after the storm, and the cause was not established.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How Jackie and Shadow handled the deceased chick

It’s Just Big Bear’s later historical record describes Shadow removing the deceased chick from the nest bowl and Jackie later carrying it away from the nest. This is a later account, distinct from FOBBV’s initial statement that it could not identify the chick.

Those observations do not establish a human-like explanation for the eagles’ behavior. It is more accurate to describe the reported actions than to assign the adults a psychological motive.

Rank #3
Sale
20x50 High Powered Binoculars for Adults, Waterproof Compact Binoculars with Low Light Vision for Bird Watching Hunting Camping Travel Cruise Hiking Sports Stargazing, Christmas Birthday Gifts for Men
  • UPGRADED HIGH-POWER BINOCULARS​ - These premium binoculars feature a high-magnification 20x zoom eyepiece and offer a 168-yard field of view at 1000 yards. This allows you to observe and focus on intricate details of distant targets up to 1000 yards away, delivering exceptionally broad and clear long-distance vision. Ideal for adults engaged in bird watching, hunting, camping, climbing, hiking, safari, travel, opera, concerts, sports events, and stargazing. They are essential gear for camping, hunting, travel, and cruises.
  • ​OPTIMIZED EYEPIECE DESIGN​ - The 26mm eyepiece is ergonomically designed to comfortably fit the eye structure of users, providing a wider and clearer field of view for birdwatching and other outdoor activities. The large eyepiece design helps maintain visual stability, reducing the risk of dizziness and eye fatigue during prolonged use. These binoculars make an ideal gift for men, dads, Father’s Day, Christmas, and birthdays.
  • ​SUPERIOR IMAGE CLARITY​ - Multilayer-coated aspherical lens elements ensure superior light transmission with minimal distortion, enhancing image brightness, contrast, and overall quality. The BAK4 Porro prism, with its high refractive index, achieves 99.8% light transmission for improved color accuracy. The green FMC (Full Multi-Coating) anti-reflective coating on the objective lens reduces reflected light, further boosting light transmission, image brightness, and sharpness for an exceptional viewing experience.
  • ​EASY AND PRECISE FOCUSING​ - These binoculars are designed for effortless operation: simply adjust the barrels to align with your eyes, then rotate the sensitive, non-slip center focus wheel with one finger to achieve a sharp, single image without double vision. The focus wheel is covered with soft rubber for comfortable, long-term use without finger fatigue.
  • ​RUGGED AND WATERPROOF CONSTRUCTION​ - The binoculars feature a daily waterproof body with a rubber coating that provides impact resistance and a firm, comfortable grip. Built with high-quality materials, they are suitable for various outdoor conditions, including harsh environments (note: please do not immerse the binoculars in water). The unique non-slip ergonomic handles on both sides are made of eco-friendly rubber with a textured surface, ensuring a secure and comfortable hold that prevents slipping.

Why the 2025 hatch was important

The 2025 season ended with two eaglets fledging. It’s Just Big Bear’s historical record describes it as the first season in which Jackie and Shadow fledged two chicks together. That outcome followed the loss of one of the three hatchlings.

Who are Jackie and Shadow?

Jackie and Shadow are the bald eagles associated with the Big Bear Valley nest and livestream. The camera allowed viewers to observe the nest, but snow and the camera’s limited view meant viewers could not see every part of the nest during the storm.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A missing chick on a live feed is not by itself proof of death. In this case, the initial view was incomplete; FOBBV later announced a death while saying it did not know the chick’s identity or cause.

How bald eagles protect eggs and chicks in bad weather

FOBBV’s detailed FAQs say incubation lasts 35 days or more from the start of full incubation, which begins after the last egg is laid. That background helps explain why hatch dates can be close together, but it does not explain the loss in this case.

The available reporting does not establish how any particular weather factor affected Misty. Without direct evidence, general information about eagle care cannot be used to diagnose the cause of this chick’s death.

Rank #4
15x52 HD Binoculars for Adults High Powered with Upgraded Phone Adapter
  • 🐧【𝟏𝟓𝐱 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬: 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬】Elevate your viewing experience with these 15x high-powered binoculars designed for adults. Crafted for observing extremely long distances, these professional high-powered binoculars provide a razor-sharp view of the smallest details even at longer ranges. Unlock the smallest secrets of nature and immerse yourself in crisp, razor-sharp visuals that traditional 12x magnification binoculars cannot match.
  • 🐧【𝟐𝟐𝐦𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬: 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬】Thanks to the expanded 22mm large eyepiece performance, you can enjoy exceptionally detailed insights into the natural world. These binoculars provide a wider field of view, 1.5 times larger than the image size of 16mm eyepieces (e.g., ordinary 10x42, 12x42 binoculars) and 1.2 times that of 20mm eyepieces (e.g., 12x50 binoculars). Large eyepiece binoculars fully utilize the 15x magnification, delivering a larger image and ensuring clearer details.
  • 🐧【𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲】The universal upgraded smartphone adapter enables you to capture outstanding photos. It's easy to set up and align quickly. The soft anti-slip rubber on the surface, along with a sturdier structural design and screw locks, firmly secure your phone, ensuring stable and clear images when taking photos or videos. This adapter is suitable for all kinds of smartphones, with or without phone cases.
  • 🐧【𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐰-𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠】The 15x52 model allows you to experience an entirely new dimension of hunting in low-light conditions. Equipped with a 52mm objective lens, 18mm BAK4 dielectric-coated prisms, and high-transmission specialized glass, these binoculars deliver the best possible performance in low-light scenarios for observation. Overcast days, dense tree canopies, daybreak, and the last light of the day are the specific situations in which these binoculars were designed to excel.
  • 🐧【𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞-𝐭𝐨-𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠】Experience high color fidelity binoculars for bird watching that ensure no details are lost, even in the deepest twilight. These advanced birding binoculars are equipped with fully multi-coated lenses and high-resolution phase-corrected BAK4 roof prisms, guaranteeing high-contrast images with incredible color fidelity. You can discern every detail for quick and easy identification in any bird-watching scenario you encounter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Why the camera could not answer the question immediately

The snow berm blocked part of the nest-camera view during the storm. FOBBV’s initial account said the chicks were close in size and that it could not tell which chick had died. The incomplete view meant the camera did not immediately resolve the chick’s identity.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A live camera is not an unobstructed inspection. The initial public account was therefore appropriately limited: one chick had died, but its identity and the cause were not known to FOBBV at that time.

Why no one should attempt a rescue or visit the nest

This story concerns a wild nest observed remotely. A livestream is not an invitation to approach or interfere with wildlife. Follow current local closures and wildlife guidance rather than trying to locate or reach the nest.

What happened to Sunny and Gizmo after Misty died?

The two surviving eaglets remained at the nest and both fledged in June 2025, according to the later historical record. Sunny fledged on June 2 at 90 days old, and Gizmo fledged on June 7 at 91 days old.

Those dates mark their first flights from the nest, not necessarily the point at which they became fully independent or left the area.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Vortex Triumph HD 10x42 Binoculars
  • A full-size binocular with 1x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, the Triumph HD delivers excellent image quality, ergonomics, and durability for its class. It is a perfect companion for your next hunt or hike.
  • With an HD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses, these binos feature optimized glass elements that deliver exceptional resolution, cut chromatic aberration, and provide outstanding color fidelity, edge-to-edge sharpness, and light transmission.
  • Nitrogen purged, the Triumph is both waterproof and fog proof. The polycarbonate chassis with full rubber armor not only makes the Triumph shockproof for more durability but also provides the user with a better grip.
  • Tripod adaptable, with adjustable rubber eyecups and an adjustable diopter, the Triumph allows users to easily find their most comfortable viewing settings.
  • The Triumph ships with a neck strap and an adjustable GlassPak harness for fast access and easy carry wherever outdoor adventure takes you.

How to follow Jackie and Shadow responsibly

For nest updates, consult Friends of Big Bear Valley and its official livestream channel. For the later naming and fledging details, see It’s Just Big Bear’s eaglet history.

When a live wildlife event is still unfolding, distinguish initial reports from later records and avoid treating speculation as a confirmed explanation.

The confirmed answer

Three eaglets hatched at Jackie and Shadow’s nest in March 2025. One died after a severe snowstorm, but FOBBV said at the time that it did not know the chick’s identity or the cause. A later historical record names the chick Misty and records that Sunny and Gizmo both fledged in June 2025.

FAQ

Did the snowstorm definitely cause Misty’s death?

No. FOBBV said the cause was unknown. The chick died after the storm, but the available sources do not establish a specific cause.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Did FOBBV identify Misty as the chick when it first announced the death?

No. FOBBV said at the time that it did not know which chick had died because the eaglets were close in size. The name Misty appears in a later historical record.

Did Sunny and Gizmo survive?

Yes. The later historical record says Sunny fledged on June 2, 2025, and Gizmo on June 7.

Does fledging mean an eaglet is independent?

No. Fledging means a young eagle makes its first flight from the nest; it does not by itself establish that the bird is fully independent.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from Field Notes

  1. Entry 01Disaster Preparedness for Pets: What to Plan and PackBreeding6 min
  2. Entry 02Holiday Pet Safety Tips: How to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe Through the HolidaysBreeding7 min
  3. Entry 03What to Buy for a New Rescue Dog: A First-Week Essentials GuideBreeding3 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.