First Big Bear Bald Eaglet Hatches; Second Egg Shows Pip

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 5, 2026 7:46 AM ET

First Big Bear Bald Eaglet Hatches; Second Egg Shows Pip

Jackie and Shadow, the Big Bear bald eagle pair, welcomed their first eaglet late on April 4, 2026. Friends of Big Bear Valley reported the chick emerged fully from its shell at about 9:30 p.m.

The group had noted earlier that a bird is not officially hatched until it is fully free of the eggshell. Video captured the chick’s initial chirps after its shell first showed a pip the previous day.

Hatch and Pip Details

Observers saw the second egg develop a pip following the first egg’s activity. Friends of Big Bear Valley explained that pipping begins when a chick breaks the internal membrane.

After pipping, a chick may need 24 to 48 hours to free itself completely. The organization also shared images showing the hatched egg beside the pipped egg on April 4.

Nest History and This Season’s Clutches

Jackie and Shadow have been visible to the public since a nest camera was installed. The pair previously raised eaglets in 2019, 2022 and 2025.

Earlier in the season, the pair laid four eggs, but two were lost after a raven raid. Jackie then laid a second clutch on February 24 and February 27.

Growth and Timeline

Friends of Big Bear Valley said eaglets grow rapidly once hatched. They often reach about three feet in length in just over two months.

What “Pip” Means

A pip marks the moment a chick breaches the internal membrane and pierces the shell. That action lets the chick take its first breath of air.

Community Response and Coverage

Fans have followed the nest via the live camera for years. Filmogaz.com will continue to track updates as the second egg progresses.

Hatch time: about 9:30 p.m., April 4, 2026.
Source: Friends of Big Bear Valley.
Previous eaglets: 2019, 2022, 2025 (Sunny and Gizmo noted in 2025).
Initial clutch lost two eggs to ravens; second clutch laid Feb. 24 and Feb. 27.

The community-favorite update—First Big Bear Bald Eaglet Hatches; Second Egg Shows Pip—sparked excitement among viewers. More monitoring will reveal whether the second egg hatches within the expected 24-48 hour window.