The bald eagles Jackie and Shadow, residing in a nest in San Bernardino County, California, have become unexpected social media sensations. Their daily lives are broadcast via a 24/7 livestream operated by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley. This initiative has captivated millions worldwide, allowing families like that of Marie Braasch, who checks the feed daily with her family, to connect with nature from afar.
Braasch, a resident of Chino, California, shares that her family has built a ritual around watching the eagles, despite never having seen them in person. “It’s just peaceful,” she noted, emphasizing the reality of nature’s sometimes harsh realities. The popularity of the eagle cam has soared, with the Friends of Big Bear Valley boasting approximately 2.4 million social media followers, including over 1 million on Facebook.
According to Jennifer Voisard, the group’s media manager, the appeal of animal-related content lies in its ability to provide a comforting escape during challenging times. “There’s something just so authentic about watching these 24-hour live streams,” she said. The A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands even set up a monitor for patrons to enjoy the eagle cam.
The success of the livestream can be attributed to Peter Sharpe, who previously worked at the Institute for Wildlife Studies. He installed the cameras in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, ensuring the safety of the eagles. The first camera was set up in October 2015, with a second added in 2021 for a broader view of the nest. Both cameras are positioned 145 feet above ground and powered by solar energy.
A dedicated team of around 45 contractors and volunteers from across the globe monitors the feeds to ensure everything runs smoothly. The organization also engages students through virtual educational programs, reaching over 4,000 students in 2025 alone.
As the current nesting season unfolds, viewers eagerly await news of whether Jackie and Shadow will produce eggs. The first egg of the 2026 nesting season was captured on video feeds on January 23, with a second egg appearing three days later. Each announcement generated more than 1 million views, showcasing the audience’s excitement. Unfortunately, shortly after the second egg was laid, a raven attacked the nest, leading to the loss of both eggs. The heartbreaking news prompted over 5,800 comments of condolences on the Friends’ Facebook page.
Sharpe remarked on the unusual circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Shadow for hours, leaving unanswered questions. Yet, he remains optimistic about the eagles’ chances to lay again, typically within a month after a loss. “It’s definitely not over for the season,” he affirmed.
Despite the setbacks, the eagles continue to inspire a sense of community and connection among their viewers. Yolonda Youngs, a professor at Cal State San Bernardino, highlighted the emotional ties people develop with the eagles. “We want to follow them, and it’s difficult to not see it as a family and sort of impose on them our ideas of parenthood,” she explained.
Braasch, who wore a Jackie and Shadow shirt in tribute to the eagles after the loss, voiced the deep emotional impact these birds have had on her life. “Some people look at the eagles and say, ‘They’re just birds,’ but they’re not. They’re creating life,” she reflected.
The livestream continues to provide a glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures, with viewers from as far away as Australia and across the United States tuning in daily. As they navigate the challenges of their environment, Jackie and Shadow remain symbols of resilience, drawing audiences into their world and reminding us of the beauty of nature.
