A pair of bald eagles, known as Jackie and Shadow, have become unexpected social media sensations, thanks to the continuous livestreams provided by the nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley. Located in San Bernardino County, California, the eagles’ nest has attracted millions of viewers who follow the daily lives of these majestic birds from the comfort of their homes.
Marie Braasch, a resident of Chino, California, is among the many fans who have made watching the eagles a daily ritual. Though she has never visited their nest, she checks in on the pair multiple times each day alongside her family. “It’s just peaceful,” Braasch noted during a phone conversation, acknowledging the harsh realities of nature that sometimes unfold on the livestream.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley operates two 24/7 cameras that provide an unscripted view into the eagles’ lives, drawing in approximately 2.4 million followers across social media platforms. Jennifer Voisard, the group’s media and website manager, reported that their main Facebook page boasts over 1 million followers, with nearly 400,000 members in a private group dedicated to the birds.
Content featuring animals tends to resonate strongly with audiences, according to Gina Muscato, social media manager at UC Riverside. “The audience is always looking for happy, funny, wholesome content,” she explained. “There’s something just so authentic about watching these 24-hour live streams of animals.”
The eagles’ live cam has proven to be a community hub, with local establishments like the A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands setting up monitors for patrons to view the feed. The Executive Director of Friends, Sandy Steers, emphasized the importance of connecting people with nature through their education and advocacy efforts.
Peter Sharpe, a recent retiree from the Institute for Wildlife Studies, played a crucial role in establishing the cameras. With a focus on eagle conservation since 1997, Sharpe coordinated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to ensure the safety and functionality of the cameras perched 145 feet above the ground. The first camera was installed in October 2015, with a second added in 2021 to provide a broader view of the nest.
A dedicated team of about 45 contractors and volunteers from across the United States and beyond continuously monitors the feeds. They ensure that the cameras are functioning properly and that bird activity is being documented. This commitment to conservation extends to educational outreach, where volunteers engage with students through Zoom sessions about eagle conservation efforts. In 2025, the organization reached over 4,000 students, from kindergarten to Advanced Placement biology.
During the current nesting season, viewers eagerly await updates about Jackie and Shadow’s potential offspring. Friends of Big Bear Valley regularly posts updates on social media, with their official Facebook page being the most active. The first egg of the 2026 nesting season was spotted on January 23, followed by a second egg just three days later. Each announcement garnered over a million views and prompted thousands of comments from excited fans.
Tragically, the joy was short-lived. Following the announcement of the second egg, a raven invaded the nest while the eagles were away, resulting in the loss of both eggs. This unfortunate event prompted over 5,800 comments of condolences on the Facebook post detailing the incident. “We will never know why, but we are sure they had their reasons,” the post stated, highlighting the unpredictability of nature.
Sharpe remarked on the unusual behavior of one of the eagles, noting that it was atypical for a bird to be absent for several hours. Despite this setback, he expressed optimism for future nesting attempts. “Fortunately, they can recycle and lay eggs again, usually at about a month intervals,” he said.
The emotional connection that many viewers feel toward Jackie and Shadow is evident in their online interactions. Sarah Fraley, a devoted follower, shared her sentiments, stating, “It was hard to watch, especially with how attached you get to these eagles over the years.” This attachment illustrates the broader appeal of the eagles, which have become a symbol of resilience and family for many.
Environmental studies professor Yolonda Youngs compared the phenomenon to how images of the Grand Canyon have made it an iconic part of U.S. identity. “We want to follow them, and it’s difficult to not see it as a family,” she noted, reflecting on the way audiences project their own experiences onto the birds.
The fascination with Jackie and Shadow stretches worldwide, with fans tuning in from diverse locations including Hawaii, New Jersey, and even Australia. Vicki Leach, a viewer from Starkville, Mississippi, shares her lifelong interest in eagles and the joy of participating in a communal experience with others. “Getting to see the ‘wonderful’ birds with others who are watching is just a fun ‘small world’ experience,” she remarked.
Last nesting season, the excitement surrounding the hatching of Jackie’s eggs led to a surge in website traffic, overwhelming the Friends’ online infrastructure. Voisard reported that their website experienced approximately 6 million views within a few days, leading to disruptions that required staff to migrate servers multiple times.
Youngs emphasized the relatable struggles that Jackie and Shadow endure. “People connect with them as potentially raising a family amid some challenging conditions,” she explained, highlighting the parallels between human and avian experiences.
Despite the recent heartbreak, Braasch continues to find solace in the daily lives of the eagles. Wearing a shirt in memory of Jackie and Shadow, she expressed her belief that the eagles are more than just birds. “If you look at it and you study them, you’ll see that they’ve got feelings… They’re creating life,” she said.
As the livestream returns to its familiar scenes of the nest and the eagles, viewers worldwide remain hopeful for the next chapter in Jackie and Shadow’s story. From Chino to beyond, their legacy continues to inspire a deep appreciation for nature and the cycles of life.
