Looking back at this photo from 11/27/18, it’s amazing to see how far Jackie and Shadow have come. Shadow still had dark marks on his tail, though his head feathers were turning strikingly white. Jackie had just finished a nesting season with her previous mate, Mr. B, who departed the area shortly after Shadow arrived in late May 2018. It wasn’t a dramatic parting—Mr. B seemed perfectly content leaving Big Bear, making way for a smooth transition.
Jackie and Mr. B had one successful nesting season together, producing Stormy. Then came Shadow—and what a journey it has been! Together, Jackie and Shadow have now shared seven nesting seasons, with three successful seasons producing fledglings: Simba (2019), Spirit (2022), and Sunny & Gizmo (2025).
It’s hard to believe they’re entering their eighth season together. With Jackie’s history being a 50/50 split—half her seasons resulting in at least one hatchling—fingers are crossed for another successful season.
📅 Jackie & Shadow’s Fledglings Timeline:
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2018 – Stormy
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2019 – Simba
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2020 – no hatch
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2021 – no hatch
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2022 – Spirit
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2023 – no hatch
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2024 – no hatch
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2025 – Sunny & Gizmo
Here’s to hoping this upcoming season adds another chapter to their incredible story. 🦅💛
📸 Photo of Jackie & Shadow from 11/27/18