Eagle Nesting With Shadow Likely To Become New Mate Following Jackie's Death: Report

OJAI, CA — After the unexpected death of America's wildlife sensation "Jackie" the bald eagle sent shockwaves around the world, it appears her former mate "Shadow" may have a new partner waiting in the wings.

Pete Bloom, a raptor biologist who has studied and banded eagles for over four decades, predicts there is a strong chance the internet-famous bald eagle is just months away from starting a new family after his new companion swooped in following Jackie's sudden death.

"It is highly likely that these two birds that currently seem to be forming a pair bond will indeed be a pair at the time that nesting begins, which is roughly December,” Bloom told the Los Angeles Times.

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Since the arrival of KD1, affectionately known as "Kaydee" by nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, Shadow has been perching and singing as he cozies up to his prospective new mate.

Bloom told the LA Times he believes the new raptor is female because of its size and behavior.

Kaydee, who originates from the Prado Basin, is about 4½ years old and has reportedly been seen moving sticks around the nest and "doing things that assist in the forming of pair bonds, and I wouldn’t expect it to be another male," Bloom told the LA Times. "So that leaves the other sex," he added.

Bloom's non-profit organization was reportedly contracted by the Orange County Water District to band Kaydee in April 2022. It is believed the bald eagle was born a month before she was banded.

Jackie, died at the Ojai Raptor Center Aug. 10 after more than three weeks of treatment, according to the facility.

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The bird's medical journey saw sharp fluctuations. After receiving a life-saving blood transfusion from a donor eagle, she showed signs of improvement and was moved out of the intensive care unit, where she had been receiving oxygen therapy, into a regular hospital care unit. Though her blood values temporarily stabilized, the root cause of her severe anemia remains unidentified despite extensive testing, which previously ruled out lead toxicosis and swallowed fishing tackle.

Despite receiving round-the-clock monitoring, oxygen therapy, and supportive care in the center's intensive care unit, the bird's condition progressively deteriorated days before she died, according to veterinary staff and consulting specialists.

The eagle's remains were transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Center officials expressed deep gratitude to the thousands of supporters worldwide who followed the eagle's recovery effort, noting that staff are working closely with federal and state wildlife agencies to release a comprehensive report detailing the bird's treatment and medical test results.

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Jackie's nest life above Big Bear Lake alongside her mate, Shadow, was watched by millions worldwide via a 24/7 livestream "Nest Cam" hosted by Friends of Big Bear Valley. Her global popularity recently inspired a major conservation victory when donors — including OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and his wife, Anna — contributed $5.5 million to purchase and protect the surrounding habitat around the nest from real estate development.

The bald eagle couple successfully raised two eaglets, Luna and Sandy, earlier this year. Both fledged in late June and are believed to be thriving in the wild.

Kaydee arrived at Jackie's former nest, which she had shared with shadow since 2018, the same day her death was announced.

Patch Local Editor Toni McAllister contributed to this report.