Big Bear Bald Eaglets Eat, Bonk And Vie For Attention As 30K Watch Nature In Action

BIG BEAR, CA — The Inland Empire's bald eagle bonded pair, Jackie and Shadow, are tending their two new bobbling babies, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley, the group that maintains and monitors the bald eagle's webcam.

"It's been a beautiful beginning," Friends of Big Bear Valley Naturalist Valerie wrote. "Monday morning on the nest showed the babies' first bites of fish, as the two little bobbleheads vied for Jackie's attention.

"We witnessed our first bonking!" she wrote. "Eaglets engage in this vital type of behavior early in life as it helps them establish a pecking order and develop muscle and coordination skills."

This back-and-forth bonking or headbutting practice is a way they can compete for food, which is crucial to their development.

Jackie and Shadow continue to tend their young, providing fish and other food and keeping things clean and safe for the as-yet-unnamed littles.

Watch the Bald Eagles live:

Typically, there is a 'Name the Eaglets' contest when the babies get a little older. In 2025, we had Misty, the eaglet who did not survive a winter storm, and Sunny and Gizmo, who both fledged the nest. This year, fans are vying for Sandy and Moon.

It's been a tense season, after the pair lost their first clutch of eggs to an intrusive crow. Over the weekend, thousands who watched and waited were rewarded with the hatching of both babies.

In 2025, three eaglets hatched, and two survived to fledge and leave the nest. This year, the first clutch of eggs was eaten by a roving band of crows. Now, every time we hear a "Caw!" on our Bald Eagle Cam, Patch gets a little nervous.

"Nature is fascinating to watch, and each day holds its own story," Valerie said. "We must remember that foremost, we are fortunate observers. (The eagles) have something important to teach us as humans about the natural world every day."

In the meantime, Jackie tends her new babies, Shadow brings fish and arranges sticks, assisting.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley Nonprofit group continues to seek assistance in purchasing the land known as Moon Camp to keep construction in the Big Bear Bald Eagles area at bay.

Thus far, they have raised over $1.7 million, just over a tenth of the $10 million needed to purchase the land. To donate, visit savemooncamp.org. Friends of Big Bear Valley has until July 31 to purchase the 63-acre property for the permanent conservatorship directly next to the U.S. Forest Service land.

Learn how to help save the eagle family's habitat at www.SaveMoonCamp.org.