Shadow the bald eagle appears to be wasting little time reappearing on the social scene after the loss of his longtime mate, Jackie.
Only three days after the beloved Big Bear bald eagle died following a serious illness, Shadow was seen back at the pair’s well-known nest — and he was not alone.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that operates the popular eagle livestream watched by millions of devoted followers, posted new footage Thursday showing Shadow perched near an unfamiliar eagle visitor.
For now, at least, it seems Shadow may not be settling into life as a solitary eagle.
According to the organization, Shadow had last been seen at the nest on July 23. When he returned Thursday, he arrived with company.
The newcomer has been identified as “KD1,” though Friends of Big Bear Valley has not yet confirmed whether the eagle is male or female.
Still, observers have already pointed to one notable hint.
“Comparing size against Shadow, KD1 is larger,” the nonprofit said, adding that female bald eagles are generally about 25% to 33% larger than males.
KD1 hatched in March 2022 in Southern California, making the eagle about 4½ years old.
The bird apparently wasted little time making an introduction.
According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, KD1 first showed up at the nest on Aug. 10, just hours after news broke that Jackie had died, and has returned several times since.
On Thursday, the two eagles spent several minutes together at the nest before eventually flying away.
Jackie died early Monday after a lengthy battle with anemia. She had been receiving intensive treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center after she was found in serious condition in the wild.
Despite oxygen, supportive treatment, round-the-clock monitoring and consultations with specialists, her condition continued to worsen.
“Throughout her time at Ojai Raptor Center, every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest,” the center said in an Instagram post announcing her death.
The center said its team was “heartbroken” and acknowledged the thousands of people around the world who had followed Jackie’s journey and hoped for her recovery.
Jackie’s remains were sent to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Ojai Raptor Center said it was working with state and federal wildlife officials to provide additional information about her treatment and test results.
The beloved bird had become an internet sensation alongside Shadow, with their Big Bear nest livestream drawing a devoted audience of eagle watchers.
The pair were estimated to have raised several eaglets together, including Simba, Spirit, Sunny, Gizmo, Luna and Sandy. Friends of Big Bear Valley estimated Jackie was around 14 years old.
Jackie’s final months had already been difficult. A video recorded by a local wildlife observer appeared to show her being attacked by two juvenile eagles shortly before she was hospitalized, although it remains unclear whether she was already sick before the attack.
