A new eagle named KD1 is visiting Shadow's nest — but wildlife experts urge patience

Just four days after beloved Big Bear bald eagle Jackie died, a younger eagle has begun appearing regularly at the famous nest overlooking Big Bear Lake — and the internet is already buzzing about what it might mean for her longtime mate, Shadow.

The newcomer is KD1, a 4½-year-old eagle who was first spotted on Friends of Big Bear Valley's round-the-clock livestream cameras on August 6, 2026, while Jackie was still in critical care[1]. By Thursday afternoon, August 14, Shadow glided into the nest with KD1 close behind, according to the nonprofit that runs the camera[1].

"Is this a new bond forming between these 2?" Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote in a social media post. "Well, it could be and it may not be, only time will tell."[1]

Who is KD1?

KD1 can be identified by a lavender band inscribed with its name — placed on its leg by the Orange County Water District in April 2022 at the Prado Basin, roughly 70 miles from Big Bear[1]. Jenna Carpenter, a wildlife biologist with the water district who was present at the banding, suspects KD1 is female based on the bird's size. "This bird looks like a big bird, which would lean female," she said in a Facebook video, adding that experts are "still not 100% sure"[1]. If female, KD1 would be approaching breeding age — eagles typically reach that milestone around five years old[1].

Still, wildlife observers caution that early visits to a nest fall well short of a confirmed bond. Eagle pairing is a slow, complex process, and repeated proximity does not guarantee a lasting partnership. Friends of Big Bear Valley itself acknowledged as much in its measured social media language.

The backdrop: Jackie's death and what comes next

Jackie died Sunday night, August 10, at the Ojai Raptor Center after suffering from severe anemia, blood clots, liver and lung abnormalities, and inadequate bone marrow response[1]. Veterinarians were unable to identify a single definitive cause for her decline, and results of a necropsy by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance are still pending[1].

Jackie and Shadow's two eaglets this year, Sandy and Luna, were last seen in the area on July 23 and are believed to have since moved on — a normal part of the eagles' annual cycle[1].

Whatever Shadow decides next, viewers won't be left in the dark. Jenny Voisard, spokesperson for Friends of Big Bear Valley, confirmed the livestream will stay on regardless. "He could stay here and take a new mate. He could go someplace else. But the cameras will still be there," she said[1].

Breeding season for bald eagles typically begins in the fall or winter, so any meaningful signs of bonding between Shadow and KD1 — if they emerge at all — would likely not come until then. Fans can follow developments on the Friends of Big Bear Valley livestream at friendsofbigbear.org.