Shadow the bald eagle and newcomer Kaydee are spending more time together over Big Bear Lake

Less than three weeks after the death of his longtime partner Jackie, Big Bear Valley's famous bald eagle Shadow has been spending more and more time with a young female named Kaydee — and their interactions are giving FOBBV watchers plenty to talk about. Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which operates the live nest cameras and tracks the eagles' activity, has documented a string of encouraging sightings over the past week. But the organization is also careful to temper expectations: whether this becomes a true pair bond remains to be seen.

On Friday, August 21, Shadow was spotted gazing out contentedly over Big Bear Lake while Kaydee perched lower in the trees, greeting the morning with song[1]. She was also seen returning to the forest's twin pine trees, which FOBBV says is becoming a preferred perching spot for her[1].

By Sunday morning, August 23, the two greeted each other with a song that echoed across the valley and the lake — a notable sign of social bonding in bald eagles[1]. Kaydee also performed "crop drops" while exploring the habitat, behavior that suggests she was comfortable enough to settle in and eat[1]. That afternoon, the pair spent time rearranging sticks in the nest together, and Kaydee appeared to discover the solar-powered nest camera, tilting her head in curiosity at the lens[1].

Earlier this week, Kaydee was again spotted on the nest — though she flew off after a few minutes, leaving some feathers behind[1].

Who is Kaydee?

Kaydee — identifiable by a lavender leg band marked "KD1" — was born in 2022 in the Prado Basin, roughly 70 miles from Big Bear Lake[1]. At almost five years old, she is approaching mating age, which has made her appearances in Shadow's territory especially noteworthy to eagle-watchers[1].

FOBBV is the primary voice documenting this developing relationship, and the organization is enthusiastic about what it has observed. Independent wildlife biologists have not been publicly quoted on Shadow and Kaydee's bonding prospects or what their pairing might mean for bald eagle conservation in the region — something worth watching as the season progresses.

Shadow's beloved mate Jackie died on August 10; her necropsy pointed to multiple causes including severe anemia, blood clots, and liver and lung abnormalities[1].

What's next

FOBBV begins formally tracking the nesting season on September 1, and eggs — if any are laid — would not be expected until January[1]. For now, FOBBV notes that Shadow is "off enjoying the rest of his summer vacation" and encourages followers to keep watching for him at his resting spots around the territory[1]. Residents and eagle fans can follow the pair live on FOBBV's nest camera livestream at friendsofbigbearvalley.org.