We’ve been following the exciting adventures and heartwarming moments of these eagles since day one. Alongside hundreds of thousands of fans online, we watched the adorable pair Jackie and Shadow incubate their eggs, shield them from blizzards, and finally welcome Sunny and Gizmo into the world. We saw the little ones take their first hops, wing flaps, and flights, all under the curious gaze of Fiona the squirrel.
After their biggest milestone yet, fledging just before summer, the young sisters have done nothing but explore their surroundings, giving their parents a much-deserved break. Now, with fall settling in, we can’t help but wonder what the last months of the year hold for this remarkable family.
To find out, Secret Los Angeles spoke with Friends of Big Bear Valley, who kindly shared an update on the eagles. Jenny Voisard, Media and Website Manager at FOBBV, explained that for sisters Sunny and Gizmo, their story is just beginning.
“It is typical for most young eagles to leave their habitats and ‘wander’ for a while,” Voisard pointed out. “They do not settle down until they are around 5 years of age. This is when they reach sexual maturity and their feathers change. Then they usually find their mates and build their nests.”
She also shared a peek into what’s next for the next generation: “Jackie should lay eggs every year, and her favorite month so far to lay them has been January.” So, if everything goes as usual, we might be looking at another round of eggs and fluffy chicks at the very start of 2026!
The parents are now gearing up for the season ahead. Voisard said, “Jackie and Shadow should resume bonding activities in the fall, mating, spending time together, working on the nest, etc. Right now they are on their summer break, molting their feathers.”
For now, it’s a season of rest and renewal, but keep your eyes on the nest cam, because soon this power duo will be back in action…