There are a few wildlife experiences in Southern California that feel genuinely epic. Watching bald eagles in the wild is one of them. This weekend, the small mountain community of Fawnskin is hosting a special Bald Eagle Viewing event giving visitors the opportunity to see the famous local pair, Jackie and Shadow, up close.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains, the event offers a chance to observe the eagles’ nest through professional spotting scopes. Trained naturalists will be on hand to guide the experience, helping understand the eagles’ life cycle, nesting habits, hunting behavior, and ongoing conservation efforts.
The event is designed to be family-friendly and educational, making it perfect for all ages. But beyond the eagles themselves, the setting adds to the experience, as Fawnskin, perched above Big Bear Lake, offers crisp mountain air, pine forests, and panoramic views.
Jackie and Shadow, Big Bear’s celebrity eagles
Jackie and Shadow are SoCal’s feathered stars, followed year after year on the live nest cam hosted by Friends of Big Bear Valley. After a difficult start to the 2026 nesting season in which ravens attacked and destroyed their first clutch of eggs, the pair rallied impressively.
In late February, Jackie laid the first egg of a rare second clutch, then followed it with a second egg just days later, offering hope to eagle watchers everywhere that this season may still yield new eaglets. Their resilience has captivated people far beyond Big Bear Valley, making this year’s nesting journey even more meaningful.
📆 When: March 7, 2026, 11AM – 1PM
📍 Location: Dana Point Park, 39369 North Shore Drive, Fawnskin, CA 92333