The Big Bear eagle territory saw another unexpected arrival on July 26, 2026. A second young immature bald eagle appeared in the Twin Pines below the now familiar sub-adult. By nightfall, Shadow and the sub-adult were roosting in the Roost Tree.
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From The Lookout Snag To The Twin Pines
The now familiar sub-adult began the day on the Lookout Snag, one of the familiar perches within the Big Bear eagle territory. Then in the afternoon, she moved to the Twin Pines. Her continued presence quickly drew attention while Jackie remained away receiving care.
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Still, young bald eagles often explore established territories while searching for food, secure perches, and suitable habitat. The sub-adult appeared settled in the Twin Pines, but she was not alone for long. As evening approached, another younger immature bald eagle came into view on a lower branch beneath her.
Second Young Eagle Appears Below the Sub-Adult
The second visitor appeared to be a younger immature bald eagle estimated to be around two years old. Its mottled brown-and-white plumage blended into the branches. At first, the eagle was difficult to spot.
As darkness settled over Big Bear, both young eagles remained on separate branches of the Twin Pines. The immature eagle stayed on the lower limb through the night. The familiar tree became an overnight roost for two young visitors.
The scene made an already unusual evening even more striking. Two young bald eagles at different stages of development were now using familiar perches within Jackie and Shadow’s territory, only a short distance from their nest.
Shadow Settles In At The Roost Tree
As evening deepened, Shadow completed a flyby across the Big Bear territory. He later settled in the Roost Tree. The sub-adult eventually left the Twin Pines and flew to the same tree. However, they did not settle together.
Shadow remained on one limb, while the sub-adult stayed on another.
Shadow also appeared to give warning calls. He did not move closer or engage directly with the visiting eagle. Their distance helps explain the encounter. Sharing a large roost tree does not, by itself, establish a pair bond.
Pair bonding involves more than proximity. Eagles may fly together, exchange courtship calls, or work on a nest. They may also share food or perch closely. None of those behaviors were observed that night. Instead, the footage showed tolerance with clear boundaries, not a confirmed new partnership.
Why Shadow May Tolerate Another Eagle Nearby
Bald eagle territorial encounters do not always lead to immediate battles. An established eagle may watch, vocalize, posture, or keep its distance when another bird enters the area. When the visitor presents no immediate threat, the resident eagle may tolerate its presence temporarily.
The Roost Tree also offers several secure limbs and a broad view of the surrounding area. Therefore, two eagles can use the same tree without perching together. Seasonal timing matters as well. Late July falls outside the most active courtship and nesting period at Big Bear.
That makes it important not to treat a night in the same tree as proof of a new partnership.
Taken together, the separate limbs, warning calls, and lack of close engagement did not show courtship behavior.
The Sub-Adult Is Following Natural Instincts
The sub-adult has already survived some of the most difficult years of a bald eagle’s life. Young eagles face hunger, severe weather, territorial adults, accidents, and intense competition as they learn to survive without parental support.
Her presence near Shadow does not make her an aggressor or a replacement for Jackie. She is following the natural instincts that help young eagles explore habitat and locate safe perches.
The sub-adult may continue following Shadow through parts of the area. She may also return to Lookout Snag, the Twin Pines, the Roost Tree, or other nearby perches. Those movements would not be unusual for a young eagle approaching adulthood and finding her place in the wild.
Big Bear Attracts Young Eagles Exploring the Region
The arrival of a second young eagle showed that the sub-adult was not the only visitor moving through Big Bear. Young bald eagles often travel widely before establishing territories of their own. Along the way, they search for food, water, secure perches, and places to rest.
Big Bear offers tall trees, open views, and access to the lake. Those features can attract eagles exploring the region. The immature eagle in the Twin Pines may continue its journey or return to the area again. For viewers, the visit offered an unusual look at bald eagles in different stages of development sharing the same territory.
Jackie’s Earlier Altercation Led to Critical Help
The presence of young eagles has been difficult while Jackie remains away from Big Bear receiving treatment. However, an earlier ground altercation involving Jackie and two other eagles revealed how weak she had become.
Without that encounter, people nearby may not have realized that she needed urgent help.
Witnesses contacted rescuers. Wildlife professionals could then examine Jackie and begin treatment. Nothing about the confrontation was easy to watch. Even so, it exposed her condition at a moment when people could still act. The other eagles were following their own instincts. The confrontation, however, also made rescue and treatment possible.
Hope Remains With Jackie
The overnight scene brought three eagles into the familiar Big Bear trees. The younger, immature eagle remained in the Twin Pines. The older sub-adult moved to the Roost Tree, where Shadow stayed on a separate limb.
Both young eagles are navigating the difficult path toward adulthood. Meanwhile, Shadow continues to use his territory and maintain clear boundaries. For now, the deepest hope at Big Bear remains with Jackie as she regains her strength and works toward returning to her nest, her territory, and Shadow.
Lady Hawk recorded and shared the video on YouTube. The Friends of Big Bear Valley make this live cam experience possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Shadow and the sub-adult form a new pair?
No clear pair bond was observed. They roosted in the same tree but stayed on separate limbs, and Shadow appeared to give warning calls without engaging closely.
Who was the second young eagle in the Twin Pines?
The second visitor appeared to be an immature bald eagle around two years old. Its mottled plumage blended into the branches, making it difficult to spot at first.
Why did Shadow allow the sub-adult to remain nearby?
Bald eagles do not always respond to visitors with an immediate attack. A resident eagle may watch, vocalize, or keep its distance when the other bird does not present an immediate threat.
Is the sub-adult trying to replace Jackie?
It is very unlikely. She is estimated to be between 3.5 and 4 years old, and bald eagles do not typically begin seeking a mate at that age. She is still a young wild eagle exploring habitat, finding safe perches, and following natural instincts.
Why is Jackie away from Big Bear?
Jackie is receiving treatment after an earlier ground altercation revealed how weak she had become and led people nearby to contact rescuers.