In a delightful update from Southern California, Big Bear’s renowned bald eagle nest welcomes a new guest, captivating viewers with her presence.
A regal entrant, a young female eagle affectionately dubbed KD1, or “Kaydee” by her growing fan base, has made her debut alongside Shadow, the resident male eagle renowned for his nurturing role alongside his previous long-term mate, Jackie.
This past Saturday, August 15, marked a significant event as Shadow and Kaydee were spotted spending considerable time together in the nest, prompting excitement among the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s online community on Facebook. This rendezvous followed Shadow’s initial return to the nest from a hiatus since July 23, a notable sighting as it marked the first joint visit for the eagles.
The sighting occurs in the poignant aftermath of losing Jackie, whose heartwarming journey with Shadow has been closely followed by millions of nature enthusiasts via the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s live-stream cameras nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Tragically, Jackie passed on August 10 after enduring over three weeks of intensive treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center. It is believed that Jackie succumbed to injuries sustained from an altercation with other birds. Her loss has been a heartbreak to many who cherished her story.
While multiple spellings of the new eagle’s name have been shared online, including “Katie,” in an update Wednesday, Friends of Big Bear Valley shared that the eagle will be called “Kaydee.”
Who is Kaydee?
Kaydee is KD1, a banded female bald eagle previously spotted around Big Bear Valley. Because of her band, observers have identified her as a younger eagle from Southern California.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley group has cautioned against reading too much into the interactions just yet. Bald eagles are wild animals, and Kaydee spending time near Shadow does not necessarily mean she will become his next mate.
That distinction hasn’t stopped fans from getting invested.
On the Friends of Big Bear Valley Facebook page, commenters have been sharing their excitement, grief and plenty of jokes about Shadow’s new companion.
“I have an addiction to watching for HOURS now,” one commenter wrote, adding that while they were “still missing Jackie,” they “absolutely adore this new lil lady that is keeping him company.”
Another fan imagined what Shadow’s dating profile might look like ahead of mating season.
“Recently widowed, handsome middle-aged man, chortles well, excellent fisherman and nest builder, superb father, has secure roost tree and 14-story tall mansion overlooking Big Bear Lake,” the commenter joked. “Check him out, ladies!”
For others, Kaydee’s arrival has taken on a more sentimental meaning.
“I think Jackie sent this beautiful new lady to take care of her beloved Shadow,” another commenter wrote. “It’s so great that we will be able to continue to see new babies in the nest. Just have to wait