BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. — Hatch watch is underway in Southern California mountains. Three bald eagle chicks could emerge this week from eggs laid in a nest monitored by nature lovers via a popular online camera feed.
The mother, Jackie, laid the eggs in late January atop a tree overlooking Big Bear Lake high in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles. She diligently sat on the eggs for more than two and a half days straight when a recent winter storm blanketed the nest with snow.
“This is the longest time she has ever stayed on the nest incubating her eggs without a break! 61 hours 58 minutes!” said the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, which installed the nest camera in 2015 and documents the successes and failures each breeding season.
Since the storm, Jackie has shared incubating duties with the watchful father, Shadow. Biologists expect the eaglets could begin to hatch Thursday or Friday. The process of chicks breaking out of their shells is also known as pipping.
Among those monitoring the eggs’ progress from afar is biologist Kelly Sorenson, executive director of the Ventana Wildlife Society in central California. While his group is not involved with the Big Bear eagles, he sees their breeding as emblematic of the comeback the species has made in the state over the past decades.
American bald eagles teetered on the brink of extinction until the pesticide DDT was banned in the 1970s and other protections were established, leading the species to rebound.
“We love keeping track of nesting pairs like this,” he said Wednesday. “They show that conservation works and that the habitat is intact.”
Jackie has been using the nest, built by other eagles, since 2017. Last year, she laid eggs in January and spent weeks incubating them. The eagle pair then began leaving them unattended. In March, ravens breached the eggs, revealing no obvious development, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley.
The California Bald Eagle Nest located in the San Bernardino National Forest is currently being monitored through a live camera feed as the eagles prepare for their hatch watch. This nest has been home to a pair of bald eagles for several years, and it has become a popular destination for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The live camera feed allows viewers to observe the eagles as they tend to their nest, incubate their eggs, and eventually welcome their new chicks into the world. This unique opportunity provides a rare glimpse into the daily lives of these majestic birds and offers valuable insights into their behavior and nesting habits.
Bald eagles are known for their impressive size, with wingspans reaching up to eight feet, and their striking white heads and tails. They are also symbols of strength, freedom, and resilience, making them a beloved icon of American wildlife.
The California Bald Eagle Nest has been carefully monitored by wildlife experts to ensure the safety and well-being of the eagles and their offspring. The live camera feed allows researchers to study the eagles’ behavior up close without disturbing them in their natural habitat.
During the hatch watch, viewers can witness the eagles as they take turns incubating their eggs, protect their nest from potential threats, and eventually witness the hatching of their chicks. This is a critical time for the eagles, as they must provide constant care and protection for their vulnerable offspring until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
The live camera feed also serves as an educational tool, allowing viewers to learn more about bald eagles, their nesting habits, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent birds. By raising awareness about the challenges facing bald eagles and other wildlife species, we can work together to ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy.
In conclusion, the live camera feed monitoring the California Bald Eagle Nest during the hatch watch provides a unique opportunity to observe these iconic birds in their natural habitat. By tuning in to the live feed, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of bald eagles and support efforts to protect and conserve these magnificent creatures for years to come.
