‘Pip watch’ begins for Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow
It’s an exciting day in Big Bear because “pip watch” has officially begun for beloved bald eagle duo Jackie and Shadow.
Anticipation is soaring as fans wait for the very first crack in the eggs, the tiny but powerful sign that new life is about to emerge.
The pair has been keeping busy while tending to their clutch, trading incubation duties and adding in bundles of soft grass fluff to help insulate the eggs.
Jenny Voisard, media manager for nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, which operates the live eagle nest cam, spoke to KTLA about pip watch.
What is pip watch and why is it special?
Pip is short for “pipping,” which is the initial hole the eaglet will make as it works its way through the egg.
Bald eagle eggs take 35 days to develop. Jackie and Shadow’s eggs usually start hatching around day 37, 38, 39 or sometimes 40, so it could take a few days to see new life come from the eggs.
What should we be looking for?
The pip may present itself in the shape of a hole, bump, star-shaped indentation or crack in the egg. Jackie and Shadow may be able to hear or feel them, so we also may see them getting a closer look at the eggs.
How quickly can we see a full hatch?
It will take a few days from when we notice the first pip sign for the chick to be able to work all the way through the membranes of the egg.
What are Jackie and Shadow’s duties once hatching begins?
Jackie and Shadow’s main responsibilities once the hatching begins are to keep them warm and dry and fed. As we saw last year with Sunny and Gizmo, and Misty before, they were both very busy bringing food to the nest all day and tandem feeding.
Is there a chance the eggs won’t hatch?
Yes, 50% of the time they may not hatch. When you’re watching nature and watching an eagle cam, it’s really about watching the process and watching it unfold. You can’t predict or control what will happen, but we learn about eagles, and it’s all part of just watching nature unfold.
How can you help Jackie and Shadow?
Friends of Big Bear Valley is currently holding a fundraiser to preserve Jackie and Shadow’s home. It’s working with another nonprofit to buy 63 acres of land for permanent conservation that would otherwise be developed. It’s an undisturbed shoreline where Jackie and Shadow perch and forage for food, especially when they’re tending the nest.
The nonprofit has until the end of July to raise the funds to purchase the land. They’re raised $1.5 million from small donations in a month but are looking for larger donations and companies to step up and help.
“Jackie and Shadow are a lifeline for many, and they deserve to thrive where they choose to be,” Voisard said.