Hatchings of two California bald eagle chicks delight vast livestream audience | California
Over Easter weekend, thousands of people tuned in to celebrate something spectacular unfolding 150 feet above a pine tree in southern California’s San Bernardino national forest: the hatching of two bald eagle chicks.
Two eaglets were born to Jackie and Shadow, a Southern California couple who became bird celebrities thanks to their webcam. live broadcast Activities since 2018.
“There’s so much relief, so much happiness. There’s so much laughter and happy tears,” said Jenny Voisard, media manager for Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit environmental education organization that moderated the livestream.
“It’s been a season of ups and downs for Jackie, Shadow, and the people who love them.”
Before this yearThe pair lost two eggs after ravens attacked the nest and ate them, devastating the birds’ devoted following. Jackie usually lays eggs in January, but after the incident with the ravens, she was able to lay eggs in a new clutch, Voisard said.
Voisard said the first chick hatched around 9.30pm on Saturday, and the second hatched around 8.30am on Easter.
It was greeted with celebrations and an online crowd of adoring fans. Los Angeles Times The livestream is believed to be the most watched broadcast of its kind on YouTube. Voisard attributes this to the fact that, like all bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow have unique personalities, and the livestream offers people the opportunity to see their daily lives.
“People can really see the dynamics of being a committed couple and raising chicks and how things don’t always work out. And they can move forward through tough times, and that seems to really help people,” she said.
“They provide so much joy, humor and hope, but also lessons in resilience and moving forward.”
Voisard said the beautiful scenery of Big Bear Valley, one of the most biologically diverse places in the country, also helps people, especially those who aren’t close to nature or can’t leave their homes. As the Friends of the Great Bear Valley battle a proposed development near their den, a community of bird-loving people has rallied to support them.
In less than a month, they have raised $1.6 million, largely through small donations, which will go toward a goal of $10 million to purchase the land for permanent preservation by the end of July.
Meanwhile, Jackie and Shadow continue to care for their chicks. During a livestream on Monday morning, the couple was seen feeding the fluffy gray eaglets, the tiny heads bobbing as they ate.
The first weeks are all about feeding them, meaning the nest acts as a sort of pantry where food is stocked and ready to go, as well as protecting the chicks from weather and intruders, Voisard said. The birds mature quickly and fly anywhere between 10-14 weeks.
“They look different in the evening than in the morning, and one day is too much for them,” Voisard said. “It’s time to enjoy it all.”
