Southern California’s favorite bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow have a new eaglet.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FBBV) live camera captured one of the couple’s three eggs hatching late Monday night.
“Before midnight, the first chick had its wing and head visible and a short time later, it was out!” FBBV posted on Facebook a short time later. “Jackie pushed it back in a bit as she rolled the eggs, but it’s first touch down will be the official hatch time: 23:26, cam time.”
Earlier Monday, a crack became visible on a second egg as it moved closer to hatching.
Hatching can be a long process, taking a day or more for the chick to fully emerge from the shell once a crack is first seen.
The couple’s third egg has yet to show any signs of hatching but FBBV says the egg is only on day 34 and not to worry yet. “Normal hatchings are 35-42 days, so still plenty of time to wait and watch what happens with it.”
Monday also marked the third birthday of “Spirit,” Jackie and Shadow’s last eaglet.