They may not have exchanged traditional wedding vows but they have this “’til death do we part” thing down. He’s bald and she’s a bit overbearing, but a more devoted couple I’ve never seen.
It seems Jackie and Shadow burst onto the world stage to remind us what love is all about. Although the two bald eagles live in the ski town of Big Bear, their daily lives leave little time for relaxation. Yet they are fine that way. They lead purposeful lives, which is one of the reasons they have become celebrities. They went viral in 2024 as people tuned in to a live stream of their nest to see if their eggs would hatch. Fans love watching how they work together as a team.
Shadow is every woman’s dream. He hunts food and gathers sticks to reinforce the nest. He took his turn sitting on their three eggs and comforted Jackie when one of their chicks died. When she calls, he comes. Jackie is a devoted mama who once spent 62 hours straight sitting on her eggs during a snowstorm while Shadow brought her food and comfort. They get each other and they share a life goal. I would suggest that the story of the Big Bear Eagles be required watching for couples contemplating living together.
Why have people all over the world flooded the internet to watch the live stream of the couple’s journey, with many admitting to keeping it on their phone screens 24/7. Perhaps the eagles have filled a need for stories of hope. Mirroring a life of contentment, albeit with struggles, they continue to be a reminder of what is possible.
At a time when uncertainty abounds, the Big Bear Bald Eagles and their newly hatched eaglets are a role model of what taking care of each other means, a lesson on which we could all probably use a refresh.
Lessons from the Eagles
People are more important than politics.
Nourish the life you have.
Grieve lost loved ones in your own way.
Honor life for the joy it brings.
Email patriciabunin@sbcglobal.net. Follow her at Patriciabunin.com