Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest – California
Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest Webcam – Big Bear Valley, California
The Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest Webcam provides a remarkable live view of a bald eagle nest located in Big Bear Valley, California, within the San Bernardino National Forest. This wildlife webcam streams a real-time look into the daily lives of a famous bald eagle pair known as Jackie and Shadow, allowing viewers to watch nesting behavior, egg incubation, and the growth of eaglets throughout the year.
The live camera is mounted high in a Jeffrey pine tree overlooking Big Bear Lake, where the eagle nest sits more than 120 feet above the ground. From this vantage point, the camera captures detailed close-ups of the nest bowl where eggs are laid and chicks are raised.
The nest cam operates continuously and allows viewers to watch bald eagle behavior around the clock. During nesting season, which typically occurs between January and early spring, the camera may show courtship behavior, egg laying, incubation, feeding, and the eventual fledging of young eagles.
The camera is operated by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley, an environmental organization dedicated to wildlife education and conservation. The organization installed the first eagle nest camera in the area in 2015, and it recorded its first nesting season in 2017.
Because bald eagles are sensitive to disturbance, the nesting location itself is protected and closed to the public. The webcam provides a safe way for viewers around the world to observe the birds without disrupting their natural behavior.
The Big Bear eagle cam has become one of the most popular wildlife webcams in the United States. Thousands of viewers watch the stream each day as the eagles hunt, defend their territory, and care for their chicks.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about wildlife, the Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest webcam offers a rare and fascinating window into the life cycle of America’s national bird.
About the Big Bear Valley Bald Eagles
Big Bear Valley is located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, surrounding Big Bear Lake at an elevation of about 6,700 feet. The region provides excellent habitat for bald eagles because the lake supplies abundant fish and the surrounding forests contain tall nesting trees.
The bald eagle pair featured on this webcam, Jackie and Shadow, are among the best-known eagles in the western United States. Jackie first gained attention in 2017 when she and her mate began nesting near a camera installed by wildlife researchers.
Bald eagles were once rare in Southern California due to habitat loss and pesticide contamination, but conservation efforts have helped populations recover. Today the Big Bear Valley region supports a small but growing population of resident eagles.
The live webcam allows viewers to observe the entire nesting cycle, which may include:
Courtship and nest rebuilding
Egg laying during winter
Incubation by both parents
Feeding and protection of chicks
Young eaglets learning to fly
Watching these stages unfold has turned the Big Bear eagle cam into an online wildlife phenomenon followed by viewers across the world.
The surrounding forest habitat also supports other wildlife including hawks, owls, squirrels, and deer, making the area an important ecosystem within the San Bernardino Mountains.
Why Use This Cam
The Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest webcam offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife behavior up close without disturbing the animals.
Viewers can watch live eagle nesting activity, including egg laying, incubation, and feeding of young eaglets.
The camera also allows viewers to see real-time weather conditions and seasonal changes in the forests surrounding Big Bear Lake.
For many viewers, the webcam is both educational and relaxing, providing a rare window into the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Big Bear eagle nest webcam located?
The webcam overlooks a bald eagle nest in Big Bear Valley near Big Bear Lake in Southern California.
Who are the eagles in the webcam?
The nest is home to a well-known bald eagle pair named Jackie and Shadow.
How high is the eagle nest?
The nest sits high in a Jeffrey pine tree roughly 120–145 feet above the ground.
When do bald eagles lay eggs in Big Bear?
Eggs are typically laid between January and March, depending on weather conditions.
Can visitors see the nest in person?
No. The nesting area is protected to prevent disturbance, but the live webcam allows viewers to watch safely from anywhere.
