Famed Big Bear bald eagle returns to nest with new bird just 3 days after partner Jackies death

Shadow the bald eagle isn’t exactly taking his sweet time getting back in the dating game after the death of his partner Jackie.Just three days after the beloved Big Bear bird died following a serious illness, her longtime partner has already been spotted hanging out with another eagle at their famous nest.Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit behind the livestream that has allowed millions of fans to watch the eagles’ lives unfold, shared footage Thursday showing Shadow perched alongside a mysterious new feathered companion.Apparently, Shadow isn’t exactly planning on spending much time flying solo.The nonprofit said Shadow’s last known visit to the nest was July 23.But he returned Thursday, with company.The new eagle has been identified as “KD1,” although Friends of Big Bear Valley has not officially confirmed whether the bird is male or female.There is, however, one big clue.“Comparing size against Shadow, KD1 is larger,” the organization said, noting that female bald eagles are typically 25% to 33% larger than males.KD1 hatched in March 2022 in Southern California, making the eagle about 4½ years old.The bird apparently wasted little time making an introduction.According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, KD1 first showed up at the nest on Aug.

10,  just hours after news broke that Jackie had died, and has returned several times since.On Thursday, the two eagles spent several minutes together at the nest before eventually flying away.Jackie died early Monday after a lengthy battle with anemia.She had been receiving intensive treatment at the Ojai Raptor Center after she was found in serious condition in the wild.Despite oxygen, supportive treatment, round-the-clock monitoring and consultations with specialists, her condition continued to worsen.“Throughout her time at Ojai Raptor Center, every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest,” the center said in...