Mystery nestmate of viral bald eagle Shadow now has a name though their gender remains unknown
Hard launch? Things are getting serious between famous Big Bear Valley bald eagle Shadow and his potential new partner.Weeks after the death of Shadow’s long-time mate Jackie, Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that hosts the livestream that made the birds famous, has announced the name of the mystery bird that’s been hanging around her widower.Previously known simply as “KD1”, the bird’s official name will be Kaydee.“Generally, Friends of Big Bear Valley does not give names to nest visitors unless they have been around long-term…until now.
We have chosen to name KD1 Kaydee, whether or not they decide to stay in the area,” FOBBV wrote in a Wednesday Instagram post.Kaydee was first spotted in Jackie and Shadow’s nest mere hours after Jackie’s death was announced earlier this month.FOBBV says that while cannot confirm that the bird’s gender, their size indicates that they are female.“We can only observe and let nature tell us the definitive answer to that question.With that being said, we are leaning towards female,” the nonprofit wrote.Wildlife biologists with the Orange County Water District say Kaydee hatched about 100 miles away from Big Bear in the Prado Basin along the Santa Ana River in March 2022, making the bird 4 years old.
The group was able to identify Kaydee by bands they placed around the bird’s legs when they were young.Shadow and Kaydee have been spending quite a bit of quality time together.On Tuesday, the pair were seen together in a favored roost tree.
And on Wednesday, the two were heard belting out into the valley together.Jackie and Shadow’s fans supported the potential pairing on social media.“Losing Jackie still brings tears to my eyes, but I am happy Shadow is not alone.If Kaydee is a female and sticks around she will be one lucky eagle lady!” one commenter wrote on FOBBV’s Instagram.
“I choose to believe Jackie sent her.For Shadow… for this community… all of it.
Maybe that’s naive or juv...