Famous bald eagle Shadow and new friend Kaydee's story continues to captivate
The lives of this duo in Big Bear Valley keep nature lovers glued to their screens.
1Life in the valley as summer fades
As summer winds down in Big Bear Valley, internet-famous bald eagle Shadow and his new friend Kaydee continue spending time together. On August 21, Shadow was spotted enjoying the lake view while Kaydee greeted the morning with song from the lower branches. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), Kaydee has recently favored the area's twin pine trees as perching spots. Meanwhile, Shadow appears to be making the most of his summer vacation before nesting season begins.
2Eagles' unique feeding adaptation
The pair greeted each other with echoing calls across the valley on Sunday morning, displaying fascinating behavior. Kaydee performed 'crop drops' while surveying the territory - a feeding method where adult eagles store up to two pounds of food in their crop, a pouch-like extension of their esophagus. With stomachs only about walnut-sized, this adaptation allows them to digest small amounts of food gradually throughout the day, demonstrating nature's remarkable efficiency.
3Kaydee's camera curiosity
Kaydee showed particular interest in FOBBV's observation cameras, tilting her head to examine lens reflections. Observers note she seems to have a 'hammy' personality. On Sunday afternoon, the duo spent time rearranging sticks in their nest - typical nest maintenance behavior. The purple band on Kaydee's leg serves as her distinctive identifier among Big Bear's eagle population, making her easily recognizable to researchers and viewers alike.
4Kaydee's background story
Known as KD1, Kaydee appeared in Big Bear Valley following the death of Shadow's longtime mate Jackie. Born in 2022 about 70 miles away in Prado Basin, she was banded by Orange County Water District's tracking program. Interestingly, her parents share the same names as Jackie's (Lucky and Ricky) but represent a different breeding pair. Now nearly five years old, Kaydee has reached mating maturity, with recent nest inspections suggesting potential interest in Shadow.
5Jackie and Shadow's legacy
Jackie and Shadow formed their pair bond in 2018, with FOBBV's nest cameras documenting their life together - showcasing both nature's beauty and harsh realities. They successfully raised chicks in 2019 (Cookie and Simba) and 2022 (Spirit), but faced challenges in subsequent years. In 2025, only two of their three hatchlings (Sunny and Gizmo) survived a severe snowstorm that dumped two feet of snow on their nest.
6Jackie's tragic demise
January 2024 saw ravens destroy Jackie's first clutch of two eggs. Her subsequent clutch produced Luna and Sandy in April - the latter named in honor of FOBBV's late executive director Sandy Steers, who passed from cancer in February. Found injured on July 17 after an altercation with younger eagles, Jackie was transported to Ojai Raptor Center. Despite treatment for severe anemia, her condition deteriorated, leading to her death on August 10. The necropsy revealed multiple contributing factors.
7A new pair forming?
Kaydee's recent nest inspections and time spent near Shadow have viewers wondering about a potential new pairing. However, FOBBV cautions it's too early to tell, as full bald eagle nesting season runs from September through March. Eggs are typically laid in January. Questions remain about whether the black spot on Kaydee's head is permanent or temporary staining from tree sap or dirt. Her lavender leg band (marked KD1) continues to provide valuable identification.
8Digital wildlife monitoring
FOBBV's live streaming cameras bring intimate wildlife observations into homes worldwide. The ongoing story of Shadow and Kaydee offers more than entertainment - it provides crucial data for biologists studying raptor behavior and population dynamics. Leg bands and continuous monitoring yield insights critical for conserving threatened species. Such projects demonstrate how technology can bridge the gap between scientific research and public engagement with nature.
Original article: Popular Science — Ünlü kel kartal Shadow ve yeni arkadaşı Kaydee'nin hikayesi