First Big Bear bald eaglet hatches as second egg sees a pip

bald eagle perched on tree branch

Just days after the first pip of nesting season for Big Bear bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow, their first eaglet has hatched, and their second egg has a pip as Southern California fans of the duo anxiously await their newest family members. The eaglet hatched from its egg at around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley. Earlier in the day, they advised fans that a bird is not considered hatched until it is completely free from its eggshell. 

The newest Big Bear bald eaglet, fully hatched from its shell on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Friends of Big Bear Valley “The chick has popped its head out of the shell to say a happy hatch day to mom and dad!” a Facebook post said, noting that the second egg belonging to the couple also appeared to have a pip.  Video from after the first egg’s pipping on Friday allowed a chance to hear the small chirps from the newest eaglet. FOBBV members said it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for a chick to fully hatch after the initial pip. After that, the birds grow rather quickly, reaching three feet in just over two months.  A “pip” is the moment that the chick can break through the internal membrane, breach the eggshell and take its first breath of air, according to FOBBV.

Source: First Big Bear bald eaglet hatches as second egg sees a pip – CBS Los Angeles

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip.
Psalm 18:35-36

Big Bear eagles Jackie and Shadow see first pip of 2026 hatching season

bald eagle on tree

The nonprofit, which operates the widely viewed Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, said chirping sounds were heard from inside the egg beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing through the night, signaling the eaglet had broken through the internal membrane and taken its first breath of air. By Friday, observers identified what appeared to be a pip, indicating the hatching process is underway. “This indicates that the chick was able to break the internal membrane and took its first breath of air,” the organization shared in a social media update. “Today we spotted an apparent pip (breach in the eggshell) and hatching is in the works.” Wildlife experts note that once a pip appears, it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for the chick to fully emerge from the egg. Jackie and Shadow’s nesting season has drawn global attention through the live camera feed, with viewers closely following each stage from egg-laying to hatching and eventual fledging.

Source: Big Bear eagles Jackie and Shadow see first pip of 2026 hatching season

But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.
Job 23:10-11