This Live Stream of Baby Balagres is My Only Sanity Saver!

The Internet can often feel overwhelming, filled with negative headlines, false information, and chaotic social media. Yet, there’s also a bright side.

Consider Shadow and Jackie, a joyful couple residing in a home with stunning views of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California. They have two children, Sunny and Gizmo, who are on the verge of embarking on their own journeys. In many ways, they embody modern American dreams, akin to reality stars and majestic bald eagles.

Since October 2015, the family has been live-streaming their nest through the environmental nonprofit group Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). Over the years, fans have tuned in to watch the Eagles share meals (primarily fish), relax, and playfully bother one another. Sandy Steers, executive director of FOBBV, occasionally playfully nudges Jackie’s tail or wing “to get a reaction from her.” “It’s quite amusing,” she notes.

The Eagle Cam concept originated with Stairs. She became interested in the nest long ago, returning when Jackie’s parents, Ricky and Lucy, were still there. “I was captivated watching Jackie grow through a spotting scope,” she recounts.

Over the years, viewer numbers have soared, with the YouTube page boasting over 638,000 subscribers and 46,000 active viewers at the time of this writing. Numerous news outlets and articles refer to these Eagles as “celebrities.” Additionally, FOBBV sells merchandise like a stuffed toy of Shadow and Jackie ($30), a tote bag ($20), and a sweatshirt ($45).

“What fascinates people is how captivating nature is and how many of us haven’t had the chance to truly observe it,” Stairs observes. “It fosters a connection with oneself and one’s emotions.”

The emotions these Eagles inspire are palpable. In addition to the birds, this platform showcases other facets of nature, reflected in a healthy comment section.

“I adore Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo; you’ll forever hold a special place in my heart!” one viewer expressed during a live chat.

“It’s about witnessing this wonderful family flourish,” another fan shared.

The Eagles earn such devoted admiration due to their personalities, Steers explains. “Jackie is serious and definitely in charge,” she clarifies. “Shadow understands all her rules, yet he remains independent.”

Jackie and Shadow’s relationship can be likened to a romantic comedy. After Ricky and Lucy moved on, Jackie nested with her first mate, Mr. B. However, a persistent young eagle kept appearing, and despite Mr. B’s efforts to ward him off, he eventually gave up and departed.

Have they always been bald eagles? “That’s largely the case, but not always,” Steers comments.

Currently, the family is well-settled. Sunny and Gizmo are the fifth and sixth chicks of this couple. The Eagle Log, maintained by FOBBV members, regularly updates the nest’s progress and recently confirmed Gizmo’s gender based on size and behavior. Sunny’s gender is still unknown, but clarity is anticipated in the days to come.

At 11 weeks old, the young eagle is nearing flight readiness. The fledge watch is currently underway, as fans eagerly await their first flights.

“They’re not entirely prepared for me,” says Steers, “but perhaps it’s just a wish that they’ll linger a bit longer.”

I first learned about Eagle Cam from a friend a few years back, but since Gizmo and Sunny hatched in March (both Pisces), I’ve kept the live stream running in a tab on my computer. During work breaks, I check in on the feathered family. It’s a delightful escape for me.

I’ve watched Sunny and Gizmo transform from small, fuzzy grey balls into large, sleek creatures with fierce beaks and sharp claws. I’ve seen Jackie feed the eaglet fish and witnessed Gizmo leaping into the air, practicing her flying (“We call it ‘winging’,” Steers notes).

At times, the atmosphere is serene—perhaps the eaglets are napping while Jackie and Shadow hunt. I also relish the tranquility of the trees swaying in the breeze and the shimmering lake. As Steers recently remarked in The Eagle Log, “Sometimes a quiet day of observation, appreciation, and love is essential for all beings’ joy.”