Jackie and Shadow's baby chicks displaying normal behavior by bonking.

Jackie and Shadows nest in Big Bear Valley has welcomed two new eaglets. Observers note the chicks engaging in gentle head taps and bonking, behaviors experts confirm as normal social interactions that help establish feeding order and develop survival skills.

Under the California sun, the nest of Jackie and Shadow has welcomed a new generation of eaglets, continuing the cycle of sibling interactions and parental care. Observers have noted some unusual movements among the chicks, but experts confirm that these behaviors are consistent with normal development.

Chick Interactions and Behavior

The young eaglets engage in frequent physical interactions, including gentle head taps and “bonking,” as they establish dominance and access to food. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the organization monitoring the eagles, reports that this behavior is a natural part of sibling rivalry. Typically, the larger chick eats first, while the smaller chick waits or attempts to reach food through careful observation and timing.

During bonking, chicks may lower their heads or lie down, which is a submissive gesture rather than a sign of injury or unconsciousness. These interactions help the chicks learn to navigate social dynamics, promoting skills necessary for survival once they leave the nest. Over time, aggressive behaviors decrease as a clear feeding hierarchy emerges.

Parental Care and Nest Activity

Jackie laid her first egg of 2026 on January 23, followed by a second on January 26, within their nest in the San Bernardino National Forest. This schedule mirrors previous breeding behavior, including the 2025 season when Jackie laid three eggs and both parents shared incubation and care responsibilities. Jackie and Shadow’s earlier offspring include Simba and Cookie, hatched in April 2019. While Cookie passed away due to severe weather, Simba successfully fledged in July 2019. Simba is one of at least three chicks the pair has raised to independence.

Details of the New Eaglets

• Chick 1 hatched on April 4 at 9:33 p.m.
• Chick 2 hatched on April 5 at 8:30 a.m.
• Both chicks measure approximately four to five inches tall and are fed frequently, with up to 17 feeding sessions in a single day.
• The nest is located in Big Bear Valley, a 15-mile-long area within the San Bernardino National Forest.

The public can view the live nest 24/7 through the Friends of Big Bear Valley website, allowing continuous observation of chick growth and behavior.

Understanding Bonking and Social Development

Bonking is a regular part of eaglet development. Chicks lower their heads and sometimes lie down to signal submission during interactions with siblings. These behaviors are not harmful but instead help establish a pecking order. As the chicks mature, these interactions diminish, and a stable feeding hierarchy is maintained. Such behaviors contribute to the chicks’ social and physical growth, preparing them for eventual independence.

Ongoing Monitoring and Public Observation

The nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley continues to provide livestreams and detailed updates on Jackie and Shadow’s nest. Observations include feeding patterns, growth metrics, and sibling interactions, helping the public understand typical eaglet behavior. The new chicks offer a clear example of natural behaviors in bald eagle development and demonstrate the early stages of life in this well-known eagle family.

Sources:

• Big Bear Bald Eaglets Eat, Bonk And Vie For Attention As 30K Watch Nature In Action
• Jackie and Shadow’s bald eagles welcome pair of eaglets
• Bald Eagles Jackie and Shadow Welcome Second Chick on Easter Day amid Looming $10 Million Deadline to Save Their Home
• Jackie and Shadow’s baby chicks are bonking. It's normal behavior.

Author: Grace Ellison
Grace Ellison is a journalist focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. She has experience publishing international reports and participating in documentary projects.