Jackie and Shadow, a bald eagle pair in Big Bear Valley, are entering pip watch as their two eggs near hatching in a 140-foot Jeffrey pine nest above Big Bear Lake.

Friends of Big Bear Valley runs a popular nest livestream and explains how the eagles may sense life inside the eggs, with observers watching for signs like listening, standing, or leaning toward the nest bowl as indicators of imminent hatching.

The pair’s nest draws about 20,000 online viewers during pip watch, as fans await signs of hatching in this year’s incubation.

The nonprofit notes that hatching can take a couple of days and emphasizes the arduous, ongoing observation and social media commentary surrounding the process.

The piece briefly notes LAist’s mission and funding situation, while keeping the eagle narrative as the main focus.

The nest livestream began in 2015, with a second camera added in 2021, and has documented moments from offspring like BBB, Stormy, Sunny, and Gizmo, continuing to capture parenting behaviors.

The story highlights how wildlife livestreams engage the public in conservation, fundraising, and habitat protection efforts.

Jackie and Shadow resumed nesting activities, with Jackie laying a new egg in late February 2026 and a second egg soon after, signaling renewal of their family line.

FOBBV naturalists explain incubation involves alternating day and night duties and urge patience as the process unfolds after a previous crow disrupted the first clutch.

Observers are cautioned against the ‘Pip Watch Itch,’ avoiding over-interpretation of every speck, as real pips become evident over time and hatching remains lengthy and energy-intensive.

Past events include ravens breaking eggs earlier in the year and the couple’s mating sessions; Shadow is expected to increase food deliveries as chicks approach hatch, reflecting parental preparation.

The pair previously hatched two chicks, Sunny and Gizmo, and earlier eggs were broken by ravens; current eggs were laid after that incident.