Current:Home > ScamsThousands watch as bald eagle parents squabble over whose turn it is to keep eggs warm-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Thousands watch as bald eagle parents squabble over whose turn it is to keep eggs warm
View Date:2024-12-23 23:41:55
The time to see some newly hatched baby eagles has almost arrived, and parents Jackie and Shadow are both passionately committed to keeping their eggs warm.
Bald eagle Jackie laid the first of three eggs on Jan. 25, with two more within the next few days, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley, a conservation organization that operates a live cam of the nest. Eggs usually hatch after about 35 days, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and fans are keeping an eagle eye on the nest, which is located in Big Bear Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California.
Friends of Big Bear Valley on Feb. 29 launched Pip Watch, which allows fans to monitor for the first tiny holes or cracks in eggshells. Fans can peep all day long, thanks to a solar-powered, 24-hour live webcam trained on the nest.
Jackie, who's 12, is larger and can fit over the top of the eggs more easily, Friends of Big Bear Valley said in a Facebook post. However, Shadow, 10, often wants a turn.
"After her full nights on the eggs, Jackie sometimes calls for Shadow in the early dawn. Shadow instantly comes in to take over," Friends of Big Bear Valley said in a Sunday post. "But the past few days he has been more stubborn than ever about refusing to leave when Jackie returns."
On Thursday, Jackie let Shadow take over for an hour. She waited for him to move aside when she returned, then bit his beak when he wouldn't let her resume her duties. Shadow eventually gave in.
In addition to beak biting, Friends of Big Bear Valley said there has been "gentle beak poking" and tail feather nibbling when trying to trade over the last month. At one point, Jackie "had to push her weight around by laying on him to get him to move."
Shadow will often bring fish for Jackie to eat as she incubates their eggs. Sometimes, it's a way for him to lure her off the eggs so that he can get a turn.
"Jackie has been pretty patient and understanding of his love of incubating, so she usually gives him a little extra time on the eggs," Friends of Big Bear Valley said in a Feb. 13 post. "When she thinks 'okay that's enough', she gives a gentle love nibble or nudge, or a sweet beak kiss to soften him up a bit before he gets up and ready to leave. Then, of course, she moves in quickly on the eggs!"
Jackie and Shadow have several rules they follow, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley. The most important rules are that Jackie presides over the nest, Jackie always wins and Jackie is always on nest duty during inclement weather.
Jackie, covered in snow, even sat on her nest for just under 62 straight hours early in February during a storm.
"When there is bad weather, Jackie will not leave her eggs. She will not let Shadow have a turn on the nest. She will not eat because she has to get off the eggs to do that," Friends of Big Bear Valley said ."She simply covers her eggs, pushing them into the brood patch on her chest, so she can keep them as warm, dry and protected as possible."
Bald eagles mate for life, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. If an eagle in the pair dies, the survivor will accept a new mate. They can live up to about 30 years in the wild.
- In:
- Bald Eagle
Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.
TwitterveryGood! (595)
Related
- Food prices worried most voters, but Trump’s plans likely won’t lower their grocery bills
- Celebrate Pride Month & Beyond With These Rainbow Fashion & Beauty Essentials
- Ohio man sentenced to life in prison for rape of 10-year-old girl who traveled to Indiana for abortion
- Summer job market proving strong for teens
- After years of unrest, Commanders have reinvented their culture and shattered expectations
- Mother singer Meghan Trainor welcomes second baby with husband Daryl Sabara
- A Seven-Mile Gas Pipeline Outside Albany Has Activists up in Arms
- All the Books to Read ASAP Before They Become Your Next TV or Movie Obsession
- Veterans Day restaurant deals 2024: More than 80 discounts, including free meals
- Oakland’s War Over a Coal Export Terminal Plays Out in Court
Ranking
- Channing Tatum Drops Shirtless Selfie After Zoë Kravitz Breakup
- These 20 Secrets About the Jurassic Park Franchise Will Find a Way
- Lea Michele, Lupita Nyong'o and More Stars Dazzle at the 2023 Tony Awards
- Clean Energy Is a Winner in Several States as More Governors, Legislatures Go Blue
- Gerry Faust, former Notre Dame football coach, dies at 89
- Lupita Nyong'o Brings Fierceness to Tony Awards 2023 With Breastplate Molded From Her Body
- Proof Ariana Madix & New Man Daniel Wai Are Going Strong After Explosive Vanderpump Rules Reunion
- Oakland’s War Over a Coal Export Terminal Plays Out in Court
Recommendation
-
John Krasinski Revealed as People's Sexiest Man Alive 2024
-
Elite runner makes wrong turn just before finish line, costing her $10,000 top prize
-
TikToker Allison Kuch Is Pregnant, Expecting First Baby With NFL Star Isaac Rochell
-
Kristin Davis Cried After Being Ridiculed Relentlessly Over Her Facial Fillers
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Take the Day Off
-
Why the Ozempic Conversation Has Become Unavoidable: Breaking Down the Controversy
-
Please Don't Offer This Backhanded Compliment to Jennifer Aniston
-
Kelis Cheekily Responds to Bill Murray Dating Rumors