Friends of Big Bear Valley have officially named viral eagle Shadow's potential new partner. FOBBV / Orange County Water District See more of our coverage in your search results.
Things are getting serious between famous Big Bear Valley bald eagle Shadow and his potential new partner.
Weeks after the death of Shadow’s long-time mate Jackie, Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that hosts the livestream that made the birds famous, has announced the name of the mystery bird that’s been hanging around her widower. Previously known simply as “KD1”, the bird’s official name will be Kaydee.
“Generally, Friends of Big Bear Valley does not give names to nest visitors unless they have been around long-term…until now. We have chosen to name KD1 Kaydee, whether or not they decide to stay in the area,” FOBBV wrote in a Wednesday Instagram post.
Kaydee was first spotted in Jackie and Shadow’s nest mere hours after Jackie’s death was announced earlier this month.
FOBBV says that while cannot confirm that the bird’s gender, their size indicates that they are female.
“We can only observe and let nature tell us the definitive answer to that question. With that being said, we are leaning towards female,” the nonprofit wrote.
Wildlife biologists with the Orange County Water District say Kaydee hatched about 100 miles away from Big Bear in the Prado Basin along the Santa Ana River in March 2022, making the bird 4 years old. The group was able to identify Kaydee by bands they placed around the bird’s legs when they were young.
Shadow and Kaydee have been spending quite a bit of quality time together. On Tuesday, the pair were seen together in a favored roost tree. And on Wednesday, the two were heard belting out into the valley together.
Jackie and Shadow’s fans supported the potential pairing on social media.
“Losing Jackie still brings tears to my eyes, but I am happy Shadow is not alone. If Kaydee is a female and sticks around she will be one lucky eagle lady!” one commenter wrote on FOBBV’s Instagram.
“I choose to believe Jackie sent her. For Shadow… for this community… all of it. Maybe that’s naive or juvenile or whatever… but it makes my heart happy,” another commenter wrote.
“Kaydee is a nice name for Shadow’s shadow. Glad he has a new friend. Our hearts will forever feel the presence of Jackie,” a third commenter said.
Jackie and Shadow became internet sensations as millions watched a livestream chronicling their lives over the years. Jackie died on August 10 at the Ojai Raptor Center after battling anemia for several weeks. The bird was taken to the center in July after being found in Big Bear Valley in serious condition.
“Throughout her time at Ojai Raptor Center, every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest,” the center said in an Instagram post following her death. Jackie was estimated to be 14 years old.
Friends of Big Bear Valley and several other agencies are working together to plan an official memorial for the beloved bird, with a date set for October 3rd. The nonprofit is conducting a poll on their YouTube channel to determine the size of the venue they will use.
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