I don’t know exactly what it was about this eagle mama, Jackie. 🦅💔 Maybe because I started watching her during the pandemic, when we were all looking for small windows into the world outside. My kids used to tease me for leaving the Nest cam on 24/7, hearing her calls echo through the house. Me goofily screaming “Look, Shadow brought home a big fish” Maybe it’s because I’m a mama of four and understand that instinct to protect your babies with everything you’ve got. Whatever it was, I fell in love with Jackie. She was regal, fierce, and deeply devoted. I watched her through so many cycles: eggs laid and lost, predators striking, heartbreak, and still she kept coming back to try again. I saw eaglets hatch, grow strong, and take their first flights, and through it all, Jackie just kept showing up. With her life partner Shadow they built their nest, and weathered everything from Big Bear storms to even the Fourth of July fireworks. Together, they were something truly special. I’ve always loved eagles, but the Big Bear Valley nest cam made me understand just how incredible they are. Jackie made millions of us care about one nest in a tree like it was our own backyard. I hate that we lost her like this. 💔 My heart breaks for Shadow and the life he now has to navigate without her. Jackie, you magnificent mama, you were loved by people all over the world. Thank you for letting us into your wild, beautiful life. I never thought I’d be eulogizing a daggone eagle. 😭🦅 But here we are. Fly high, Jackie. You were one special mama. 🤍