A bald eagle known as KD1, or Kaydee, is highly likely to form a pair bond with Shadow, the surviving mate of the recently deceased eagle Jackie, and potentially start a family in the coming months, according to a raptor biologist.
Pete Bloom, who has over four decades of experience banding raptors and helped identify the newcomer, stated that the signs point toward a new nesting partnership. "It is highly likely that these two birds that currently seem to be forming a pair bond will indeed be a pair at the time that nesting begins, which is roughly December," Bloom said. He confirmed the new eagle, KD1, is female based on her size and typical behaviors associated with pair bonding.
KD1, approximately 4½ years old, originates from the Prado Basin, about 70 miles from Shadow's Big Bear nesting site. Her behavior, including rearranging nest materials and interacting affectionately with Shadow, indicates she is actively establishing a bond, which Bloom suggests makes it improbable she is another male.
The appearance of KD1 at Shadow's nest occurred shortly after the death of Jackie on August 9th, following a period of critical care for an undisclosed illness. The livestream capturing Shadow's nest, operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley, has documented their interactions, leading to mixed reactions from viewers who followed Jackie's story.
While many fans are hopeful for a new chapter and the continuation of the livestream's narrative, others express empathy for Jackie's passing. Bloom cautioned that while a pair bond is likely, novice nesting pairs, especially with younger eagles like KD1, face challenges in raising eaglets successfully, citing potential issues such as missed feedings or predation.
