Move over Shadow and Kaydee, there's a new bald eagle couple in town.
Kings River Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to furthering environmental values, has launched a new live bald eagle camera
along the Kings River in central California spotlighting resident eagles Margaret and Jack. The approximately 133-mile Kings River flows through Kings Canyon National Park and the Sequoia and Sierra national forests.The live camera, set up just in time for mating season, has night vision and audio streaming, KTLA reported, giving eagle enthusiasts an up-close look into Margaret and Jack's life.
"Unlike other eagle pairs who migrate seasonally, Margaret and Jack typically find they have everything they need on the river and stay local year-round," the eagle cam's
website says. "Tune in for an up close and personal view into their daily lives, and support the Kings River Conservancy in our work protecting the river and ALL of its users!"
The conservancy did not share additional details about the couple and their history.
Since the camera launched, Margaret and Jack have been spotted managing their nest, playing with each other and enjoying fresh fish for lunch.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Kings River Conservancy for more information.
How to watch Margaret and Jack on eagle cam
Bald eagle fans can catch the new pair on Kings River Conservancy’s Bald Eagle Cam on their website or through Explore.org.
Organizers said the "camera is set on a schedule," turning off at 11 p.m. PT and turning on at 7 a.m. PT to preserve battery life. During those hours, the camera will switch from "live feed to a 'highlights' reel." But since the camera only became operational recently, the camera team is playing clips from other eagle nests to keep the feed running until they put together the reel.
Romance blossoming at Big Bear Valley
Meanwhile, about 300 miles south, romance appears to be blossoming between Big Bear Valley's Kaydee and Shadow, after the former joined the long-time resident in the Roost Tree in the "wee hours Sunday (Nov. 8) morning."
"Through the sound of melodic sounds of chortles, they sat side by side, perhaps discussing their recent adventures," Friends of Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam said in a Tuesday, Nov. 10 post on Facebook.
While they later flew off for the day, Kaydee returned to the nest, announcing her arrival, before sitting "atop the nest, with wings spread, showing a defensive posture, making herself appear larger and more intimidating," Big Bear said.
"Maybe she was saying 'I’m here now' to protect the nest with her presence," the post said. "And as the sun cast a late afternoon glow over the valley, a stunning eagle was poised atop the canopy of the Twin Pines. At dusk, Shadow and Kaydee bid us a goodnight melody as they were tucked into the Roost Tree for the night."
The next morning, they began the day with "a beautiful song for the valley before whisking away for their daily plans," which involved a "quick housekeeping stop by the nest," where they moved some sticks, and had a few beaky moments when Shadow playfully nipped at Kaydee’s feathers, which is normal bonding behavior."
Kaydee was first seen in Jackie and Shadow's nest on Monday, Aug. 10, just hours after the dreaded announcement that Shadow's previous mate Jackie had died. A beloved resident of Big Bear Valley, Jackie died of complications from avian influenza. She was 14.
Though bald eagles mate for life and Shadow, 12, initially rejected Kaydee's, 4, advances, he appears to be warming up to the latter and accepting her presence in his life.
Friends of Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam said, "observing Shadow and Kaydee together the past few days has been a welcome sight."
Wildlife experts don't know if Kaydee will be Shadow's next love but agree that he will mate again and father more eaglets.
"He's got some time," Friends of Big Bear Valley spokeswoman Jenny Voisard previously told USA TODAY. "All we can do is watch and see."
Contributing: Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Move over Shadow, there's a new bald eagle couple to follow
