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'Shadow's not alone'
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- Shadow, the bald eagle widowed by Jackie’s recent death, was seen spending time in the nest with a new eagle named Katie (officially KD1) for the first time since July, sparking hope among fans.
- Katie, born in March 2022 and banded for research purposes, is believed to be female and about 4.5 years old, nearing her first breeding season; her parents coincidentally share the same names as Jackie’s parents.
- Fans and wildlife experts are cautiously optimistic as Shadow and Katie’s interactions suggest curiosity and comfort, though eagle mating season in California typically begins in December or January.
- Another young eagle, Jolene, previously seen with Shadow, is considered too young to mate and has not been recently spotted; Big Bear Valley remains a popular area for visiting eagles outside nesting season.
- While most eagles mate for life, Shadow has had two mates before Jackie and is expected to mate again, though it remains uncertain if Katie will become his new partner.
