While Jackie Recovers, a Young Eagle Named 'Jolene' Has Eyes for Her Mate
Is there a love triangle brewing in the mountains of California's Big Bear Lake? The saga of the bald eagle Jackie has a new character. Introducing Jolene, a new raptor that some believe may be trying to replace Jackie.
As Jackie Rehabs, A New Eagle is Moving In
We recently brought you the story of Jackie, a 14-year-old bald eagle who became an internet sensation thanks to a livestream camera set up by the Friends of Big Bear Valley about two hours east of Los Angeles. Jackie is currently away from home, being treated for an illness at the Ojai Raptor Center.
As Jackie's fans await her diagnosis, a new eagle has moved in on her territory. Enter Jolene, a much younger eagle estimated to be just over three years old.
According to Jenny Voisard, a spokeswoman for Friends of Big Bear Valley, Jolene is "obviously gravitating towards him....Maybe something deep inside her says, 'I want to be by this eagle. He's pretty awesome.'"
The eagle known as Jolene is suspected of being one of the two subadult birds who attacked Jackie on July 17, sending her to the raptor center for treatment. Predator experts believe that Jackie was attacked for her food or because there was a territorial dispute. It is not unusual for female bald eagles to exhibit aggressive behavior toward each other.
Cameras Observed Jolene Trying to Get Close to Shadow
Jolene has been observed trying to spend time with Shadow over the last several days. She was first detected hanging out on a perch with him on July 22. While Shadow has not been particularly receptive to Jolene's attention, she has not been deterred. She was once knocked out of the nest after Shadow gave her a clear warning, only to return.
Wildlife experts note that it is unlikely that Jolene has romantic feelings for Shadow. Bald eagles generally begin mating at about five years old, making Jolene still too young. Shadow is also much older than her, at 12 years old. In addition, it is not mating season. This typically begins in December or January in California.
The big question now is how long Shadow will wait for Jackie to return. The pair of predators have mated and been companions for almost a decade. Together, they have raised eight eaglets. As such, avian experts do not believe that Shadow is on the hunt for another breeding mate. However, Shadow will likely move on if Jackie does not return by the start of the next breeding season.
It is interesting to note that Jackie and Shadow's love affair has already survived one love triangle. Jackie first mated with an eagle known as Mr. B before Shadow arrived and chased off her first mate. Only time will tell if they get through this latest test.
Weather changes fast, so help your community stay prepared. Share this story with friends, family, or your group chat, and keep your forecast in the now with Weather Forecast Now.