Young Bald Eagle, Previously Known as KD1, is Now Named Kaydee

A young bald eagle, frequently seen in the company of Shadow, has officially received a new name: Kaydee. This eagle was initially identified as KD1 by biologists from the Orange County Water District as part of their efforts to monitor eagles native to California's Prado Basin.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which operates cameras tracking the local bald eagle population, had been referring to the bird as KD1 since it appeared on their feeds. However, on Wednesday, FOBBV announced the change in designation. "Generally, Friends of Big Bear Valley does not give names to nest visitors unless they have been around long-term…until now," the organization stated on Instagram, confirming that KD1 would now be known as Kaydee, regardless of whether she establishes a permanent presence in the area.

It remains undetermined whether Kaydee is male or female. More insights into her sex and potential for mating are expected to emerge next month when the courting and mating season begins. At nearly five years old, Kaydee is at an age where mating is typical, and her presence in Big Bear is considered normal behavior for young adult eagles during this period.

Kaydee and Shadow have been observed together, engaging in morning vocalizations and flight, since the passing of Shadow's previous mate, Jackie. FOBBV expressed that the pair's "morning duet gives us all a sense of peace and hope," adding, "Whether forming a friendship or something deeper, we must trust in their present teamwork and patiently wait for a new day and a new story."

The complete bald eagle nesting season can span over six months, continuing until the chicks from the previous season have departed the region. Sandy and Luna, the offspring of Jackie and Shadow from 2026, recently fledged. FOBBV marks the commencement of the nesting season on September 1, with egg-laying typically occurring in January.

To identify Kaydee on the FOBBV cameras, observers should look for two leg bands: a small metal band and a lavender band labeled "KD1." Additionally, she is still developing her adult plumage, meaning her head is not yet fully white.

English Translation

Say hello to Kaydee. The young bald eagle who has been seen with Shadow in recent weeks has been given a new name. Orange County Water District biologists had initially named the eagle KD1 and fitted her with a band as part of their efforts to track eagles born in California's Prado Basin. Since being observed on the cameras of Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), which monitor the lives of the area's bald eagles, she had been referred to as KD1.

On Wednesday, FOBBV announced they would now refer to KD1 as Kaydee. "Generally, Friends of Big Bear Valley does not give names to nest visitors unless they have been around long-term…until now," FOBBV wrote on Instagram. "We have chosen to name KD1 Kaydee, whether or not they decide to stay in the area."

It is still officially unknown if Kaydee is male or female. Only when courting and mating season begins next month will viewers get more clues as to Kaydee's sex and if the pair has the potential to mate. At almost five years old, Kaydee is just about ready to mate. Flying around Big Bear is completely normal behavior for young adult eagles this time of year.

Cameras have spotted Kaydee and Shadow singing morning songs and flying around together since the death of Shadow's former partner, Jackie. "Shadow and KD-1’s morning duet gives us all a sense of peace and hope," FOBBV wrote about the new friends. "Whether forming a friendship or something deeper, we must trust in their present teamwork and patiently wait for a new day and a new story."

The full bald eagle nesting season lasts over six months, depending on when the last season's fledged chicks leave the area. Jackie and Shadow's 2026 chicks, Sandy and Luna, fledged only a few weeks ago. FOBBV tracks the nesting season beginning on September 1. Eggs are generally laid in January.

To spot Kaydee on the FOBBV cameras, look for two small bands on her legs. One is a small metal band, while the other is a lavender band with "KD1" on it. She's also still growing in her adult feathers, so her head is not yet completely white.