Jackie the Eagle’s Death Linked to Bird Flu; Ohio Eagle Population Surpasses 1,000 Nests

Key points

• Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Lake, California, died in August 2026 from complications of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
• A necropsy revealed that the virus caused severe stomach ulcers, leading to internal bleeding, anemia, and bacterial sepsis, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
• Ohio’s bald eagle population has grown from four nesting pairs in 1979 to more than 1,000 active nests in 2026, with 964 confirmed nests in 87 of the state’s 88 counties.
• Bald eagles in Ohio are best observed near large bodies of water like Lake Erie, particularly at Magee Marsh, Pickerel Creek, and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuges.
• Eagles in Ohio begin courting in January and lay eggs between February and March, nesting in large trees near lakes and rivers.

Background

Previous coverage confirmed that Jackie died on August 10, 2026, and that her remains were cremated to prevent virus spread, while her mate Shadow remains healthy. Ohio’s bald eagle recovery is part of a broader national trend, with the species removed from the federal endangered list in 2007 and Ohio’s list in 2012, though they remain protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Why it matters

The confirmation of HPAI as the cause of Jackie’s death highlights the ongoing risks of avian influenza to wildlife, while Ohio’s thriving eagle population demonstrates the effectiveness of conservation efforts and habitat protection in reversing species decline.

What to watch

Winter is the prime time to view bald eagles in Ohio, especially near Lake Erie and major rivers. Live cams of eagle nests, including those in Avon Lake and Cincinnati, may resume streaming as the breeding season approaches in late winter.