The family is thriving: Luna chased off an intruder, and an expert speaks on Shadow's bond

In their fullest family update yet, FOBBV confirmed what cam watchers had suspected: a couple of days ago Luna chased an intruding eagle away from the nest before joining Shadow and Sandy, and Shadow has been firmly defending the territory, including telling off a sub-adult perched on his Twin Pines tree. FOBBV says that visitor is possibly a four-plus-year-old female, and possibly the same eagle involved in the short battle with Jackie. Sandy and Luna are exploring farther into the habitat and appear on camera less, but they visit the nest daily and are doing fantastic. FOBBV also spoke with an eagle expert about the question so many have been afraid to ask, and the answer is comforting: given Jackie and Shadow's extraordinary bond, it is considered unlikely Shadow would seek a new mate now. Eagle pairing hormones do not typically stir until around late December or early January. Shadow is a wild eagle and will ultimately do as he chooses, FOBBV was careful to add, but nothing in his behavior suggests anything except a mate holding the territory for his partner.