"The eagle is probably not old enough to even mate or take over a territory yet," said Voisard.
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At 3.5 years old, the visiting eagle lacks the maturity needed for mating, which typically begins at age five.
Hormonal shifts for breeding do not occur in local eagles until December or January.
"He won't feel like he needs to defend the habitat as much. And so he may be tolerant and will perch with other eagles too," said Voisard.
The couple recently raised two eaglets, Luna and Sandy, who have already departed the nest to explore new territories.
"She's obviously gravitating towards him," said Voisard.
Wildlife specialists reassured the public that natural instincts, rather than romantic interest, drive the young eagle's presence.
"Females can be more aggressive toward another female, especially if it's the owner of the territory," said Voisard.
The organization actively works to clarify eagle behavior to concerned online viewers following the live webcam stream.
"There's not like there's this weird telenovela storyline going on," said Voisard.
Outside experts confirmed that long-term bond replacements only happen under specific circumstances.
"I highly doubt Shadow is going to find another mate right now because it's outside of breeding season," said Jennifer Cedarleaf, avian director at the Alaska Raptor Center.
Shadow will continue patrolling the Big Bear Valley territory while Jackie completes her rehabilitation program in Ojai.
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"But if something happens to Jackie and she doesn't show up next year, he will find another mate," said Cedarleaf.
