American Antiquities Features articles, calendar listing antique shows, events, fairs and festivals.
Antique Bottle & Glass Collector Provides information in the form of well researched articles covering many facets of the hobby. Includes classifieds and
show calendar.
Antique Talk Weekly advice column containing insider tips on how to find antique treasures in common locations.
Antique Week Newspaper providing auction, antique and collectible news in the U.S.
Antiques & Collecting Newsletter Free newsletter offering news and tidbits regarding the antiques and collecting hobby, reviews, articles of interest to
collectors, more.
Antiques and The Arts Newspaper serving the antiques and arts industry, collectors, and institutions. Information on antiques shows and auctions
around the country and antiques dealer listings.
Antiques Trade Gazette Source for art & antiques news and information. Features auctions and fairs listings, online price guide, lists of
antique centres, dealers and auctioneers.
AuctionBytes.com Number one source of news for the online-auction industry. Provides resources for auction buyers and sellers, including
"Cool Tools" and Discussion Forums.
Collect.com Includes news, articles, marketplace, and forums for collectors of antiques, coins, comics, militaria, stamps, toys, and
other collectibles.
Collector Cafe Online global collecting community with classifieds, email chat, article library, and collectables newsletter.
Fine Books & Collections Magazine Magazine for collectors of books, maps, and manuscripts. Covers latest trends in book selling and collecting.
Journal of Antiques and Collectibles Antique magazine featuring event, auction, and antique show calendar and articles on the full range of antiques and collectibles
including Art, Glass, China, Lighting, Ephemera, Guns and Coins.
Jozan Magazine Online magazine on oriental rugs with articles, auction news, members sales gallery and a photo gallery.
Kovels.com Provides antique and collectible news, price guide, information on marks, appraisal services, antique repair and restoration,
auction houses and clubs.
Live Auction Talk Devoted to the rare, weird and wonderful objects people love to collect.
Mapforum Online antique map magazine with articles for beginners, collectors and academics.
Southeastern Antiquing and Collecting Magazine Monthly magazine providing feature articles, news and information about antiques, collectibles, antiques shows and auctions
for 10 states in the Southeast.
Sweet Spot Source for vintage and autographed sports memorabilia news.
Toy Soldier Collecting magazine for military miniature enthusiasts around the world.
Victory Lane Magazine for the collector of vintage race cars.
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WHITE 750
THE JACKIE & SHADOW STORY
THE BIG BEAR BALD EAGLE STORY
"JACKIE & SHADOW"
The Big Bear bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, have been nesting in Big Bear Valley since 2013, This is the first time
in three years that they have successfully hatched eaglets. In 2019, they had two chicks; and in 2022, they had one. This
year they had three eaglets, but one of the three eaglets that hatched in early March did not survive a storm. It passed
away on March 13, 2025.
NAMING CONTEST
The "Friends of Big Bear Valley" (FOBBV) are hosting a naming contest for the two surviving eaglets.
The Friends are inviting the public to submit name suggestions until March 28, 2025.
The FOBBV is asking for gender-neutral name suggestions and is accepting donations of $5 for one entry, $10 for three entries,
or $25 for 10 entries. The final names will be chosen by Big Bear Valley elementary school students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th
grades. The winners will be announced on April 1, 2025.
EAGLE CAM
The FOBBV operates a 24/7 live webcam of Jackie and Shadow's nest, which has drawn thousands of viewers worldwide.
The organization relies on donations to maintain the livestream, which is free from advertisements. Donations are appreciated!
The Bald Eagle is a large, powerful bird that has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782. It is a member
of the Accipitridae family and is found near large bodies of water throughout North America. Here are some key facts about
the Bald Eagle:
EAGLE BEHAVIOR & HABITAT
SIZE: 3 feet in length, 6-7 feet in wingspan, and 10-14 pounds in weight.
HABITAT: Found near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
DIET: Primarily feeds on fish, but also eats other small animals and carrion.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Listed as a species of Low Concern, but was once endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and
pesticide use.
INTERESTING BEHAVIORS
Bald Eagles are known for their impressive eyesight, which allows them to spot fish up to a
mile away. They are also skilled thieves, and have been known to steal food from other birds.
NESTING: Bald Eagles build large nests, called eyries, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and measure 10 feet wide and 6 feet
deep. These nests are often used for many years and may be added to over time.
MATING: Bald Eagles form long-term monogamous relationships, with some pairs staying together for up to 20 years.
BREEDING: Bald Eagles typically breed between March and May, with the female laying 1-4 eggs per clutch.
HUNTING: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using their sharp talons and strong wings to swoop down on their prey. They can
also steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
MIGRATION: While some Bald Eagles are migratory, others are resident birds that stay in their year-round territories.
Some Bald Eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to the contiguous United States each winter, while others remain in their
year-round territories. Those that migrate typically travel in large groups, often with other species such as osprey and hawks.
HUNTING TECHNIQUES: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using a variety of techniques to catch their prey. Some of their methods
include:
DIVING: Bald Eagles will swoop down from high altitudes, using their sharp talons to snatch fish right out of the water.
PERCHING: Bald Eagles will perch above a body of water, scanning for fish and other prey below.
STEALING: Bald Eagles will steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
PREY: Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, but will also eat other small animals such as; rabbits, squirrels, mice, and
carrion.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Overview
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) are two federal laws of the United
States that protect birds, including eagles. Here's a brief overview of each act:
BALD EAGLE CONSERVATION STATUS
The Bald Eagle is no longer considered an endangered species in the United States. In 2007, the federal government removed
the Bald Eagle from its endangered species list, and in 2024, New Jersey removed the Bald Eagle from its endangered species
list, citing a remarkable comeback for the species.
Regardless, the Bald Eagle's status remains of "special concern" in New Jersey, and the species is still protected under The
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
proposed listing three subspecies of the Bald Eagle as endangered and two species as threatened under The Endangered Species
Act.
It's worth noting that while the Bald Eagle is no longer considered endangered, conservation efforts are still necessary to
protect the species and its habitats. Ongoing monitoring, habitat preservation, and public education are key to ensuring the
species' continued success.
THE PROTECION LAWS: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA):
was enacted in 1940 to protect Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of bald and golden eagles,
including their parts, nests, and eggs
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation
• Permits for Native American tribes for cultural and spiritual purposes • Permits for the use of eagle parts
in traditional crafts and ceremonies
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA):
was enacted in 1918 to implement international treaties with Canada, Mexico, and Japan to protect migratory birds
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of migratory birds, including
their parts, nests, and eggs
Covers over 800 species of birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and game birds
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: • Permits for hunting and trapping under specific regulations •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation • Permits for the use of bird parts in traditional crafts
and ceremonies
KEY PROVISIONS & PENALTIES
Both acts have similar provisions and penalties for violating the laws. Some key points include:
Penalties: Up to $100,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison for individuals, and up to $200,000 in fines for organizations
Permits: Required for activities such as hunting, trapping, and possession of bird parts
Reporting: Required for the sale, purchase, and transportation of bird parts
Import and Export: Prohibited without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Sottile Park Online Worldwide (SPOW) is a virtual cybercast park, offering users the ability to explore various locations
around the world through established web links. The cyber portal is named after Anthony W. Sottile, civic leader & family
man from The Heart of The Berkshires of New England. Virtually located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, SPOW! allows users to
"travel around the world in one day" or "visit the world in 80 seconds." The website provides media links, add-ons, and promotional
tools for users to enhance their knowledge and experience, online.
Copyright 2010 to Present JDS / John David Sottile