Sunny and Gizmo, Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, are almost ready to fledge. Their nursery in Big Bear, Southern California, is crackling with energy as the birds get ready to practice flying for the first time. The two of us can look back and rejoice that these two birds hatched in March of 2025. Their parents and the local non-profit Friends of Big Bear Valley have been watching their growth with great interest. As they near 10 weeks old, the excitement grows as everyone looks forward to their wonderful new homes.
Our nest is located in the picturesque Big Bear Valley. It instantly captured the hearts of wildlife lovers around the world, as the eaglets took their first steps toward freedom and independence. The family shared the heart-wrenching news that their third eaglet, Misty, died. This tragedy occurred in the aftermath of a blizzard that recently blanketed the area with heavy snow. Although Sunny didn’t make it, Gizmo too passed away after the accident. Gizmo and Sunny blossomed with Jackie and Shadow’s love.
Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed on Facebook that Sunny and Gizmo are preparing to leave the nest, stating, “Both Sunny and Gizmo have spent some time up on the left side rails and even stood side by side yesterday looking out over the territory.” This means that the eaglets are not only developing muscles and growing sturdy but flexing their curiosity about the world beyond the nest.
Over the last few days, Sunny has shown tremendous improvement. On a day with a brisk tailwind at their back, Sunny was able to fly off the nest with powerful bounces and leaps. All of this behavior is important because it lets the producers know that the time has come to start working those flight muscles to prepare for their first flight. Soon, both eaglets will begin hovering and practicing their flying skills while remaining under the protective guidance of their parents.
To mark this big milestone, Friends of Big Bear Valley held an amazing Name the Trail Contest. They created a friendly betting pool, inviting participants to guess the day and hour each eaglet would make its maiden flight. The competition ended on Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m. PT. The first person to guess correctly will get a coveted NOACA honorary certificate of amazement for their winning guess!
As they get ready for this big new stage in their young lives, the eaglets will have Jackie and Shadow nearby, potentially even just a branch’s distance away. Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, remarked on this parental support: “Wherever they are, Jackie and Shadow will be following them around, feeding them and bringing them food and making sure that they learn how to get food on their own.”
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