Big Bear Valley’s famous bald eagle nest delivered a milestone moment this week as Sunny, the older of two eaglets, took her very first flight—leaving thousands of viewers in suspense about her next move. The dramatic scene, captured live on the Big Bear Eagle Cam operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley, unfolded Monday morning at:46 a.m. as Sunny launched from the upper Y-branch of her nest, flapped her wings, and soared out over the San Bernardino Mountains.
Sunny’s leap into the wild marks a crucial rite of passage for the Big Bear eagle family, led by parents Jackie and Shadow, who have become local celebrities thanks to the 24/7 nest livestream. Gizmo, Sunny’s younger sister, watched the event from the nest and has yet to take her own first flight—leaving fans glued to the cam for her big moment.
The eaglets, both female and about weeks old, have been the focus of “fledge watch” since mid-May, as bald eagles typically leave the nest between and weeks of age After her flight, Sunny was spotted perching in a nearby roost tree, a favorite of her parents, but it’s not uncommon for young eagles to return to the nest for food and safety as they learn to navigate their new world.
This year’s successful fledge is especially significant: it’s the first time two eaglets have reached this stage together in the Big Bear nest’s recent history, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley The nonprofit continues to monitor and protect the nest, reminding the public that the surrounding area is closed to visitors each year to safeguard the eagles during this critical time.
Catch all the action and see if Gizmo will be next to fly on the official Big Bear Eagle Cam, streaming live on YouTube..
