Big Bear Lake witnessed a heartwarming milestone on Monday, June 2, 2025, as Sunny, one of the two beloved bald eaglets raised by Jackie and Shadow, took her maiden flight. At precisely 10:46 a.m., Sunny spread her wings and soared from the upper Y-branch of the nest perched atop a towering 145-foot Jeffrey pine tree in the San Bernardino National Forest, marking a significant step in her journey toward independence.
This moment, eagerly awaited by wildlife enthusiasts and locals alike, was captured live on the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s nest cam, drawing attention from viewers across the nation and around the world. Sunny’s sister, Gizmo, watched the event unfold with apparent fascination, remaining nearby on the nest as Sunny ventured out into the skies for the first time.
Sunny's flight was not a spontaneous leap but the culmination of days of preparation and practice. In the days leading up to her first flight, she was observed spreading her wings, gaining control, and even achieving a 3.3-second hover on May 29. She had been seen shimmying up to a "balcony" branch, savoring the breeze, and practicing flapping her wings vigorously—signs that the eaglet was ready to take the plunge.
Friends of Big Bear Valley Executive Director Sandy Steers expressed elation at Sunny's successful flight, stating, "I feel elated that Sunny made it and is flying and is successful." While it is not yet clear where Sunny flew to initially, experts note that young bald eagles often return to the nest for food, rest, and reassurance as they build their flying and hunting skills. Indeed, Sunny was later spotted perching near the top of the roost tree, a favorite hangout of her parents, Jackie and Shadow.
The eaglets, born in early March 2025, are approximately 12 weeks old—right within the typical fledging window of 10 to 14 weeks. This timing aligns perfectly with the natural development of bald eaglets, who leave the nest to begin exploring their surroundings and honing survival skills. The Friends of Big Bear Valley began "Fledge Watch" around May 13, closely monitoring the eaglets’ progress and preparing viewers for this milestone.
Gizmo, Sunny’s younger sister, has yet to take flight but has been actively preparing. Over the weekend preceding Sunny’s flight, Gizmo demonstrated "serious flapping skills," hopping and jumping on the nest’s outer rails, even expanding her territory on the nest tree. The nonprofit organization noted, "We have never had two eaglets get to this stage before so we do not know when Gizmo will fledge or if this will encourage anything or not. She will go when she is ready." Gizmo’s development has been slightly slower than Sunny’s, but given the typical fledging age range, her flight could be imminent.
Both eaglets are believed to be female, a determination made after months of observation and vocal frequency analysis. Steers described them as "peaceful, loving sisters." Interestingly, although Sunny is the older eaglet, she is smaller than Gizmo, a detail that initially made sex determination challenging. The pair’s parents, Jackie and Shadow, have captivated audiences since early 2025, with viewers eagerly following the journey from egg to fledgling via the live eagle cam.
The nest itself is a remarkable natural perch, located near the top of a Jeffrey pine tree towering 145 feet high within the San Bernardino National Forest. From this vantage point, the eaglets have an expansive view of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding forest, a perfect training ground for their fledgling flights and future hunting expeditions.
Sunny’s flight was smooth, taking only a moment after a few test flaps and wing spreads before she lifted off and quickly soared out of frame. She didn’t venture far initially, instead settling near the roost tree where her parents often rest. This behavior is typical for young eagles, who tend to return to the nest area as they build strength and confidence.
Friends of Big Bear Valley noted on social media that the eaglets’ flight readiness is marked by wing flapping vigorous enough to lift their feet slightly off the nest, followed by venturing onto outer branches before finally taking off. This progression was evident in Sunny’s recent behavior, and Gizmo has been following suit, practicing her nest-flapping skills.
After fledging, eaglets usually remain in their habitat for one to three months, during which they may return to the nest intermittently. During this period, Jackie and Shadow continue to provide food, protection, and guidance, teaching their young how to hunt and survive in the wild. The nonprofit remarked, "We expect to see her back at the nest at some point if past seasons are any indication, and Jackie and Shadow should be keeping a close eye out."
The Big Bear bald eagle family’s story has drawn significant public interest, with the live cam offering a rare window into the intimate moments of eagle development. This year, the eaglets have further captured hearts, especially as one of the three original chicks did not survive, making Sunny and Gizmo’s progress all the more poignant.
Looking ahead, by fall 2025, both eaglets are expected to take off on their own, embarking on the path toward maturity. Bald eagles reach full maturity around five years old, developing the iconic white head and tail feathers along with bright yellow beaks and eyes that make them so recognizable.
Since Sunny and Gizmo are not banded, it remains unknown whether they will stay together or recognize each other as they mature. While some evidence suggests bald eagles may memorize one another, specific studies are lacking to confirm this behavior.
For now, the Big Bear community and eagle enthusiasts worldwide will continue to watch as Sunny embarks on her new adventure and Gizmo prepares to follow. Their journey from nestlings to soaring adults is a testament to the resilience and beauty of wildlife, a story that has united people in admiration and hope.
As the sun sets over Big Bear Lake, the skies are a little brighter thanks to Sunny’s triumphant flight—a symbol of new beginnings and the enduring bond between parent eagles and their young.
