Jackie and Shadow’s Eaglets in Big Bear Prepare for Their First Flights

The Big Bear eagle webcam is getting a lot of attention as everyone watches Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, prepare for their first flights.

Sunny gave flying a try on Thursday, hovering at the nest’s edge for a few seconds before deciding to wait. When Sunny finally takes off, they will probably return the same day or a bit later.

Gizmo is still staying in the nest, but this isn’t unusual. Eaglets, much like kids, each have their unique pace for growing and reaching new steps in their development.

Sunny and Gizmo are 12 weeks old, and the timing of this first flight is on track. Typically, it happens between 10 to 14 weeks.

“It’s kind of up to them how much they come back to the nest,” said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Steers added they usually leave the area where they hatched once they’re older.

She said they could travel up to a thousand miles away.

When they’re about 5 years old, that’s when they become sexually mature and take on the bald eagle appearance with the white head and tail.

The eaglets and their parents – Jackie and Shadow – captivated the internet and wildlife enthusiasts earlier this year as viewers waited for the chicks to hatch.