A beautiful moment unfolded in Southern California this week as one of Big Bear's beloved bald eagle chicks took her first flight. Captured live by the popular Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, the event has stirred joy and excitement among eagle enthusiasts and nature lovers across the region—and beyond.

On Monday morning, June 2, at approximately 10:46 a.m., the eaglet known as Sunny made her big leap from the nest, flapping her wings and soaring into the sky for the very first time. It's a huge step in her development—and a bittersweet milestone for her devoted eagle parents, Jackie and Shadow, who have raised Sunny and her sister Gizmo with care since they hatched in March.

A Moment That Took Weeks of Preparation

The lead-up to Sunny's flight wasn’t sudden. For weeks, both eaglets had been preparing for this major milestone. The team at Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV)—the nonprofit that runs the live-streaming nest cam—has been documenting the chicks’ progress closely, especially since the start of “fledge watch” in mid-May. That’s the time period when eaglets are expected to begin practicing their flight skills, typically around 10 to 12 weeks of age.

In Facebook updates and on their website, FOBBV described the eaglets’ training behaviors: lots of wing-flapping, hopping around the nest, and perching on outer branches. These are all natural steps in developing the strength and confidence needed to fly.

So when Sunny finally took that leap, it was the culmination of many days of practice, courage, and curiosity.

“Elated” to See Sunny Succeed

Sandy Steers, Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, shared her excitement with KCAL News following Sunny’s successful takeoff. “I feel elated that Sunny made it and is flying and is successful,” she said.

At the time of this writing, it’s not yet known exactly where Sunny flew to. However, experts say it's common for young eagles to stay close by and return to the nest in the early days after fledging. In most cases, they’ll continue using the nest as a home base while gradually learning to navigate the surrounding habitat.

What About Gizmo?

While Sunny has officially spread her wings, her sibling Gizmo is taking a little more time. Gizmo, also believed to be female, has been slightly slower to develop, which isn’t unusual in eagle siblings. Steers and the team are keeping an eye on her, hopeful she’ll be ready to fledge in the coming days or weeks.

In the meantime, Gizmo remains in the nest—flapping, balancing, and testing her limits just as Sunny did before her big moment. Viewers on the Eagle Nest Cam have already become attached to both birds, each with their own personality and pace.

What Happens After Fledging?

Fledging is just the beginning of a long journey. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, eaglets like Sunny and Gizmo typically remain in the area for one to three months after their first flight. During this period, they continue learning survival skills—such as how to hunt and navigate the forest—often with guidance from their parents.

By the fall, both eaglets are expected to leave the area for good, embarking on their own independent lives. Since neither eaglet is banded, it will be difficult to track where they go or whether they ever reunite again. While bald eagles are thought to have strong memories, there's no conclusive evidence to show whether siblings recognize each other after leaving the nest.

Eagles reach full maturity at around five years old, at which point they sport the iconic white head and tail feathers and bright yellow beaks and eyes. Until then, they live a nomadic life, searching for food, territory, and, eventually, mates.

A Community Connected by Nature

The Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam has been an invaluable tool not only for researchers but also for the public. Viewers from around the world have tuned in to watch Jackie and Shadow raise multiple broods over the years. For many, it’s a rare and intimate glimpse into the natural world—uncensored, unscripted, and utterly captivating.

This year's eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, have drawn thousands of loyal viewers who have followed every hop, flap, and squawk with anticipation. Their journey has offered moments of suspense, joy, and learning—not just for the birds, but for all of us watching from afar.

Final Thoughts

Sunny's first flight is more than just a step in her life as a bald eagle—it’s a moment of inspiration, a reminder of the wild beauty that still exists in the world, and a testament to the power of community science and nature-based education.

As we wait to see when Gizmo takes her turn, one thing is certain: these eagles have already left a lasting impression. Whether they stay near or fly far, their story continues to lift the spirits of everyone who has watched them grow.