Moving On: The Flight of the Big Bear Eaglets
Eagle Gizmo, from Big Bear, California, spreads wings for the initial time, leaving the nest and rejoining sister Sunny following a period of eager waiting
Jackie and Shadow have embarked on a new chapter as their offspring, Gizmo and Sunny, have left the nest. On a chilly morning, at approximately 8:27 a.m., Gizmo, the second eaglet, took her maiden voyage from the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam. After an initial stumble, she managed to soar gracefully into the air.
Gizmo's first flight was followed closely by the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam and the wide-angle camera. Despite disappearing swiftly from the main feed, the wide-angle camera captured her settling in a distant tree mere moments later. Sunny, her sister, had also embarked on her first flight a few days prior, leaping from a branch with determination.
These eaglets, born in March, have been eagerly preparing for their big day. Over the past few weeks, they've been fine-tuning their skills, flapping their wings and hopping from branch to branch. Gizmo, who took flight at 89 days old, had spent the previous day honing her flying abilities on the High Perch[1].
Although the exact destinations of Sunny and Gizmo remain uncertain, they're expected to return to the nest for a short time before venturing out on their own[1]. By the fall, they will be fully independent, leaving the nest for good[1]. Unfortunately, they won't be traced due to the unbanded nature of these magnificent creatures.
Chelsea Hylton, our Los Angeles web producer, has been chronicling local news events across Southern California[2]. An Inglewood native, she earned her master's degree from USC. Her journalism career spans NBC LA, Telemundo 52, The Los Angeles Times, and KOMO 4 News in Seattle before joining our team in 2024.
SOURCES:1. Friends of Big Bear Valley's Facebook Post on Gizmo's First Flight2. Friends of Big Bear Valley's YouTube live stream of the eagle nest3. California Department of Fish and Wildlife's page on Bald Eagles4. The San Bernardino Sun's article on the Big Bear eagle nest
In the realm of local news, Chelsea Hylton, a seasoned journalist, is reporting on the breakings of Big Bear Valley. Interestingly, the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam recently captured the breaking news of Gizmo, the second eaglet, taking her first flight in their business segment. Additionally, the sports section could potentially cover the siblings' future accomplishments as they embark on their independence.
