The eagerly anticipated “Fledge Watch” for Big Bear’s famous bald eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, officially begins today. These nearly-grown eaglets, born to parents Jackie and Shadow, are preparing for their first flight from their nest in Big Bear.. According to the Los Angeles Times, the eaglets are expected to fledge between 10 and 14 weeks of age. Sunny turned 10 weeks old on Tuesday, with Gizmo reaching that milestone on Saturday.
The eaglets have been practicing their flying skills by “wing-ercizing” in the nest, building muscle and honing balance. Their wingspan now stretches over five feet, and they are nearly the same size as their father, Shadow. The nest, located in a towering Jeffrey pine overlooking Big Bear Lake, has been home to the family and is monitored by a 24-hour livestream managed by the nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley.
Sandy Steers, the executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, told LAist that the eaglets’ first flight could happen anytime from now until mid-June. Once they fledge, Jackie and Shadow will continue to care for them, teaching them how to hunt and fish around Big Bear Lake.
The eaglets face challenges as they leave the nest, including risks from scavenging and potential dangers like power lines and roadkill. Despite these challenges, the eaglets are expected to remain around the lake area as they learn to fend for themselves.
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