The younger of Big Bear’s famous bald eaglets, Gizmo, is believed to be female. According to a social media update by Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit managing the popular YouTube livestream of the nest, Gizmo’s larger size and thicker ankles suggest she is female. These characteristics are common indicators of female bald eagles.
Gizmo and her sibling, Sunny, have captivated tens of thousands of viewers on the livestream from their nest in California’s San Bernardino Mountains. The eaglets, born to the mated pair Jackie and Shadow, have been observed growing rapidly since hatching in early March. Sunny, the older sibling, hatched on March 4, while Gizmo followed on March 8.
The eaglets are now preparing for a significant milestone known as “fledge watch,” where they will leave the nest for the first time. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist, explained to Country Living that bald eagle chicks typically fledge at around 10 to 12 weeks. After fledging, the young eagles will continue to rely on the nest for safety and food.
While the exact moment of fledging is unpredictable, viewers can catch updates and highlights on Friends of Big Bear Valley’s social media platforms. Although DNA testing is the only way to confirm the eaglets’ sex for certain, it is unlikely to be conducted for the nest overlooking Big Bear Lake.
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