Sunny the Eaglet Takes First Flight at Big Bear Lake, Leaves Nest Behind

A proud and emotional moment for eagle watchers across the country — Sunny, one of Big Bear Lake’s famous bald eaglets, has officially taken flight.

The big leap played out live on the Friends of Big Bear Valley nest cam, which has attracted thousands of viewers following the journey of eagle parents Jackie and Shadow and their two eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo.

Sunny, the older sibling, left the nest on Monday, spreading her wings and soaring to a nearby tree, marking her very first flight. Christopher Sandeen, a local eagle watcher at the park in Fawnskin, was among those who saw it in person. “Take the jump, take the risk, and let it rip,” he said.

Longtime eagle advocate Sandy Steers, founder of Friends of Big Bear Valley, called this one of the most exciting seasons ever. “Three eggs instead of two, all hatching, one lost during a snowstorm… and now this flight. It’s been nonstop eagle excitement,” she said.

Though Sunny is now flying, she hasn’t gone far — landing on a familiar roost tree nearby. “Usually they come back,” Steers explained. “That nest is home base, and they know they can return for food if needed.”

Gizmo, the younger eaglet, is still in the nest but expected to take flight in the coming days. After both have fledged, they’ll likely remain close for a few more weeks while learning to hunt and becoming fully independent.

For fans who’ve followed every moment of this eagle family’s journey — from hatching to heartbreak to triumph — it’s a bittersweet milestone. “We don’t know if we’ll ever see them again,” Steers added. “And that’s why it’s so sad and so happy all at the same time.”

To watch Sunny and Gizmo’s progress live, visit FriendsofBigBearValley.org.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.