One Of Big Bear's Bald Eaglets Takes Its First, Unplanned Flight

One of Jackie and Shadow's eaglets is now flying on her own, a little earlier than planned.

Sandy took her first flight Sunday morning after losing her balance on the nest's front porch. Friends of Big Bear Valley says her sibling, Luna, tried to hop back into the nest and accidentally knocked Sandy off balance, sending her tumbling onto nearby branches below.

Sandy freed herself a few minutes later and could be heard calling out nearby. Jackie showed up within minutes and kept watch over her from below the nest. Then, around 11:30 a.m., the nest's camera caught Sandy taking off and flying to another area out of view, making her hard to track down afterward.

The nonprofit says Sandy looked strong in the air and is likely resting up after the unexpected adventure. Jackie and Shadow are now expected to follow her and keep her fed wherever she lands, while camera operators continue searching for her exact location.

Friends of Big Bear Valley says it will share an update once Sandy is found.