Sunny and Gizmo, the eaglets of Jackie and Shadow, are growing quickly and are preparing to leave their nest in Big Bear, Southern California. Hatched in March 2025, the pair has gained immense popularity, thanks in part to a 24-hour live feed run by the Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit organization dedicated to monitoring the eagles.
Now at 10 weeks old, Sunny and Gizmo are becoming independent. The parents are enhancing their nest with larger sticks, which serve as guardrails and training aids. Recently, the eaglets have been seen standing on the nest’s edges, stretching their wings in the wind, with Sunny even managing to hover briefly off the nest. This stage is crucial for developing their flying skills as they approach their first flights.
Sadly, their sibling, Misty, passed away during a snowstorm shortly after hatching, but Jackie and Shadow are committed to ensuring that Sunny and Gizmo thrive, providing them with nourishment and guidance to become self-sufficient.
In a bid to engage fans further, Friends of Big Bear Valley has launched a contest called FledgeFest 2025, encouraging viewers to predict when Sunny and Gizmo will make their first flights. Participants need to guess the exact date and time of the eaglets’ first fledge, with the deadline for entries set for May 16 at 8 p.m. PT. Winners will be rewarded with honorary certificates, adding an interactive element to the eaglets’ remarkable journey as they transition from reliant chicks to autonomous birds ready to soar.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
