Kids – they grow up so fast! And Big Bear Valley’s internet-famous eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, are no exception. Sunny is now 7 weeks old, while Gizmo is 6 weeks old. In just a few weeks, they’ll be spreading their wings and getting ready for their next big adventure.
Healthy and Happy
Sunny and Gizmo are no longer downy little balls of fluff. The eagle chicks have now entered their teenage phase, with their feathers becoming more defined. Both appear to be healthy and thriving and will soon resemble their parents, Jackie and Shadow, with their darker plumage.
The teenagers are spending their time developing new life skills. They’ve attempted to eat on their own – without much success. And most importantly, they spend lots of time learning how to properly flap their wings.
Plus, they enjoy watching all of the interesting friends that come to visit the nest like the famous flying squirrels, Fiona and Freddie. They even got a dramatic show from mom, Jackie, as she tried to deter Fiona from her midnight adventures in the nest!
Fledging and First Flights
The chicks are now getting closer to developing wing feathers that are large enough for flight. Fledging is the stage when young birds take their first flights, learning to navigate the skies as they grow more independent. Sunny and Gizmo may stay in the nest for at least another 4 weeks before they’re ready to give flying a try.
And even after that, they’ll likely return to the nest for food and comfort over the next 4 to 12 weeks. So we still have plenty of time to enjoy watching and learning from our favorite feathered friends!
Hopeful Anticipation
The good health and rapid growth of Sunny and Gizmo is extra special to many devoted livestream watchers since the unfortunate loss of the third hatchling back in March. Additionally, many committed online eagle watchers have experienced extra heartache due to the tragic and shocking loss of the 22-year-old eagles’ nest in West Virginia over this past weekend. Hopefully, the sadness will lessen as we get the opportunity to witness Sunny and Gizmo grow into flourishing flying adults.