Just days ago, we reported on one of Southern California’s biggest fireworks displays, set to light up Big Bear Lake in celebration of Independence Day. Despite pushback from activists, the show was approved and deemed safe by local authorities.
Still, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the internet’s favorite eagles temporarily abandoned their nest on the 4th of July due to the noise. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley, around 9 PM on the 4th, one of the eagles was seen flying away from the roost tree as the first fireworks began. Both eagles were no longer visible as the full show got underway, lasting about 20 minutes.
Fortunately, their absence was short-lived. One of the adult eagles was spotted flying by around 5:30 PM on Saturday, and not long after 7 PM, Shadow returned and perched in the Twin Pine tree. Just minutes later, Jackie showed up too, greeting Shadow with a few familiar calls.
But what about Sunny and Gizmo? The two young eagle sisters fledged in early June, and since then, their whereabouts remain unknown for now. Because they hadn’t been exposed to loud noises before, FOBBV states that it’s possible the fireworks startled them into temporary hiding.
Still, it may just be a matter of time before they’re seen again, and in the meantime, you can keep an eye out for their return via the Friends of Big Bear Valley live stream on YouTube.