After waiting and watching them grow live for millions of viewers, one of the most exciting and spectacular moments in the lives of the Big Bear feathered siblings (and for us) finally happened: Sunny made her inaugural flight out of the nest!
Sunny hovered in the air for nearly a full second during their first big day out! While younger eaglet, Gizmo, has yet to take a cruise, she supported her fine-feathered sibling from the safety of the nest.
Over the last few weeks of May, viewers watched in awe as both siblings (especially Sunny) began showing more and more signs that their first flight was just around the corner. Around May 20, their wing-flapping (or “wingersizing?”) grew stronger and hovering higher, reaching up to two feet! During each livestream, the adorable duo could be seen venturing farther from the center of the nest, exploring nearby branches with growing curiosity.
Then, it finally happened. On Monday, June 2, at 10:46 am, Sunny took a deep breath, braced her core, and put those wings to work. With the sky as her only limit, Sunny flew from the nest she’s called home before circling back to perch on branches near the top of the roost tree, now officially a full-fledged bald eagle.
Now we wait for Gizmo to take her first flight. According to FOBBV, “she looked completely fascinated and kept her eyes on Sunny flying away from the nest.”
It’s been quite the journey for these two. From their first days as tiny fluff balls to their impressive wing stretches, their progress has been nothing short of remarkable. Their parents have been there every step of the way, teaching them how to soar to new heights.
So what’s next for the dynamic duo? As they continue to refine their flying and hunting skills, the vast skies are theirs to explore. They’ll soon face the challenges of surviving on their own, finding food, and perfecting their aerial acrobatics. But with their strength, intelligence, and the lessons from mom and dad, Jackie and Shadow, there’s no doubt they’ll thrive.
You can follow Sunny and Gizmo’s adventures on the official Friends Of Big Bear Valley YouTube channel by clicking here.
Edited by Sarah Nash.