In a heartwarming moment watched by thousands of nature lovers across the globe, Sunny — one of two bald eagle chicks born to Jackie and Shadow in Big Bear Valley, California — took her very first flight on June 2, 2025. The highly anticipated event was captured live through the big bear eagle cam, offering viewers an up-close look at the natural wonders of eagle development and the incredible bond of an eagle family.
A Soaring Success: Sunny's First Flight
At around 10:45 a.m. PDT, Sunny spread her wings and left the nest for the first time. After months of growth, wing exercises, and “branching” — a behavior where eaglets hop and flap along nearby branches to build strength and confidence — Sunny was ready to soar. Her debut flight was a smooth, graceful glide into the surrounding forest canopy, marking the next chapter in her life as a wild bald eagle.
Born on March 3, 2025, Sunny had been preparing for this moment alongside her sister, Gizmo, who hatched just a day later. While Sunny has now taken to the skies, Gizmo remains in the nest, still observing and building her readiness for fledging. Observers believe it’s only a matter of days before Gizmo follows her sister’s lead.
The Power of Observation: Big Bear Eagle Cam
Thanks to the big bear eagle cam, people around the world were able to witness this intimate wildlife milestone live. Installed and maintained by the Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental conservation, the eagle cam has become a favorite digital escape for viewers craving peace and natural beauty.
Streaming 24/7 on YouTube, the big bear eagle cam boasts over 638,000 subscribers. It has not only allowed scientists and bird enthusiasts to track eagle behavior in real-time but has also brought families, classrooms, and even entire communities closer to nature.
Loss, Resilience, and Hope
Sunny and Gizmo were not the only eaglets in the nest this year. A third chick hatched on March 6 but tragically did not survive a snowstorm later that month. The nest, located approximately 145 feet above Big Bear Lake, was exposed to the harsh elements of an unpredictable mountain climate.
Despite that loss, Sunny’s successful flight has brought a sense of hope and healing to the many who have followed the journey of Jackie and Shadow’s family. It's a reminder of nature's challenges — and the resilience it takes to overcome them.
A Community Effort and Educational Moment
The story of Sunny and Gizmo extends beyond just wildlife watchers. The eaglets’ names were selected through a community-driven process involving over 54,000 name submissions. Final voting was carried out by local third, fourth, and fifth-grade students at Big Bear Elementary School. This initiative fostered a strong sense of ownership and engagement among young students, teaching them about eagle conservation and the importance of environmental stewardship.
During nesting season, the area around the eagles' tree is closed to the public to ensure the birds remain undisturbed. It will reopen once both eaglets have successfully fledged and moved on.
What’s Next for Gizmo?
While Sunny explores her new aerial world, Gizmo continues to build confidence from the safety of the nest. Observers using the big bear eagle cam noted Gizmo’s fascination as she watched her sister fly off. According to the team monitoring the nest, Gizmo kept looking into the distance, likely curious and inspired. Her first flight could come at any moment, and viewers are eagerly tuning in, hoping to witness it live.
With the big bear eagle cam still running, all eyes remain on Big Bear Valley, where nature is playing out its story in real time — a story filled with growth, heartbreak, joy, and flight.
