One of Jackie and Shadow’s bald eaglets accidentally fledged Sunday morning, according to the Friends of Big Bear Valley.
The incident happened just before 11:30 a.m., the nonprofit’s live eagle cam feed showed. The FOBBV said Sandy and her sibling Luna — both hatched in April — were in front of the nest when Luna tried to jump over Sandy to get back in, causing Sandy to lose her balance and fall onto the branches below.
Shortly after, Sandy freed herself and landed below the nest, the organization said.
FOBBV cameras then caught Sandy flying to another area. It was unclear where she landed, but the nonprofit said she “looked good in her flight” and was “likely relaxing from her unexpected adventure.”
As camera operators search for Sandy, the organization said Jackie and Shadow will keep their eyes on Sandy and make sure she is fed.
Big Bear chicks historically fledge, meaning they have the feathers and wing muscles needed to fly, at around 13 weeks but can do so whenever they are ready, according to the FOBBV.
People asking the city of Big Bear to reconsider the fireworks show. Christian Cázares reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
This comes as a growing online petition has been pushing for the cancellation of Fourth of July fireworks in Big Bear to protect the beloved eagles. The FOBBV is not behind the petition but said the fireworks could scare off Jackie and Shadow, leaving their eaglets unprotected.
Big Bear officials said the fireworks show, which has been taking place for some 60 years, will take place two miles away from the nest, adding that more than 125,000 people were expected to visit for the holiday weekend.