One of Jackie and Shadow’s bald eaglets had an “accidental fledge” Sunday morning, according to the Friends of Big Bear Valley.
The tumble happened just before 11:30 a.m., the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam showed. The nonprofit 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 FOBBV said.
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 FOBBV said Jackie and Shadow will keep their eyes on Sandy and make sure she is fed.
An egg was in the process of hatching as of Saturday morning, and the little bird emerged from its shell at 9:33 p.m. This video was broadcast during the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The incident 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.