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Bald Eagles Sunny & Gizmo Enter Critical Fledging Phase
In the tall pine trees of Big Bear Valley in Southern California, two young bald eagles named Sunny and Gizmo captured the hearts of people around the world. These fluffy eaglets hatched in early March 2025 and grew up under the watchful eyes of a live camera. Thousands of viewers tuned in every day to see their progress.
Now, in October 2025, their amazing journey from tiny chicks to strong fliers can be seen. Their story shows the tough life of wild eagles and the joy of watching nature up close. The excitement started when the chicks were ready to take their first flight, called fledging.
Via Yahoo
This is a big moment for young eagles. It marks the start of their independent life. Sunny and Gizmo made it through hard times, like a big snowstorm, and became symbols of strength. Their adventure teaches people about wildlife and why it needs to be protected.
Via ACCU Weather
The area gets cold winters with snow and rain. This makes life hard for birds, but bald eagles are tough. They pick spots like this because there are plenty of fish in the lake and small animals in the forest. The nest is big, about six feet wide, made of sticks, grass, and soft materials. The parents add to it every year, so it stays strong.
This location helped Sunny and Gizmo grow up strong, even with bad weather. Living in a protected area means fewer dangers from humans. The forest service and local groups keep the spot safe. Visitors can hike nearby trails but must stay far from the nest to avoid bothering the birds. This balance lets people enjoy nature without harming it.
Via Los Angeles Times
Via USA Today
But in 2025, they had success with Sunny and Gizmo. These eagles are stars because of the live cam. People love seeing their daily life, like how they call to each other or fix the nest. Jackie and Shadow show what good parenting looks like in the wild. They teach their young how to hunt and fly, even after they leave the nest.
Via Los Angeles Times
Incubation lasts about 35 days, so everyone waited for early March. A winter storm hit in February, bringing snow and wind. Jackie stayed on the eggs, using her body to shield them. Shadow brought her food, so she didn't have to leave. This hard work paid off when the eggs started to hatch. Nesting season is a busy time. The eagles strengthen the nest with new sticks. They also defend their area from other birds. This prep helps the chicks have a safe start.
Via Yahoo
Viewers on the live cam cheered as they saw the little ones move around. It was a happy time after years when not all eggs hatched. But joy turned to worry soon. The chicks needed constant care in their first weeks. They couldn't control their body heat, so the parents brooded over them. This hatching success showed Jackie and Shadow's skill as parents.
Via Los Angeles Times
Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed the loss. This showed how harsh nature can be. Even with caring parents, not all young survive. The storm was one of the worst in years. It dumped feet of snow in the mountains. But Sunny and Gizmo, the stronger two, made it through. They huddled under Jackie and ate well. This challenge made their story even more inspiring.
Via YouTube
Naming helps people connect with the eagles. It turns them into stars, not just birds. The names stuck, and fans use them in chats and posts. This tradition builds community. Kids learn about wildlife and feel part of the story. It also raises awareness for eagle protection.
Via LAist
On May 8, they spent their first night alone. Shadow checked on them, but it was a big step. By late May, they were almost as big as their parents, with brown feathers. These steps are normal for eagle chicks. They go from helpless to strong in about 10 weeks. Watchers loved seeing the changes day by day.
Via Secret Los Angeles
Males sometimes fledge first, but since both are females, it was anyone's guess. Crashes are common on first tries, but parents help by bringing food. This time is exciting but risky. About 70 percent of eagles survive fledging. The live cam lets people see it live. Sunny took her first flight on June 4, 2025. She leaped from the nest and soared over the lake. It was a perfect launch, thrilling viewers. Gizmo followed on June 7. She was a bit shaky but made it to a nearby tree. Both returned to the nest for food at first.
Via The Desert Sun
Eagles mate for life and can live 30 years in the wild. They fly up to 10,000 feet high and dive at 100 miles per hour. Past Big Bear chicks like Simba and Stormy didn't survive long after fledging. It shows the risks young eagles face. Sunny and Gizmo's story is one of hope. From hatching in a storm to flying free, they've beaten odds.
As they grow, they might start their own families one day. Fans keep watching the cam for Jackie and Shadow's next season. This tale teaches patience and respect for nature. It connects you to the wild world. In Big Bear Valley, the pines whisper of new beginnings. Sunny and Gizmo are part of that endless cycle.
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Via Yahoo
This is a big moment for young eagles. It marks the start of their independent life. Sunny and Gizmo made it through hard times, like a big snowstorm, and became symbols of strength. Their adventure teaches people about wildlife and why it needs to be protected.
The Special Nest in Big Bear Valley
Big Bear Valley sits high in the San Bernardino Mountains. It's a beautiful place with clear lakes, thick forests, and fresh air. The nest of Sunny and Gizmo is built on a huge Jeffrey pine tree, about 145 feet off the ground. This spot gives the eagles a great view of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding woods. It's a safe home, far from people and predators.
Via ACCU Weather
The area gets cold winters with snow and rain. This makes life hard for birds, but bald eagles are tough. They pick spots like this because there are plenty of fish in the lake and small animals in the forest. The nest is big, about six feet wide, made of sticks, grass, and soft materials. The parents add to it every year, so it stays strong.
This location helped Sunny and Gizmo grow up strong, even with bad weather. Living in a protected area means fewer dangers from humans. The forest service and local groups keep the spot safe. Visitors can hike nearby trails but must stay far from the nest to avoid bothering the birds. This balance lets people enjoy nature without harming it.
Via Los Angeles Times
Meet the Proud Parents: Jackie and Shadow
The parents of Sunny and Gizmo are famous bald eagles named Jackie and Shadow. Jackie is the female, and she's known for being a great mom. She's about nine years old and has a strong build. Shadow is the male, a bit smaller, but very protective. They've been together since 2019 and have raised chicks before. Jackie and Shadow take turns sitting on the eggs and bringing food. Jackie does most of the egg warming because she's bigger and can keep them warmer. Shadow hunts for fish and small mammals to feed the family. Their teamwork is key to the chicks' survival. In past years, they've faced sad losses, like eggs that didn't hatch or chicks that didn't make it.
Via USA Today
But in 2025, they had success with Sunny and Gizmo. These eagles are stars because of the live cam. People love seeing their daily life, like how they call to each other or fix the nest. Jackie and Shadow show what good parenting looks like in the wild. They teach their young how to hunt and fly, even after they leave the nest.
The Start of the 2025 Nesting Season
The 2025 season began in late January. Jackie laid her first egg on January 22, during a cold spell. Three days later, on January 25, she laid the second egg. Then, on January 28, the third egg came. This was exciting because three eggs are rare for bald eagles. Usually, they lay two. The parents took great care of the eggs. They turned them gently to keep them warm all over.
Via Los Angeles Times
Incubation lasts about 35 days, so everyone waited for early March. A winter storm hit in February, bringing snow and wind. Jackie stayed on the eggs, using her body to shield them. Shadow brought her food, so she didn't have to leave. This hard work paid off when the eggs started to hatch. Nesting season is a busy time. The eagles strengthen the nest with new sticks. They also defend their area from other birds. This prep helps the chicks have a safe start.
The Joyful Hatching Days
Hatching began on March 2, 2025. The first chick broke through its shell after a small crack, called a pip, appeared. By March 3, the second chick hatched. Then, on March 6, the third one came out. All three were fluffy and helpless, covered in gray down. They could barely hold up their heads. The parents fed them tiny bits of fish right away. The chicks grew fast, gaining strength each day.
Via Yahoo
Viewers on the live cam cheered as they saw the little ones move around. It was a happy time after years when not all eggs hatched. But joy turned to worry soon. The chicks needed constant care in their first weeks. They couldn't control their body heat, so the parents brooded over them. This hatching success showed Jackie and Shadow's skill as parents.
Facing the Deadly Snowstorm
Just days after the third hatch, a big snowstorm hit on March 11, 2025. Heavy snow and cold winds covered the nest. The parents tried to protect the chicks, but it was tough. Snow piled up, and the smallest chick couldn't stay warm enough. By March 15, only two chicks were seen alive. The third one had died from the cold. It was a sad moment for the watchers.
Via Los Angeles Times
Friends of Big Bear Valley confirmed the loss. This showed how harsh nature can be. Even with caring parents, not all young survive. The storm was one of the worst in years. It dumped feet of snow in the mountains. But Sunny and Gizmo, the stronger two, made it through. They huddled under Jackie and ate well. This challenge made their story even more inspiring.
Naming the Survivors: Sunny and Gizmo
With two chicks thriving, it was time to name them. On April 2, 2025, local school kids from third to fifth grade voted. They picked Sunny and Gizmo. Sunny got her name for her bright personality, like the sun. Gizmo is fun and fits her curious nature. Both are females, with Sunny being the older one.
Via YouTube
Naming helps people connect with the eagles. It turns them into stars, not just birds. The names stuck, and fans use them in chats and posts. This tradition builds community. Kids learn about wildlife and feel part of the story. It also raises awareness for eagle protection.
Growth Milestones in the Nest
As April came, Sunny and Gizmo grew quickly. They started self-feeding around four weeks old. They tore small pieces of fish with their beaks. This skill is important for survival. In May, they began "wingercizing." They flapped their wings hard to build muscles. They also did "branching," hopping to sticks near the nest edge. This practice helps them get ready for a flight.
Via LAist
On May 8, they spent their first night alone. Shadow checked on them, but it was a big step. By late May, they were almost as big as their parents, with brown feathers. These steps are normal for eagle chicks. They go from helpless to strong in about 10 weeks. Watchers loved seeing the changes day by day.
Entering the Fledge Window
The fledgling window started in mid-May. This is when chicks are ready to fly, usually between 10 and 14 weeks old. For Sunny and Gizmo, it could happen any day from late May to mid-June. Fans watched closely for signs. The chicks flapped more and looked over the edge.
Via Secret Los Angeles
Males sometimes fledge first, but since both are females, it was anyone's guess. Crashes are common on first tries, but parents help by bringing food. This time is exciting but risky. About 70 percent of eagles survive fledging. The live cam lets people see it live. Sunny took her first flight on June 4, 2025. She leaped from the nest and soared over the lake. It was a perfect launch, thrilling viewers. Gizmo followed on June 7. She was a bit shaky but made it to a nearby tree. Both returned to the nest for food at first.
Discover Bald Eaglets Sunny & Gizmo's Fledge Watch
Bald eagles aren't bald; their white heads make them look that way. They get the white at four or five years old. Sunny and Gizmo are still brown. They build the biggest nests in North America, up to 13 feet deep. Their eyesight is four times better than humans, spotting fish from a mile up.
Via The Desert Sun
Eagles mate for life and can live 30 years in the wild. They fly up to 10,000 feet high and dive at 100 miles per hour. Past Big Bear chicks like Simba and Stormy didn't survive long after fledging. It shows the risks young eagles face. Sunny and Gizmo's story is one of hope. From hatching in a storm to flying free, they've beaten odds.
As they grow, they might start their own families one day. Fans keep watching the cam for Jackie and Shadow's next season. This tale teaches patience and respect for nature. It connects you to the wild world. In Big Bear Valley, the pines whisper of new beginnings. Sunny and Gizmo are part of that endless cycle.
