One of the eaglets from Big Bear, named Sunny, has reached an exciting milestone by hovering for the first time. This event took place on Thursday, May 30, as reported by the Friends of Big Bear Valley. Sunny, who turned 12 weeks old earlier this week, was seen hovering over the nest shared with sibling Gizmo and their parents, Shadow and Jackie.
The Friends of Big Bear Valley operates a 24-hour camera that monitors the nest, located 145 feet up a Jeffrey Pine tree overlooking Big Bear Lake. This live stream has allowed eagle enthusiasts to witness the growth and development of the eaglets in real time.
Hovering is an important step in the eaglets’ development. It occurs when they catch the wind just right, lifting them off the ground without fully leaving the nest. This skill is a precursor to fledging, which is when eaglets actually take flight. The typical age for eaglets to fledge is between 10 and 14 weeks. Gizmo is expected to reach 12 weeks soon.
Sunny and Gizmo were hatched in March. Unfortunately, their triplet sibling did not survive a severe snowstorm that blanketed the area with over two feet of snow. Now, both eaglets are roughly three feet tall, comparable to their father, Shadow. Their wings have grown to an impressive span of over five feet, and they share a nest that measures six feet across.
As they continue to grow, Sunny and Gizmo have been practicing their flying skills by flapping their wings and bouncing on tree branches. After they fledge, it is common for some eaglets to return to the nest shortly after, while others may stay away for a few days. Their parents will continue to follow them, teaching them how to find food and survive in the wild.
Sandy Steers, the executive director of the Friends of Big Bear Valley, has noted the unique bond between the two eaglets, especially when food is plentiful. In the early days, they experienced some rivalry, as is typical among siblings in the wild. However, their relationship has since flourished.
Observing Sunny and Gizmo has provided valuable insights into the behaviors and development of young eagles, showcasing the wonders of wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts in their habitat.