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Big Bear Eaglet Sunny Flutters in First Flight Attempt

This three-second wing test on a narrow branch marks the first fledge attempt from this Big Bear nest since 2022.

Big Bear eagle Sunny goes airborne while perched on a branch protruding from the nest, known as the ‘front porch,’ on Thursday, May 29, 2025. (Screenshot courtesy of Friends of Big Bear Valley)

Overview

  • On May 29 at 1 p.m., Sunny perched on the nest’s “high perch” and hovered for about three seconds before wind knocked it back into the nest.
  • Sunny and sibling Gizmo are both 12 weeks old, fitting the typical bald eagle fledging window of 10 to 14 weeks.
  • Experts expect Sunny to return to the nest later the same day or shortly after achieving its first sustained flight.
  • The nest, maintained by Friends of Big Bear Valley, is livestreamed around the clock and has drawn wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.
  • No eaglet has successfully fledged from this nest since Spirit departed on May 31, 2022, making Sunny’s progress closely watched.