The Eagles have flown!
Here is the conclusion to the story I've been posting about since February, 2026.
Two Eagles have fledged from the Friends of Big Bear Valley nest near Big Bear Lake, California. The parent birds, Jackie (female) and Shadow (male), have been caring for the two Eaglets, Sandy (female) and Luna (male), since the eggs were laid on 2/24/26 and 2/27/26. Sandy hatched on April 4 and Luna hatched on April 5. At 84 days old, Sandy fludged (accidental fledge) at 11:24AM June 28, and Luna fledged at 9:24AM on June 29. The entire time the nest has been streamed 24/7 by the Friends of Big Bear Valley. Here is the Cam 1 stream ... [click to enlarge videos for better viewing] ...
There have actually been two streams ... one on the nest and another on the surrounding area ...
On June 28th, Sunday, Sandy and Luna were both on a branch in front of the nest, Luna being on the outer part of the branch. When he decided to return to the nest bowl he accidentally gave Sandy a shove and she fell from the branch. She was spotted on a FOBBV security camera flying a few minutes later in the area around the nest tree.
Here is video showing Sandy dropping from the nest area on June 28th ...
Here is FOBBV's overview cam showing Sandy's fledge ...
Luna fledged this morning, June 29, 2026 at 9:24AM ...
This has been a fascinating story and I've enjoyed hours watching it unfold. Thank you for stopping by John's Island.
Update - June 30
Luna returns to the nest for breakfast served by Shadow ...
I've been watching this on another platform but hadn't caught the fledging. Thanks so much for bringing it, such drama! It's so moving to see such a huge bird who's really a baby, testing flight. Now I'll watch again.
ReplyDeleteIt's also fascinating how many people watch these streams.
ReplyDeleteHello, John
ReplyDeleteIt is exciting to see the eaglets leaving the nest. A happy time for the Bald Eagles. I love seeing them doing so well and a happy ending.
Thanks for sharing the links! Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead!
Such good news that the young have spread their wings, both literally and figuratively, and have launched themselves into adulthood. May they go on to live long and productive lives and produce many children of their own. Have a wonderful summer, John.
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting to see, John. Do they reunite with each other and their parents or are they each on their own now?
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job of capturing the perfect videos for us. Thank you!
Hi Ellen D, thank you for the kind words and for your question. I have myself asked that question, so when I’m reading what Eagle experts have written, I’ve been looking for the answer. The best I’ve been able to determine is that nature has given the birds an instinct to fly away from the nest where they were born to a new territory, they can call home. It seems reasonable to me as this would keep the young from being competitors to their parents. Eagles are territorial. The experts at FOBBV have said that Jackie and Shadow have used this nest near Big Bear Lake for several years now. They also say that Eagles born in this nest have been spotted as far north as Alaska and east to Yellowstone. How they KNOW that is unclear to me, but I’ll take their word for it. So, the bottom line is, Sandy and Luna will probably be around the area for a while as the parents teach them how to hunt and feed themselves. Once they have accomplished that I expect them to leave the area and whether they will return in the future for visits … I just don’t know. Thanks again for your kind comment and your question. John
Delete...a story with a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this. It is so wonderful to see!! I hope all continues to go well for this Eagle family!
ReplyDeleteJohn what a joy and privilege to see this, thank you so much for sharing the videos here with us.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Your put together a wonderful story of the Eagles fledging! Following the video from when upgrades to the nest started and the eggs were laid to even yesterday, has been entertaining. Right now I have that empty nester feeling! I wish the best for Sandy and Luna!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed watching the family. I will miss them as they venture off.
ReplyDeletedear john!
ReplyDeletei really admire your effort of participating this fascinating program and sharing this awesome and heartfelt phenomena with us :)
i enjoyed these videos beyond measures !
watching the real life progressing slowly in natural way and how these both magnificent baby birds turned into mighty and dangerous eagles is something truly special and there was no way i could have been part of it .so thank you so much for making us part of this beautiful story of a responsible and loving family :)
sending prayers and best wishes to you and family!