Eaglet Sandy – A bald eagle eaglet named Sandy fell from Jackie and Shadow’s Big Bear Lake nest on Sunday morning during what friends of the nest described as an accidental “fledge,” and camera operators searched for her as she regrouped below.
Sunday morning in Big Bear Lake, Calif., ended with a familiar moment for those who watch the area’s beloved bald eagle nest—only this time, it was one eaglet who took the risk a little early.
Jackie and Shadow’s eaglet Sandy “fludged. ” a term Friends of Big Bear Valley used to describe when an infant bird falls as it tries to fly from the nest on its own. Video from the live camera captured Sandy appearing startled as her eaglet brother, Luna, attempted to jump over her. In that instant, Sandy lost her footing and dropped out of the nest during an accidental fledge.
The nonprofit operating the live feed said Sandy appeared to be down on another branch below. getting her bearings out of the camera’s view. Her mother, Jackie, was there right away to keep an eye on her. Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie has been through the situation with other eaglets before.
What happens next is part instinct, part constant attention. Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie and Shadow will follow Sandy wherever she goes and make sure she is fed and taken care of. At the same time, the nonprofit’s camera operators searched for Sandy.
The timing matters because young eagles typically leave the nest and take their first flight around thirteen weeks. Sandy and Luna are nearly 12 weeks old, making this an early step into the riskier stage of life.
As Big Bear Lake prepares for the 4th of July—weeks when visitors pour in and local businesses look for a lift—some residents and regular viewers have concerns about the nest pair. For now, the outcome hinges on whether Sandy can regroup and be guided back into the rhythm her parents already know.
Big Bear Lake bald eagle Jackie and Shadow eaglet Sandy Luna live camera accidental fledge Friends of Big Bear Valley
So it’s basically their 1st flight training huh.
Wait I thought bald eagles don’t fledge until later? Like 12 weeks seems too early, someone messed up or the camera people stressed her out.
“Fludged”?? That sounds like a made up word they use for falling lol. But if she was down on another branch wouldn’t that still count as being in the nest? I’m confused. Hopefully Jackie doesn’t keep chasing her like 12 times.
Big Bear will have people swarming for the 4th of July and y’all act like it’s no big deal. If birds are dropping out early, maybe it’s all the fireworks noise or traffic near the lake? I watch stuff like this and it always seems worse around summer visitors.