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- Big Bear eaglet takes flight from nest (cbsnews.com)
Big Bear Eagle Takes First Flight!
Big Bear Valley, CA – Sunny, one of two eaglets born to the famed bald eagle pair Jackie and Shadow, has taken her first flight, much to the delight of eagle-cam viewers everywhere! At approximately 10:46 a.m. on Monday, Sunny bravely leaped from the nest and soared into the sky, leaving her sister Gizmo behind.
Sandy Steers, Executive Director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, expressed her joy at Sunny’s successful flight. While Sunny’s exact destination is unknown, Steers reassured viewers that young eagles often return to the nest shortly after their initial flight.
At nearly 13 weeks old, Sunny and Gizmo are at the prime age for fledging. “Fledge watch” began in mid-May, with viewers eagerly awaiting the eaglets’ maiden voyages. In the days leading up to Sunny’s flight, both eaglets were observed practicing by flapping their wings and hopping on the edge of the nest.
Gizmo, who is developing more slowly than her sister, remains in the nest for now. Steers noted that it’s uncertain when Gizmo will be ready to take the plunge.
Both eaglets, determined to be female due to their rapid growth, will likely stay in the area for one to three months after fledging, returning to the nest periodically. By fall, they will venture out on their own.
Because they aren’t banded, their future movements and whether they’ll remain together are unknown. It’s also unclear if they will recognize each other later in life.
While some evidence suggests bald eagles have strong memories, further research is needed. Most eagles reach full maturity around age five, sporting the iconic white head and tail, along with bright yellow beaks and eyes.
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- Big Bear eaglet takes flight from nest (cbsnews.com)