First flight! Watch as baby eaglet takes off from Jackie and Shadow's nest

USA Today

02-06-2025

First flight! Watch as baby eaglet takes off from Jackie and Shadow's nest
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Watch Sunny, one of Jackie and Shadow's eaglets, soars from the nest
A livestream caught Sunny flying from the nest. Her and her sibling Gizmo hatched back in March.
Celebrity bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow experienced a parental milestone after one of their new baby eaglets left the nest and took their first flight Monday, June 2.
Sister eaglets Sunny and Gizmo were recently trained for their big send off after hatching in their parents' nest in March in Southern California's Big Bear Valley, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley, the non-profit organization that runs a 24-hour live feed monitoring the famous family.
Soon after 10:45 am local time, Sunny set off to the sky for the first time, kicking off a new era of her life, the organization confirmed on Facebook.
Watch the moment Sunny takes flight
"She put up her wings to catch the wind and then jumped up and let those beautiful wings carry her. She circled back around toward Shadow and Jackie's favorite roost tree," the Facebook post reads. "And a bit later, our awesome camera operators were able to find Sunny, perching near the top of the roost tree."
It's unclear whether Sunny will return to the nest, though Jackie and Shadow's prior eaglets have done so, the group said. The group said it is thrilled for Sunny but sad livestream viewers may not see her as often anymore.
What about Gizmo?
Sunny's sister Gizmo has not yet left the nest, though her time may be coming.
Friends of Big Bear Valley reported that Gizmo was right beside her sister during the flight, adding "she looked completely fascinated and kept her eyes on Sunny flying away from the nest."
"Gizmo probably now has a lot to think about," the non-profit wrote.
Last month, the organization said the siblings were preparing to soar at 10 weeks old. Jackie and Shadow laid out larger sticks around the nest as as outer guardrails and training aids during their kid's wing developmental process, known as fledge.
Who are Sunny and Gizmo?
Sunny and Gizmo were two of three hatchlings born to Jackie and Shadow in March 2025.
A third eaglet, named Misty in honor of a former volunteer, died after a snowstorm hit the area.
But Jackie and Shadow have been able to make sure Sunny and Gizmo are healthy and happy.
Last month, Friends of Big Bear Valley launched a contest titled FledgeFest 2025 where fans could predict exactly when Sunny and Gizmo would each fly. USA TODAY has reached out to see if a contest winner has been declared and will receive an honorary certificate.