BIG BEAR CITY, Calif., June 29 (Our Hesperia) — One of Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, Sandy, fell from the Big Bear bald eagle nest in California on Sunday morning in what Friends of Big Bear Valley described as an accidental fledge, or “fludge,” as the young bird reached the stage when bald eagles begin first flights.
Friends of Big Bear Valley, which runs the nest livestream, said camera footage showed Sandy flapping near the nest’s outer branch before losing her footing and dropping out of the nest area. The group said the eaglet moved out of the camera’s view after the fall.
Media manager Jenny Voisard said security camera footage showed Sandy flying to another tree, and the nonprofit said it had not yet picked her up. Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie stayed nearby after the incident and that Jackie and Shadow would continue to follow Sandy and care for her.
Sandy and her sibling, Luna, hatched in early April and were about 12 weeks old when the fall happened. Friends of Big Bear Valley also reminded visitors to stay out of the habitat during this sensitive time, saying it is illegal to be there.
