BIG BEAR CITY, Calif., June 29 (Our Hesperia) — One of Jackie and Shadow’s eaglets, Sandy, fell from the Big Bear bald eagle nest Sunday morning in what Friends of Big Bear Valley described as an accidental fledge, or “fludge,” during a widely watched livestream.
The nonprofit, which runs the nest camera, said Sandy was flapping near the edge of the nest when she lost her footing and dropped to lower branches before moving out of the camera’s view. Friends of Big Bear Valley said the bird then appeared to be on another branch or in another tree and was likely resting or getting her bearings.
Sandy and her sibling, Luna, hatched in early April and were about 12 weeks old at the time of the incident. Coverage of the nest said bald eagles typically fledge when they are about 10 to 14 weeks old.
Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie, Sandy’s mother, was nearby after the fall and that Jackie and Shadow would continue to follow Sandy and care for her. The organization also said its camera operators were still searching for the eaglet.
The group later warned visitors to stay away from the habitat, saying it is illegal to be there during this sensitive time for the eagle family.
