Big Bear Bald Eaglet Flight Watch 'Soon To Begin': Watch As They Preen And Practice

BIG BEAR VALLEY, CA — Southern California's famed eaglet chicks are getting closer to flight, nearing "flight watch" which should begin next week. Each day, over 35,000 watchers observe the Big Bear bald eagle family over a live camera feed, watching them learn from their parents, preen and practice, and prepare for flight.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley, who follow and monitor the bonded eagle parents, Jackie and Shadow, have given everyone a rare view of Sunny and Gizmo's growth with their live webcam aimed at the nest the bonded pair return to year after year. The two chicks hatched during a winter snowstorm this year. Misty, the third eaglet, perished in the storm just after hatching.

If you've followed the eaglets, Sunny and Gizmo, from pip-watch to present, you'll see their nest is getting rather full. Indeed, overnight on Thursday, the FOBBV spokesperson said, the chicks were left alone for a time.

According to the volunteer naturalists who track the birds, it's a bit early for "Flight Watch," which will start around May 13.

Eaglets have a wide fledgling (flying) window, from 10 to 14 weeks, they said. "It is a wait and see who fledges first and when. We may have to wait several weeks. No rush, Sunny & Gizmo!"

Their father, Shadow, has flown fish up to the nest, and “branched” or climbed the tree to a higher front porch perch. "The chicks were keeping an eye on him between bites to see how 'branching' was done," they said.

Meanwhile, the chicks stay busy as they preen feathers, hop and practice the pre-flight behaviors, according to a spokesperson for the group.

"Gizmo was preening, and tiny white natal down feathers floated in the air as both chicks preened and shook their feathers," they said. "Later, Gizmo balanced and perched on nest sticks, flapping vigorously and spreading those big beautiful wings, trying to feel what it would be like to soar in the wind. Sunny branched again on the back porch, this time visibly more confident."

The chicks are now nine weeks old, and have been left in the nest for longer and longer periods of time. The chicks cuddled together overnight and awoke together to watch the sunrise.

Be sure to check back daily and see progress as Flight Watch arrives!