Bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow's eaglets Sunny and Gizmo should be flying soon
Not too long ago the internet was waiting with bated breath to see if celebrity bald eagle couple Jackie and Shadow's eggs would hatch. Now their surviving two eaglets are gearing up to leave the nest and take flight.
Sibling eaglets Sunny and Gizmo hatched in March 2025 in their parents' nest in Big Bear in Southern California. While the birds may not be aware of their stardom, the family has amassed a dedicated fanbase thanks to Friends of Big Bear Valley, the non-profit organization that runs a 24-hour live feed monitoring the eagles.
The babies are now 10 weeks old preparing to fly under the protection of Jackie and Shadow, Friends of Big Bear Valley recently confirmed on Facebook. The nonprofit said the parents are using larger sticks as outer guardrails and training aids before their babies will be ready to soar.
"Both Sunny and Gizmo have spent some time up on the left side rails and even stood side by side yesterday looking out over the territory," the Facebook post reads. "When the wind comes up, it encourages both to rise and stretch their massive wings out wide and flap hard."
For a moment Sunny managed to hover off the nest with the help of a strong breeze, as well as some robust hops and jumps, the non-profit said. The two will soon start hovering in the near future, further exercising their flight muscles and making their way from the nest to nearby branches.
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
“Wherever they are, Jackie and Shadow will be following them around, feeding them and bringing them food and making sure that they learn how to get food on their own,” Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, told LAist last month.
Group hosts guessing contest ahead of first flights
Friends of Big Bear Valley is rewarding fans of the eagle family with a contest titled FledgeFest 2025.
Viewers can predict exactly when Sunny and Gizmo will complete their fledge, the developmental process of a bird's wings becoming strong enough to fly. Whoever guesses the exact day and hour each bird takes their first flight wins an honorary certificate.
The contest can be entered here and the deadline is Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m. PT.