California Eagles' Double Fledgling: A Global Webcam Sensation

Big Bear Valley Eagles: A Rare Double Fledgling Event In the heart of California's Big Bear Valley, a heartwarming and rare event is unfolding. Two bald eagle chicks, Sunny and Gizmo, are on the brink of their first flight, a significant milestone for this family and wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. Their parents, Jackie and Shadow, have become internet sensations thanks to a live webcam that has captured their every move since the eggs were laid last winter. "Having two of them be ready is, yeah, beyond imagination," says Sandy Steers, who helps run Friends of Big Bear Valley, the conservation group that monitors the webcam. The group has been tracking the eagles for years, and this is the first time they've seen two chicks successfully develop to this stage. Usually, only one chick survives to fledge. The journey hasn't been easy. The chicks faced a blizzard and howling winds earlier this year, and one egg didn't hatch. But Sunny and Gizmo persevered, growing from tiny fluffballs into three-foot-tall eaglets. Their progress has been watched by people around the globe, creating a sense of shared excitement and anticipation for their upcoming flight. The impending departure of the chicks marks a bittersweet moment for Steers and other watchers. "It's like heart-felt and exciting, and at the same time heartbreaking," she shares, capturing the emotional complexity of witnessing such a natural wonder. The successful fledging of two eagle chicks is a testament to the resilience of nature and the dedication of conservation efforts. It's a story that resonates with people's love for wildlife and provides a hopeful message about the preservation of these magnificent birds.