The Big Bear eaglets Sunny and Gizmo are nearing their first flight, with the “fledge watch” period expected to begin soon. They are about 10 weeks old – Sunny hatched about a week before Gizmo – and bald eagles typically fledge between 10 and 14 weeks of age. The nonprofit organization, Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), is monitoring the eaglets through a 24/7 livestream.
What does it mean to Fledge?
The term “fledge” refers to an eaglet’s first flight and leaving the nest. The fledge watch period for Sunny and Gizmo has begun, with many people excited to see them take their first flights.
Eagles typically fledge between 10 and 14 weeks of age. Sunny, the larger eaglet, officially reached 10 weeks of age on May 13, 2025, and Gizmo will reach that milestone on May 16, 2025, so it could be any day now.
Wingersizing
As FOBBV moderator BKind22 posted, “Wingersizing will be more intense now too. When the wind comes up, it encourages both to rise and stretch their massive wings out wide and flap hard. Sunny caught a nice breeze just perfectly and with aggressive hops and jumps, it lifted that strong body up and off the nest. Hovering during wingersizing and more extensive branching will be their next exciting quests to conquer.”
Risks associated with Fledging
Fledging isn’t without serious dangers. Young bald eagles face risks like being hit by cars, flying into power lines, or lead poisoning. Jackie and Shadow will likely continue to follow Sunny and Gizmo for two to three months, guiding them as they learn to become self-sufficient, like teaching them how to hunt and fish.
After gaining independence, Sunny and Gizmo will likely travel and meet other juvenile eagles, potentially finding a mate within five years.
You can follow Sunny and Gizmo’s journey to adulthood on the Friends of Big Bear Valley YouTube channel.
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Photo Credit: Petar Marshall / Shutterstock.com