Sandy and Luna return to nest after a big day of flying

Two of the internet’s favorite bald eaglets are getting more bold as they explore the trees surrounding Big Bear Lake, but that does not mean eaglets Sandy and Luna are totally out of the nest. Early this morning, the Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) eagle cam caught the brother and sister duo reunited and standing on the edge of their nest.

Earlier this week, Sandy took an unexpected fledge after losing her balance and tumbling down the nest tree. Luna purposely fledged a day later. The siblings will remain near the nest a little while longer as their parents help them learn to take care of themselves.

Sandy and Luna are expected to completely fledge this month. Image: FOBBV.

The visit follows a busy day to kick off July, as parents Jackie and Shadow raced to keep up with their young adult eagles as they flew from treetop to treetop. Luna began the day hopping around, perching on the various trees near the nest. He stopped to visit Shadow in the so-called Simba tree, before visiting his parent’s preferred perch trees.

Sandy was spotted later in the day perching on top of a sugar pine tree. According to FOBBV, Sandy is easily identified by the frilly white feather on her back. Sandy also has less white on her tail than her brother Luna. After all of that flying, mom Jackie delivered Sandy a fish for dinner.

Jackie and Shadow’s 2026 babies: Everything you need to know

It’s been another roller coaster nesting season for Jackie and Shadow, a pair of internet-famous bald eagle parents living in San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. After two of their eggs were destroyed by ravens in January, Jackie and Shadow laid two new eggs that have successfully hatched.

Chick 1 hatched on April 4 at 9:33 p.m. PDT, while Chick 2 followed on April 5 at 8:30 a.m. Their large nest in Big Bear Valley east of Los Angeles is livestreamed 24 hours a day by nonprofit Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV) and has captivated millions.

On May 1, FOBBV announced the chicks’ names: Sandy and Luna.

How long will the chicks stay in the nest?

Chicks usually stay in the nest until 10 to 14 weeks of age.

What challenges do the eaglets face?

Before leaving the nest, the chicks face threats from other birds of prey, including hawks, ravens, other eagles, and owls. Inclement weather can also present challenges for the chicks. In 2025, a March snowstorm resulted in the death of one of Jackie and Shadow’s three chicks.

During fledging, only 70 percent of eaglets survive. One of the greatest threats is from cars that can injure or kill the birds while they scavenge for food on roadkill.

Who are Jackie and Shadow?

The pair first got together in 2018 and successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. However, their eggs failed to hatch in 2023 and 2024. Only 50 percent of eagle eggs successfully hatch, so this pair has already beaten the odds.

What happened to Jackie and Shadow’s 2025 eaglets?

In 2025, Jackie laid three eggs that all hatched in early March. On March 13, a strong snowstorm dumped up to two feet of snow and battered the nest with strong winds. Only two of the chicks were visible on the live cam when the storm passed by the next morning. FOBBV later confirmed the passing of one of the chicks. The two surviving chicks were later named Sunny and Gizmo after 54,000 names were submitted by fans.

What happens after chicks fledge?

Young eagles usually fledge, or leave the nest and fly, when they can flatten their wings and have feathers capable of flight. This typically occurs when the birds hit 10 to 14 weeks of age. Males also tend to take their first flight a little sooner than females.

According to FOBBV, fledglings from Southern California have been spotted as far south as Baja California, as far north as British Columbia, and as far east as Yellowstone National Park.

About 70 percent of bald eagles survive the fledgling stage. FOBBV does not tag their eagles, so it’s not possible to follow the chicks’ journeys after they flee the nest.

Can I help Jackie and Shadow?

Yes. Environmental groups are currently fundraising $10 million to protect Jackie and Shadow’s foraging area from development. Learn more at SaveMoonCamp.org.

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