Jackie and Shadow’s eaglet Sandy falls out of nest in accidental fledge in Big Bear

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. () — Jackie and Shadow’s eaglet Sandy fell out of her nest on Sunday morning in an accidental fledge, video from the beloved Big Bear bald eagle nest shows.

Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that operates the live camera on the nest, says Sandy “fludged” — meaning the infant bird fell when trying to fly out of the nest on her own. She appeared to be startled by her eaglet brother, Luna, as he attempted to jump over her. Sandy then lost her footing, falling out of the nest in an accidental fledge.

The nonprofit said she appeared to be down on another branch below, getting her bearings out of the camera’s view. Her mother, Jackie, was there right away to keep an eye on Sandy and has been through this with other eaglets in the past.

Friends of Big Bear Valley say Jackie and Shadow will follow Sandy wherever she goes and make sure she is fed and taken care of. Meanwhile, the nonprofit’s camera operators are searching for her.

Young eagles typically leave the nest and take flight for the first time around thirteen weeks, and Sandy and Luna are nearly 12 weeks old.

READ MORE: Big Bear Lake businesses optimistic about 4th of July after slow winter seasons