Full Breakdown
Accidental Fledge of Big Bear Eaglet Sandy
6/29/2026, 12:45:05 PM
The Incident: Accidental Fledge Captured Live
On Sunday, June 28 2026, at about 11:24 a.m. PT, 12-week-old eaglet Sandy fell from the nest of bald eagles Jackie and Shadow in Big Bear Lake. Her brother Luna leapt over her on a front-porch branch, causing Sandy to lose footing, tumble onto lower branches, and drop out of view at 11:30 a.m. A security camera later recorded her flying to another tree.
Background: Nest, Live-Stream, and Conservation
The nest, filmed since 2015 and equipped with a second camera in 2021, is monitored by Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). The 24-hour live-stream draws attention and over 20,000 viewers. Sandy and Luna, hatched in April, were named for the late executive director Sandy Steers, whose work secured a $10 million land-purchase and $3 million in donations to protect the forest.
Key Figures
Jackie and Shadow are the parent eagles; their offspring are Sandy and Luna. Jenny Voisard is FOBBV’s media manager. Staff and volunteers run the cameras and enforce protections that prohibit public entry into the eagles’ habitat.
Timeline of the Fall
11:24 a.m.: Luna jumps over Sandy; she slips onto lower branches.
11:25 a.m.: Sandy falls to a second branch, hangs upside down.
11:30 a.m.: Camera captures her flying out of frame.
11:32 a.m.–1:42 p.m.: Staff monitor and report she appears “good in her flight.”
Data & Statistics
The livestream peaked at over 20,000 viewers, with reports of 27,000 early afternoon. Bald eagle eaglets fledge between 10 and 14 weeks; Sandy, at 12 weeks, was within the normal range but had not completed full flap-training.
Why It Matters
The event highlights interest in wildlife monitoring and the need to protect sensitive habitats. FOBBV’s outreach secured a $10 million land-purchase and $3 million in donations, reinforcing the forest’s role as a safe breeding ground.
Official Statements & Responses
FOBBV’s media manager said Sandy “appears fine,” that Jackie and Shadow are supervising her, and that they will continue feeding and monitoring her until she returns. The organization reiterated that entering the eagles’ habitat is illegal and urged calm.
Criticism & Opposition: Fireworks Petition
A local petition seeks to cancel the Fourth-of-July fireworks, arguing pyrotechnics could startle the eagles and affect fledging. FOBBV clarified it is not involved and acknowledged fireworks could influence the birds’ behavior.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She’s fine,” — Jenny Voisard, media manager, Friends of Big Bear Valley
- “I’m on the live cam now. OMG. I’m having heart palpitations right now. I hope there are no injuries,” — Lina Cabanila, viewer
- “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.” — Friends of Big Bear Valley statement
- “I about had a heart attack,” — Christie Schultz, viewer
What’s Next
FOBBV camera operators will keep searching for Sandy and provide updates. The group will also monitor the impact of the Fourth-of-July fireworks, scheduled two miles from the nest, on the eagles’ behavior.
