Big Bear Eaglet 'Sandy' Survives Harrowing Fall: Live Webcam Searches for the Bird

On Sunday morning, thousands of viewers were left stunned and heart-struck as Sandy, one of the two Big Bear eaglets, took a steep and accidental plunge from a tree branch on a live webcam stream. The incident occurred at 11:24 a.m., leaving many viewers worried about the bird's safety. Miraculously, Sandy was seen soaring away from the nest shortly after the fall, alleviating some of the tension and concern from the live audience.

Jenny Voisard, media manager with Friends of Big Bear Valley, was quick to ease the worries of the viewers, stating, 'She's fine.' Voisard emphasized the need for viewers to remain calm and allow the mother, Jackie, to take care of her fledgling. According to Voisard, it's not uncommon for young eaglets to have accidents, especially when they're learning to fly.

The live webcam, operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley, has been a source of delight for thousands of viewers worldwide. The 24/7 stream offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the majestic bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, and their eaglets, Sandy and Luna. The duo made their debut on April 4 and 5 and have been a subject of interest and admiration among wildlife enthusiasts and enthusiasts alike.

According to Voisard, eaglets typically fledge from their nests 10 to 14 weeks after birth. The process usually begins with the eaglets practicing their flying skills by hovering near the nest and gradually progressing to perching on nearby branches. Voisard noted that the eaglets' behavior over the past weekend was a prime example of this natural process, displaying clear signs of preparing to take their first flight.

As Sandy's flight was being closely monitored, her brother, Luna, could be seen looking around the nest and chirping loudly. Luna's actions suggested he was searching for his sibling, highlighting the close bond between the eaglets. In fact, Voisard mentioned that the two eaglets would likely stick around for some time after taking flight, remaining under the care of their eagle parents and learning essential skills.

However, Voisard also noted that the young eagles don't stay in the area for long. Within weeks of leaving the nest, they typically migrate hundreds of miles north to join others of their kind in search of food. The Department of Fish and Wildlife stated that young bald eagles are nomadic in their first few years of life and can travel extensive distances before settling down to take a mate and build a nest.

The livestream, which offers uninterrupted access to the lives of these magnificent creatures, has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the importance of conservation. Friends of Big Bear Valley have been instrumental in monitoring, educating, and advocating for the protection of the eagles' unique and irreplaceable habitat. By monitoring and learning from Jackie and Shadow's behavior, the non-profit organization is also helping humans connect with nature.

Losing their Executive Director, Sandy Steers, in February, Friends of Big Bear Valley held a celebration of life ceremony on June 13, 2026, at Veterans Park in Big Bear. Steers had been leading the fight against a 50-luxury home development less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's nesting ground. She successfully negotiated a $10 million land purchase agreement with the developer, with over $3 million donated to the cause by mid-June.

The efforts are part of a broader mission to safeguard the forest area and ensure the eagles' habitat remains safe and protected. Steers' email in January emphasized the essence of Friends of Big Bear Valley's mission: protecting and conserving through monitoring, education, and advocacy. She believed that the organization's work not only helped the eagles but also bridged the gap between humans and nature, allowing people to connect with and appreciate the beauty of the wild.