Big Bear eaglet's accidental 'fludge' ends in first flight; Sandy hasn't returned to nest

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Set us as preferred Sandy has taken flight, but not without sending eagle-eyed viewers of the Friends of Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam into a Sunday-morning panic.Shortly before 11:30 a.m., one of the two famous eaglets — later identified as Sandy — was flapping her wings on a branch just outside the nest.She lost her footing and fell to a lower branch.

Then another.And then another, before flying to another tree, according to Jenny Voisard, media manager of Friends of Big Bear Valley.

“I about had a heart attack,” viewer Christie Schultz posted on the FOBBV Facebook page.“Sandy hung there for about 7 min upside down, then dropped all the way with wings spread.”Big Bear eagles Jackie and Shadow’s offspring, Sandy and sibling Luna, hatched in April, and millions watched as they hatched.

It typically takes baby eagles 10 to 14 weeks to fledge.In recent days, viewers were treated to the younger eagles practicing their wing flapping and preparing to make their first official flights.

California What’s more American than fireworks on the Fourth of July? How about protecting a beloved family of bald eagles, environmental advocates are arguing.On Sunday, Sandy did what is known in eagle circles as a “fludge,” by accidentally taking flight through an unfortunate tumble, Voisard said.“We have a security camera, and we saw footage of her flying to another tree,” Voisard said.“We haven’t picked her up yet, but she’s probably just resting.”Voisard noted that an eagle’s first flight is a stressful endeavor that saps the bird’s energy.

Typically, eagles spend a lot of time resting after their inaugural flight.“It could be a little bit, but hopefully, she’ll come back to the nest,” Voisard said.Climate & Environment As supporters honor late Friends of Big Bear Valley leader Sandy Steers, the nonpr...