Sunny, the eaglet from Big Bear, California, has officially taken her first flight, marking a significant milestone for the beloved bald eagle family. On Monday at 10:46 a.m., Sunny spread her wings and left the nest, thrilling fans who have been closely following her journey through a live webcam. The moment was captured as Sunny took off, with her sibling Gizmo watching intently from nearby.

Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, expressed her excitement, stating, "It’s exciting to have this beautiful, successful moment — and, at the same time, sad that we won’t be seeing her as much anymore." Sunny's flight comes after weeks of practice, where both eaglets had been seen flapping their wings and venturing onto tree branches.

After her initial flight, Sunny did not stray far. Camera operators later spotted her perched atop a tree near the family’s nest, which is situated in a 145-foot-tall Jeffrey pine. Steers noted that while some eaglets do not return after their first flight, Sunny's parents, Jackie and Shadow, will continue to watch over her, helping her find food and stay safe for several weeks to months.

The eaglets, born in early March, have captivated viewers since their hatching. Sunny and Gizmo are now nearly 13 weeks old, which is the typical age for fledging. The webcam, installed in 2015, has allowed fans to witness the entire process, from egg-laying to hatching and now flying.

As Sunny embarks on her new journey, the future remains uncertain. Steers explained that the first year can be perilous for young eagles, with less than a 50% chance of survival due to inexperience. However, if they survive, bald eagles can live between 15 to 30 years in the wild.

Gizmo, who has yet to take flight, is also a female eaglet. The two have been practicing their flying skills together, and while Sunny has taken the leap, Gizmo is still developing. Steers mentioned that Gizmo is slower to mature, and it remains to be seen when she will take her first flight.

As the eaglets continue to grow, they will likely remain in the area for one to three months after fledging, returning to the nest intermittently. By fall, they are expected to venture out on their own. The organization has noted that while the eaglets are not banded, they may still recognize each other, although this has not been definitively studied.

Fans of the Big Bear eagle family are eagerly watching to see what the future holds for Sunny and Gizmo as they navigate their new lives in the wild.