It's the moment that thousands of people around the globe were waiting for, even as bittersweet and complex feelings arose: The fledging of Gizmo, the second baby of the famous Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow.

The moment of Gizmo's first flight occurred at 8:27:48 a.m. June 7, when the young bald eagle stepped up to a nest-adjacent "balcony" branch and spread her impressive wings.

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A short flutter in the air and a momentary re-connection with the branch made it seem as if it wasn't quite time yet, but when Gizmo's talons didn't fully grasp the branch below, she was on her majestic way into the big blue.

Gizmo's older sister Sunny fledged at 10:46 a.m. June 2.

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