The Story of the Bald Eagle Family: Sandy and Luna's Journey
The internet's favorite eagle family's chicks have now left the nest.
1The Chicks Leave the Nest
The 17-week-old bald eaglets Sandy and Luna left their nest in Big Bear Valley in late July. According to Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV), the chicks are now on their own. Although they aren't banded and can't be tracked, they may occasionally appear on FOBBV's live cameras. The organization wished the eaglets success in their future adventures.
2Shadow's Summer Vacation
With the chicks gone, father eagle Shadow gets some rest time. The 7-mile-long Big Bear Lake and 15 miles of shoreline provide plenty of resting spots. With no eaglets to care for in the nest, Shadow has no reason to stay there. Viewers of FOBBV's livestream might rarely spot Shadow now as he freely roams the vast area.
3Jackie's Health Condition
Shadow's mate Jackie is currently receiving treatment at Ojai Raptor Center, 100 miles away. Found near Dana Point Park on July 17 after an altercation with two juvenile eagles, cell phone footage showed Jackie defending herself with her talons but unable to fly. Rescued by Los Angeles County Parks San Dimas Raptor Rescue, Jackie was diagnosed with anemia, which has worsened recently.
4Treatment Process and Public Attention
Ojai Raptor Center announced Jackie underwent a contrast CT scan, bone marrow biopsy, and other advanced diagnostics. Recovering from anesthesia, she's now receiving supplemental oxygen. However, the love from millions of fans sometimes complicates matters. FOBBV warns that negative comments and update demands on Ojai Raptor Center's Facebook page could hinder Jackie's care.
5The Story of the 2026 Eaglets
Jackie and Shadow's 2026 eaglets Sandy and Luna hatched in early April - Sandy on April 4 and Luna on April 5. Their nest, streamed 24/7 by FOBBV, was watched by millions. The chicks' names were announced on May 1. Bald eaglets typically stay in the nest for 10-14 weeks, facing numerous threats during this period.
6Dangers Facing the Eaglets
While in the nest, the chicks face threats from hawks, ravens, other eagles, and owls. In 2025, one of Jackie and Shadow's three chicks died in a March snowstorm. Only 70% of fledglings survive. One major danger is being hit by cars while scavenging roadkill.
7Jackie and Shadow's History
The pair first got together in 2018 and successfully raised chicks in 2019 and 2022. However, their eggs failed to hatch in 2023 and 2024. With only 50% of bald eagle eggs typically hatching, this pair has already beaten the odds. In 2025, Jackie laid three eggs; one chick died in a storm, and the survivors were named Sunny and Gizmo from 54,000 name submissions.
8The Eaglets' Future
Young eagles fledge when they can flatten their wings and develop flight feathers, typically at 10-14 weeks, with males often flying slightly earlier. According to FOBBV, Southern California fledglings have been spotted from Baja California to British Columbia and Yellowstone National Park. As FOBBV doesn't band their eagles, the chicks' journeys can't be tracked. The organization accepts donations to support local conservation efforts.
Original article: Popular Science — Bald Eagle Ailesinin Hikayesi: Sandy ve Luna'nın Yolculuğu