Latest news with #FriendsofBigBearValley
Los Angeles Times
06-07-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Big Bear's famed bald eagles flew the coop after July 4 fireworks
Big Bear Lake's famed bald eagle couple has flown the coop, and naturalists are pointing to the city's July 4th fireworks celebration as the likely culprit. Jackie and Shadow and their lake-view aerie are the subjects of a 24-hour online webcam that has been monitoring the couple since 2018, when Shadow replaced Jackie's previous mate. The pair have attracted tens of thousands of viewers around the world as they have hatched and reared a combined five eaglets, including Sunny and Gizmo earlier this year. But on Friday night, the booms and blasts of celebratory fireworks appear to have frightened them away. 'Jackie and Shadow were not in the Roost Tree this morning,' wrote Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, Saturday. The observation was made on the group's Facebook page, where Steers chronicles the comings and goings of the internet-famous eagles and their babies (a third sibling also hatched March, but died later that month). 'And none of their usual vocals were heard from anywhere nearby.' Friends of Big Bear Valley had been issuing warnings ahead of Independence Day, saying it was opposed to a local fireworks that would result in 'devastation created for 30 minutes of instant gratification.' It had circulated a petition with 40,000 signatures and argued that fireworks could be especially hard on Sunny and Gizmo. The young siblings were last seen soaring together on June 27, around when the organization said that it was unclear if they 'are still in the area or if they have expanded their horizons and are off on their journeys away from the habitat.' Friends of Big Bear Valley runs the camera that's 145 feet up a Jeffrey pine tree overlooking Big Bear Lake. The group is typically cautious about identifying the couple's whereabouts in order to avoid attracting crowds to their habitat. It has also asked fans to not share or solicit location information and, in its online updates, uses non-identifiable tree names, such as 'Roost Tree' or 'Lookout Snag,' when describing their whereabouts. Ahead of the fireworks show, Visit Big Bear, a Facebook page affiliated with the city's Visitors Center and tourism industry, said it was confident the show would not harm the eagles' habitat. 'While fireworks may startle them, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has confirmed that the event is not expected to cause nest failure. As always, we've sited the fireworks barge away from the nest to reduce risk,' said a post to the tourism group's Facebook page. On Saturday, Steers posted a play-by-play of the two parents' daytime activities on July 4. Steers could not be directly reached for comment on Saturday. 'Jackie and Shadow were seen together on their favorite Roost Tree, chortling out their morning song and then working on waking up enough to start their day. When they headed out, one of them dropped by the Lookout Snag to check everything around the habitat before continuing to their next destination,' she wrote. By the mid-evening, Steers said 'either Jackie or Shadow was on the Twin Pines, hanging out and checking out the surrounding neighborhood. They even turned around to give a nice front view while they scanned around the other side of the neighborhood. And by a little after 8 p.m., Jackie and Shadow both chortled out an announcement that they were in the Roost Tree. They were settled in, near each other and ready for sleep by 8:30.' Booms started around 9 p.m., Steers said. At that point, 'one of the eagles was no longer visible on the Roost Tree and was seen by our security camera flying away from the Roost Tree. Jackie made a peal call (a call emitted as a warning about danger) and a couple other short calls from nearby.' Steers said the 'full show' began at 9:17 and, a minute late 'no eagles were visible.' Since then, the group has offered no updates. The eagles, for now, are gone, though they may come back at a later time. 'We will all be sending out hope for their speedy return,' Steers wrote.
USA Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jackie and Shadow's eaglets at risk from Fourth of July fireworks, petition says
The California group that oversees a famous eagle family is warning officials about the danger fireworks could cause the new eaglets ahead of Fourth of July. Nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley, which runs a 24-hour live feed monitoring the eagles, expressed concerns about an upcoming fireworks display in Big Bear Lake, California. In a Facebook post Monday, June 30, the group emphasized the impact that fireworks have on the environment and wildlife, including sister eaglets Gizmo and Sunny and their parents Jackie and Shadow. The organization also highlighted a petition with more than 30,000 signatures calling for the outright cancelation of the July 4 firework show to protect the family and other wildlife. "The loud and frightening explosions of fireworks can spook [eagles], causing them to flee their nests, potentially into situations fraught with danger," the petition said. "This not only jeopardizes their immediate safety but could also lead to them leaving the area permanently, which would be a tragic loss for our community." The Friends of Big Bear Valley explained that Sunny and Gizmo are specifically at risk after just learning to fly. "Shadow and Jackie leaving at this time of training and growth for Sunny and Gizmo could be especially devastating to the juveniles' long and short-term development and chances of survival," Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote on Facebook. "Eagles and especially juveniles have very poor night vision and being startled into flight at night is very dangerous." Their petition added that eagles don't naturally fly after dark. "We will be holding high hope for the safety of Jackie, Shadow, Sunny and Gizmo and all the rest of nature's beautiful creatures," Friends of Big Bear Valley wrote. "Please join me in hoping for their safety and protection." Firework show to continue amid concerns Despite concerns for wildlife, Visit Big Bear will continue to host its 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in the city. Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott emphasized that its role is to balance and prioritize tradition, community celebration, wildlife stewardship and the tourism-driven local economy "The board looked at what that firework show [brought] to support our local businesses, our restaurants, our lodging and just overall jobs in our community," Scott told the Palm Desert Sun, part of the USA TODAY Network. The town generally attracts 100,000 visitors for the Fourth of July and numerous community organizations are involved in the 4th of July Spectacular, according to Scott. He added that local partners and government agencies help organize the fireworks shows with "wildlife and fire safety in mind." "What makes Big Bear Lake a special place is our rich, diverse ecosystem and obviously our resident bald eagles have become the iconic symbol of that," Scott said. "What our organization strives to look at is that they're a part of a larger natural balance that we work hard to respect year-round and we do promote environmental education and stewardship and that is also very important to us. The co-existence of the fireworks and the eagles is not a new phenomenon." Scott described two previous instances in which he said they've worked with Friends of Big Bear Valley: Canceling Memorial Day fireworks in 2022 and doing a drone show instead of fireworks for Labor Day in 2023. "I believe that the board and the community will take these concerns that are presented from outside our community under advisement," Scott said in response to whether any changes would be made to future fireworks displays in the area. Jackie and Shadow disappeared for days in previous years Friends of Big Bear Valley attached a presentation to their Facebook post that documented previous instances of how the eagles have responded to fireworks. Following Fourth of July fireworks in 2022, Jackie and Shadow weren't seen or heard for six days. The mating pair were also not seen or heard for three days after Fourth of July fireworks the following year, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service echoed Friends of Big Bear Valley over how fireworks can cause wildlife to flee, "ending up in unexpected areas or roadways, flying into buildings and other obstacles." Who are Sunny and Gizmo? Sunny and Gizmo were two of three hatchlings born to Jackie and Shadow in March 2025. A third eaglet, named Misty in honor of a former volunteer, died after a snowstorm hit the area. But Jackie and Shadow have been able to make sure Sunny and Gizmo are healthy and happy. Both sisters completed their first flights last month. Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@ Anthony Robledo covers national trending news at USA TODAY. Reach him at arobledo@
Business Wire
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
First American Marks National American Eagle Day With Campaign to Support Eagle Conservation Awareness, Benefit Friends of Big Bear Valley
SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF), a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions and the leader in the digital transformation of its industry, today announced the launch of a campaign to celebrate National American Eagle Day (June 20), support each conservation awareness and benefit the non-profit Friends of Big Bear Valley, an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of bald eagles and their natural habitat. Beginning Friday, June 20, First American will include a live eagle cam on its website and will make a $1 donation to Friends of Big Bear Valley for every view of the eagle cam up to $10,000. "We feel a special connection to the celebrity eagles in our local mountains. We're excited for this special opportunity to celebrate eagles in a way only we can – please join us, watch the live eagle cam feed and help preserve our national symbol.' 'At First American, the eagle is more than our logo, it's a powerful symbol of the values we stand for – strength, freedom, trust and the American dream,' said Chelsea Sumrow, chief marketing officer at First American. 'Our company's roots in Southern California and the greater Los Angeles area trace back 135 years, so we feel a special connection to the celebrity eagles in our local mountains. We're excited for this special opportunity to celebrate eagles in a way only we can – please join us, watch the live eagle cam feed and help preserve our national symbol.' View the Live Eagle Cam to Activate a Donation to Friends of Big Bear Valley Eagle Fun Facts Bald eagles were nearly extinct in the lower 48 states by the 1960s due to habitat loss and pesticide exposure. In 1963, there were only 417 nesting pairs of bald eagles left in the entire country. Thanks to conservation efforts, bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list in 2007. Bald eagles don't develop their characteristic white head and tail plumage until they reach four to five years of age. Eagles build enormous nests, sometimes eight feet wide and weighing over a ton. The average wingspan of a bald eagle is 6.5 to 7.5 feet. Bald eagles mate for life and return to the same nest each year. Eagles have exceptional eyesight—they can spot prey from up to two miles away. While the bald eagle has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782, it was only recently declared the official national bird in December 2024. The presence of eagles is a key indicator of healthy ecosystems near lakes, rivers, and forests. The largest population of wintering bald eagles in the U.S. is found in Alaska, but they nest in nearly every state. About First American First American Financial Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions. With its combination of financial strength and stability built over more than 135 years, innovative proprietary technologies, and unmatched data assets, the company is leading the digital transformation of its industry. First American also provides data products to the title industry and other third parties; valuation products and services; mortgage subservicing; home warranty products; banking, trust and wealth management services; and other related products and services. With total revenue of $6.1 billion in 2024, the company offers its products and services directly and through its agents throughout the United States and abroad. In 2025, First American was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Great Place to Work ® and Fortune Magazine for the tenth consecutive year. The company was named one of the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company for the second consecutive year in 2024. More information about the company can be found at
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
See Gizmo fly! Second Big Bear eaglet has flown the nest
See Gizmo fly! The Big Bear eaglet "fledged," which means it flew out of the nest, on Saturday at the age of 13 weeks old. Gizmo is the second eaglet to fly out of the family nest this year, wowing fans of the live webcam that monitors the Big Bear family of eagles that includes mom Jackie, dad Shadow and sibling Sunny. "As this is an extremely sensitive time for Jackie and Shadow and their fledglings, their habitat remains closed by federal order. For their safety, please do not go into or around the habitat," according to a post from Friends of Big Bear Valley. The U.S. Forest Service and the California Fish and Wildlife agencies are monitoring the area in order to keep the eagles and their habitat protected. Sunny fledged last week at the age of 13 weeks old. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that operates the 24-hour nest cam that is 145 feet up a Jeffrey pine tree, overlooking Big Bear Lake, uses tree names to avoid disclosing information about nest locations and has asked people not to share or solicit information about the habitat's location. The developments of the two young eaglets have been followed closely by wildlife enthusiasts especially after Jackie and Shadow laid three eggs last year that didn't hatch amid a brutal winter storm that covered the nest with snow. Read more: Big Bear eaglet 'hovers' for the first time but still hasn't flown or fledged. What's the difference? Fans of the eagles watched with anticipation last month when Sunny "hovered' over the nest for the first time. The eaglet then flew last week from the nest. Jackie and Shadow will be following the eaglets around, protecting them and helping them find food for a few weeks to a few months, said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that operates the 24-hour nest cam. Eagles don't reach sexual maturity until they're around 4 or 5 years old. The first year of life can be dangerous for an eagle. A juvenile bald eagle has less than a 50% chance of surviving because of its inexperience, according to the American Eagle Foundation. If they survive, they can live 15 to 30 years in the wild. Eaglets usually fledge at 10 to 14 weeks of age. Gizmo is the fifth eaglet from Jackie and Shadow who has fledged. Four have fledged since the camera was installed, according to Steers, which she said is par for the course. The webcam was installed in 2015 and recorded its first nesting season in 2017. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
09-06-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
See Gizmo fly! Second Big Bear eaglet has flown the nest
See Gizmo fly! The Big Bear eaglet 'fledged,' which means it flew out of the nest, on Saturday at the age of 13 weeks old. Gizmo is the second eaglet to fly out of the family nest this year, wowing fans of the live webcam that monitors the Big Bear family of eagles that includes mom Jackie, dad Shadow and sibling Sunny. 'As this is an extremely sensitive time for Jackie and Shadow and their fledglings, their habitat remains closed by federal order. For their safety, please do not go into or around the habitat,' according to a post from Friends of Big Bear Valley. The U.S. Forest Service and the California Fish and Wildlife agencies are monitoring the area in order to keep the eagles and their habitat protected. Sunny fledged last week at the age of 13 weeks old. Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that operates the 24-hour nest cam that is 145 feet up a Jeffrey pine tree, overlooking Big Bear Lake, uses tree names to avoid disclosing information about nest locations and has asked people not to share or solicit information about the habitat's location. The developments of the two young eaglets have been followed closely by wildlife enthusiasts especially after Jackie and Shadow laid three eggs last year that didn't hatch amid a brutal winter storm that covered the nest with snow. Fans of the eagles watched with anticipation last month when Sunny 'hovered' over the nest for the first time. The eaglet then flew last week from the nest. Jackie and Shadow will be following the eaglets around, protecting them and helping them find food for a few weeks to a few months, said Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, the nonprofit that operates the 24-hour nest cam. Eagles don't reach sexual maturity until they're around 4 or 5 years old. The first year of life can be dangerous for an eagle. A juvenile bald eagle has less than a 50% chance of surviving because of its inexperience, according to the American Eagle Foundation. If they survive, they can live 15 to 30 years in the wild. Eaglets usually fledge at 10 to 14 weeks of age. Gizmo is the fifth eaglet from Jackie and Shadow who has fledged. Four have fledged since the camera was installed, according to Steers, which she said is par for the course. The webcam was installed in 2015 and recorded its first nesting season in 2017.
