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Big Bear eagle chick Sandy falls from nest in accidental first flight

On Sunday, Big Bear bald eagle chick Sandy fell from her nest during an accidental first flight, according to Friends of Big Bear Valley.

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Two large eagles perched on a tree branch, facing each other in a forested area.

BIG BEAR CITY, Calif., June 29 (Our Hesperia) — One of Big Bear’s watched bald eagle chicks, Sandy, fell from the nest Sunday morning during what Friends of Big Bear Valley described as an accidental first flight, or fledging attempt, in California’s San Bernardino Mountains.

The nonprofit, which runs the nest livestream, said the chick lost her footing after flapping near the outer edge of the nest and dropped to lower branches before moving out of the camera’s view. Friends of Big Bear Valley said Sandy later appeared to be on another branch or in another tree and likely was resting or getting her bearings.

Friends of Big Bear Valley said Jackie, Sandy’s mother, was nearby after the fall. The group said Jackie and the father, Shadow, would continue to follow Sandy and keep feeding and caring for her.

Camera operators were still searching for Sandy after the fall, the group said.

Sandy and her sibling, Luna, hatched in early April and were about 12 weeks old at the time of the incident. The nest has drawn a large online audience through Friends of Big Bear Valley’s live camera coverage of the eagle family in Big Bear.

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Wayne Jefferson

Raised in Redlands, California, Wayne Jefferson is the senior Victorville reporter for Times Media Service. Jefferson covers local government, politics, schools, public safety, development and community life in Victorville, Adelanto, Apple Valley, Helendale, Phelan and Wrightwood. Jefferson holds a master's degree in journalism.

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