Sunnyside Eagle Live Cam Group!
There’s a buzz of excitement in the halls of Sunnyside’s Assisted Living neighborhood, and it’s all thanks to a pair of bald eagles, a YouTube livestream, and a baby eaglet now proudly named Sunny.
Since January, residents have been gathering in the Bethel Room to watch the live eagle cam hosted by Friends of Big Bear Valley in California. The livestream offers a real-time glimpse into the nest of Jackie and Shadow, two bald eagles raising their young high above Big Bear Lake. From the first glimpse of the eggs to the thrilling moment the chicks hatched, residents have been tuning in day and night, following the eagle family’s journey with wonder and joy.
The eagle cam quickly became a favorite pastime, something that brought people together across the building. Whether stopping in for a quick peek or spending an entire afternoon watching the chicks fluff their feathers, it became more than just a video feed. It became a shared experience.
“This experience has brought so much joy and connection,” said Cari Helbig, Life Enrichment Coordinator. “We’ve followed these eagles through egg-laying, hatching, and now watching the chicks grow. It’s been a beautiful way to bond with each other and with the natural world.”
In March, Friends of Big Bear Valley announced a special naming contest for the two eaglets, inviting supporters to submit name ideas along with a donation to support the organization’s work. Naturally, the Sunnyside crew jumped at the opportunity. After a lively group discussion, they submitted three name suggestions. With more than 54,000 entries from across the country, they knew the odds were slim, but the fun was in taking part.
Then came the big news. One of their names had been selected. The larger of the two eaglets was officially named Sunny, a fitting tribute from the Sunnyside family and a moment of pure delight for the group that had been watching the birds grow from the very beginning.
Plans are already in the works for a celebratory graduation party when the young eagles are ready to leave the nest. Residents also hope to send a letter and some of their favorite photos to the Friends of Big Bear Valley team to share their gratitude and excitement.
“This has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Helbig added. “To be part of something so uplifting—and now to have a chick named Sunny!—it’s something we’ll never forget.”
To read more about Sunny and the naming contest, check out the story in the Los Angeles Times:
Meet Sunny and Gizmo, the eaglets from Big Bear
Stay tuned for more updates from the nest and from the Bethel Room, where eagle-watching season has been nothing short of magical.
