BIG BEAR, CA — Southern California's favorite Bald Eagle babies have names and are flexing their wings, walking around and otherwise getting up to nest antics, the Friends of Big Bear Valley announced over the weekend. Sandy and Luna have joined the flock family, along with fledged siblings Sunny and Gizmo from last year's season.
Nearly 64,000 names were submitted for the students to choose from, and Sandy was by far the most popular name entered, they said.
"Please know that although Sandy would not have wanted us to outright name one of the eaglets after her, she would have been honored that the students and the public went through the process and named one of the 2026 eaglets after her," they said.
Sandy and Luna received the most votes from the 3rd Grade Big Bear Valley class, who annually name the eaglets based upon student selections.
"Chick 1’s name is Sandy, with 30 student votes," said Jenny Voisard, a Friends of Big Bear Valley spokesperson. "Chick 2’s name is Luna, with 25 student votes. The remaining top 5 votes are as follows: Star with 22 votes, Chip with 22 votes, and Phoenix with 18 votes.
"Sandy is larger, and has a larger head and neck, as well as a slight curve to its gape," they said. "It has been the more submissive eaglet."
The now 4-week-old chicks are eating well; they weigh between 5 and 7 pounds, according to the naturalists. "They are entering into a peak growth period and are going to be hungry!"
The babies are growing feathers right on schedule; they waddle and, at times, walk around the nest, finding shade, playing with fluff and sticks, dad's tail, and otherwise bird-watching.
"Luna may be smaller, has a straighter gape, and has been the more aggressive eaglet," the FOBBV team says. "Now, they seem to be bonding quite well and most of the 'bonking' is over."
When asked about noticeable differences, the team had an interesting observation, fitting of the two "toddlers."
"Luna makes quite the whistle sound when it does a poop shot, whereas Sandy stays a bit more silent."
The group is still working to save the area from construction, in a fundraiser that has so far raised over $2.4 million, 24 percent of what is needed to purchase the land outright. Donate here to save this area from construction.
"The San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust (SBMLT) has entered into a limited Purchase Option Agreement to buy the land and to save the eagles’ foraging area on the undisturbed North Shore for $10 million," according to the fundraiser. "The funds need to be raised before July 31. After the sale, the Moon Camp land will be in permanent conservatorship next to the United States Forest Service (USFS) land."
The donations made through this link will go directly toward the purchase of the property, not to Friends of Big Bear Valley. FOBBV is managing the fundraiser only. SBMLT is a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID # 33-0700417.
You can also mail a check to SBMLT. Please reference Moon Camp.
SBMLT
Post Office Box 490
Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
This is the only official site taking donations for Moon Camp.
There are some celebrations coming for those who love to follow our Southern California eagle family. The Sandy Steers Celebration of Life will be held on June 13th, and Outdoor Adventure Days – July 11th.
What were the other names that were in the top running?
There were 30 randomly drawn names that were sent to the students. What name would you have chosen?
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