The internet-famous eagle chicks formerly known as Bigger Chick and Smaller Chick have been officially named. Sunny and Gizmo, as they are now called, joined their parents Jackie and Shadow in their nest overlooking Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino mountains east of Los Angeles, California in March. The nest is under 24/7 camera surveillance by the nonprofit organization Friends of Big Bear Valley (FOBBV).
According to FOBBV, over 54,000 names were submitted for the eaglets. The names Sunny and Gizmo were chosen by the third, fourth, and fifth grade classes at Big Bear Valley elementary schools from a list of 31 names, which included options like Skye, Crackle, Talon, Blaze, and Bell. The tradition of letting the youngsters choose the names goes back to Jackie’s parents, Ricky and Lucy, as stated by FOBBV.
FOBBV executive director Sandy Steers shared with Popular Science that the third graders have a special connection to eagles, as they study them regularly. A retired biologist from the Forest Service initiated this educational practice with the students.
To determine the sex of bald eagles, a DNA test is the most accurate method. However, the team at FOBBV may make an educated guess about the eaglets’ sex when they are 10 weeks old based on factors like size, vocal pitch, and other visual characteristics.
The journey of these eagle chicks has been closely followed by tens of thousands of viewers through a live cam. After a snowstorm hit the area and one of the chicks passed away, the surviving chicks were named Sunny and Gizmo. The deceased chick was named Misty in honor of Kathi Misterly, an FOBBV volunteer who lost her battle with cancer.
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