1 July 2025
‘B’ sent me the following message from Sandy at Big Bear:
“Facebook post:
Eagles and Fireworks…
Our eagles are still in the area–Shadow was on the nest yesterday afternoon and on Twin Pines with Jackie before that. One of the adults was spotted ¼ mile from the nest, followed by a raven and photographed by Mike Marzell, fishing charter captain. Friday morning, Sunny and Gizmo were circling together over the lake. Then one of them landed on the Twin Pines before heading out to their next destination. And Jackie and Shadow roosted together last night.
As Gizmo and Sunny venture out, still learning and being tracked and fed by Jackie and Shadow, the cameras will spot them less, but might get glimpses. In addition to the eagles there are also lots of juvenile hawks and other fledgling birds and junior wildlife all over the valley this time of year.
Sadly, Visit Big Bear and their agency and community partners are standing by their decision to blast off July 4 fireworks in Big Bear this Friday. We have tried speaking with them, all but begging, showing documented proof of Jackie and Shadow leaving the area for days, explaining how fireworks do major damage, not just to birds and wildlife, but to the lake with pollution, the ducks and their babies, the overall environment and humans breathing the air polluted by the event, as well as pets and PTSD humans.
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. Eagles and especially juveniles have very poor night vision and being startled into flight at night is very dangerous.
We created a presentation about all of this, and gave it to the Visit Big Bear directors in 2023. https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/…/Dangers-of… VBB has a huge opportunity to be the heroes of the world for the eagles and to lead the way of truly caring for nature, but they have chosen a different path. They have made a few changes over the years, but as an organization, they claim in their PR and website to be stewards of the environment.
The dictionary says ‘Stewardship’ is ‘the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.’ It doesn’t mention anything about stewardship being ‘part-time’ or when it’s ‘convenient or popular’. We have sincere hope that VBB will listen to the words on their Care for Big Bear website page:
“Do not be wise in words – be wise in deeds. Jewish Proverb”
As a lover of all nature, I am sad to see the devastation created for 30 minutes of instant gratification, usually forgotten within hours. We will be holding high hope for the safety of Jackie, Shadow, Sunny and Gizmo and all the rest of nature’s beautiful creatures. Please join me in hoping for their safety and protection.
Sandy”
Here is the link to help by signing a petition. You do not have to donate. The donations do not go to Big Bear but to change.org
Thank you for this, Mary Ann. For some reason the link you provided doesn’t work for me…? (This is a cause that’s dear to my heart!)
Betty,
This link didn’t work for me either.
The change.org link shows the following notation ~ Well this is embarrassing…we can’t find the page you were looking for.
Chazza
The individual who sent it to me thought that the petition might have expired. Ugh. TY for trying. I would send the FOBBV FB page a message in support of no fireworks so they can keep it on file.
The individual who sent it to me thought that the petition might have expired. Ugh. TY for trying. I would send the FOBBV FB page a message in support of no fireworks so they can keep it on file.
https://www.change.org/p/no-big-bear-lake-fireworks-show-for-the-safety-of-sister-eaglets-gizmo-and-sunny here is the correct link, it’s still active
Thank you! The whole event, since it is now past, is very discouraging. Jackie and Shadow were frightened and flew off their roost tree. No telling about all the other animals and raptors.