On Eagle’s Wings

Two Eaglet’s fledging story; Sunny & Gizmo

Sunny & Gizmo

It was once said that you can send a prayer to heaven on an Eagle’s wing.

I believe that to be true, grin.

Do you know Sunny & Gizmo? Well let me share a little story from my point of view.

God has graced us with a view into his creation, donated by friends of Big Bear Valley in California—you can learn more by clicking their YouTube.

What I have learned from this incredible experience is that Eagles are kind, full of love, affectionate and courageous. Oh, you weren’t expecting those characteristics? Honestly, either was I. From afar Eagles are magnificent creatures, intense and even scary. Who represent strength and dominance.

One wintery day a mom named Jackie withstands inches of snow, piling high over her, freezing temperatures and high winds, all to ensure her 2 newly hatched eaglets and 1 hopefully soon addition will survive. As I nervously wait, and read the live chat—experts write—don’t worry, Jackie’s a pro, she’s got this. Eagles are made for this weather. So I prayed, God you got this. What a sight, what a courageous, loving mom.

Jackie had laid a clutch, meaning three eggs—two had hatched and one was still incubating. I had affection for the two who were hatched of course, but my heart was pounding for the 3rd. Waiting and watching, praying to witness a crack in the shell, a sign of life.

And there it was, as the storm gave way to sunshine, one early morning a crack appears—then over the next day, a small fragile chick breaks through. Welcome to the world Gizmo, my strong and courageous little friend.

This is where my affection began to grow for these precious young chicks. Sadly only a few days after Gizmo arrived, nature roared again, dumping another 20-plus inches of snow onto Jackie. She remarkably stayed the course, with help from dad Shadow. It was tough, at one point I even believe I witnessed Jackie shivering.

But—God had a plan, he foresaw that Gizmo and Sunny, would need room to grow. So he brought Misty (named after a volunteer who passed a few years ago) back home to him in heaven. As I witnessed Jackie it was almost as she sighed the moment Misty took her last breath. Jackie quietly got off the nest, and on Eagle’s Wings she tenderly flew Misty to her final resting place. God bless you Misty.

Yes, Jackie is a full grown Eagle a decade or so of age. What a gift to witness her love for her precious baby. Did I say Eagles are kind, full of love and affectionate.

Gizmo has a special place in my heart, as well as Sunny—but in the beginning, Sunny was quite the frisky one always beating down Gizmo when food was brought to the nest. Over time mom and dad kept them both full and happy. Which helped Sunny and Gizmo to grow to love each other, and not compete for food.

A few nights ago, as they both settled in for the evening, I witnessed Sunny and Gizmo beak’ing each other, is that a thing? Who knows, but they played with sticks, picked at each other’s feathers and snuggled in tightly for the night. Did I say Eagles are kind, full of love and affectionate.

Dad Shadow would also make sure both eaglets were fed, with tenderly care. He’s showed so much compassion for them both. At times I felt I was witnessing Dad moments where he would bring fish to the nest, stay a little too long, while mom Jackie would shoo him away. It was as if he would lower his beautiful stately head and fly off, only to come back a few minutes later with more fish, grin. Here I am Jackie you can’t get rid of me that easily, they’re my chicks too, you know.

It’s been 3-months since the early days, and the time has come for our precious Eaglets to fledge—they have been flapping their 5-foot wings (yes, I know right), jumping, and moving to branching outside the nest. What a joy to watch. My heart sings for them. Soon—they will fledge on Eagle’s Wings into the great unknown, so freeing I can only imagine for them. How courageous and strong they must be to take that leap of faith.

My love for Eagles comes from the song On Eagle’s Wings.

Played for my late mother-in-law’s memorial. I will always remember that day, that song in that beautiful church.

As I reflect on what I have witnessed—I think how can there not be prayers on Eagle’s Wings. God’s precious gifts to us, if only we would sit long enough and listen.

We may never know if Sunny or Gizmo is a male or female, as when they fledge, they may not return. By God’s grace may they grow, love and soar on Eagle’s Wings.

God bless everyone.

Thank you for enjoying my point of view of Sunny and Gizmo.

Wendy 🙏 🥰