Young bald eagle ‘Luna’ takes first flight in California

Big Bear Valley: A young bald eagle has fledged, leaving its nest empty for the first time in Big Bear Valley, California.

The juvenile eagle, nicknamed Luna, flapped its wings and glided to a nearby tree in what was its first flight. The moment was watched live by thousands of viewers on a livestream set up by Friends of Big Bear Valley.

A group of bird watchers also gathered in the valley, east of Los Angeles, to witness Luna’s milestone in person.

Fledging marks a key step as young eagles begin to leave the nest and learn to hunt and fly independently. Friends of Big Bear Valley said they will continue monitoring Luna as it builds strength in the coming weeks.