Tracking GSEs in Kuwait

Fitting a GSE with a GPS-GSM tracking device (Photo: KEL).

In early 2020 we captured two Greater spotted eagles (GSEs) at the Jahra Pools Reserve in Kuwait and fitted them with solar powered GPS loggers.  The loggers collect GPS data, and upload them to us via the GSM network.  Data collection is programmed and dependent on available solar energy (not a problem in Kuwait!).  Typically, we collect data every 5 minutes or so, but at times data collection is intensive: one location per second! Along with the GPS location the logger sends information on speed, altitude, and bearing (and other data).  Thus, during the bursts of intensive data collection we have a very detailed picture about the movements of the birds we are tracking.  Below are some maps (Click on the map to enlarge in a separate tab).  The first shows all winter data from a GSE tagged by us at the Jahra Pools, and highlights how tied to the reserve this bird was during the winter. The second shows a burst of intensively collected data (1 location/second).  One can just imagine the eagle soaring in circles as it moves across the reserve.

All locations of a GSE tracked while wintering at Al Jahra Pools, Kuwait, Jan - April 2020         (© KEL/KFAS).

A burst of intensively collected location data from a GSE wintering at Al Jahra Pools, Kuwait on 29 March 2020 (© KEL/KFAS)