Suilven

 Introduction

 

Suilven is a male golden eagle that was fitted with a satellite transmitter as a chick in 2010.  To view further details about his movements and history click on his link on the left.

Satellite tag had detached

In mid August, Suilven’s transmitter suddenly started to give GPS signals from a small cliff near Loch Borralan, Ledmore. On 31st August I went and checked. It was just a small cliff, ideal for roosting overnight or perching, but not nesting. I think I could see why the transmitter had burst into life, because the area below the cliff was thick bracken with recent signs of red deer trampling it down. I believe this disturbed the transmitter and allowed the solar panel to pick up sunlight. Despite an intensive search I could not find the tiny transmitter but a recent downpour may have covered it up again. There were no signs of a dead eagle so I am certain the transmitter came off Suilven last spring after 5 years of study – this is what transmitters are meant to do when they reach the end of useful data gathering. It would appear that Suilven was trying to find a place to breed in his natal area. We wish him good fortune and he has taught us a lot about golden eagle immature behaviour in NW Sutherland.

In the Elphin area

Suilven’s transmitter gave a couple of non GPS signals on 28th March from east of Elphin.  The transmitter is now old and not transmitting properly – it would be nice to think he may be on an eyrie.

A few signals

Suilven’s transmitter gave a few locations and showed that on 25th and 26th March he was near Ledmore in Assynt

In the Assynt area

Suilven’s transmitter started to fade in winter due to lack of sun in late November 2014, but a short transmission on 13th March suggests he is still alive in her fifth year. May be increasing sunlight may trigger the transmitter.

Last transmissions November 10th - December 3rd

Last transmissions November 10th – December 3rd

Still ranging in Sutherland

Suilven has not settled yet – from end September he was in Loch Shin to Assynt areas, and then flew south to Strath Oykel and so to Carn Ban and Cnoc Damph

October 1st to 24th

October 1st to 24th

to North Sutherland and back south

Suilven took a trip north in mid September passing Kylesku on 19th September and then ranging in the Foinaven SPA until 30th September. He then flew to Quinag and then south to upper Strathoykell on 3rd October.

September 17th to October 3rd

September 17th to October 3rd

Back to Assynt after long absence

Suilven was in usual haunts in Easter Ross and SE Sutherland until 25th August, when he flew back to Assynt and on to Glendhu area

August 8th to 27th

August 8th to 27th

Ranging in the east of the North Highlands

Suilven seems have forgotten the Assunt area and in July spent her time in Easter Ross north into Oykell area; she continued to range in this area – 380 square km

July 17th to August 9th

July 17th to August 9th

Mainly Easter Ross

Suilven spent nearly all of June in the hills between Ardross and Ardgay in Easter Ross, with a day flight to Elphin and back

June 6th to 28th

June 6th to 28th