Text: Urmas Sellis
Photos: Juan Manuel Pérez-García
Although the Estonian-born greater spotted eagle Tõnn's back-mounted GPS transmitter shows us his position, it's still more clear and understandable to everyone when someone sees him with his own eyes. Several people have met Tõnn during the month he's spent in the El Hondo wetlands. To be exact, January 11th will mark one full month.
Yesterday, January 8th, while conducting their annual wintering
booted eagle surveillance, Juan Manuel Pérez-García, from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche, met a greater spotted eagle within the nature park who had bands on both legs:



After the sighting, Juan Manuel contacted the Nature Calender and sent us some very good photos of our Tõnn. In addition, he confirmed earlier information that El Hondo wetlands' property owners have closed access to conservationists and scientists and now what's happening there can only be observed from outside…
An interesting situation—but it's based on a difference of opinion between the landowners and the conservation area's administration. It's difficult to evaluate things from where we sit. But it's been argued that hunting is more limited than it has been in previous years. Hopefully, Tõnn won't get bored if there aren't people to see. He has the opportunity at any time to examine the cultural landscape in flight, and that's certainly an opportunity he's used.