We had an enthusiastic and very helpful group for our annual Bat Night on June 11, with participants of all ages anxious to meet the three education bats and to listen for and watch wild bats foraging for insects in the gathering dark. Since bats come out at dark and this was close to the Summer Solstice, the event had to be late—many thanks to the 30+ people who stayed up to attend. JoEllen Arnold gave a superb presentation about bat biology and ecology, we saw live animals and dead, and participants got a greater appreciation of this amazing group of mammals.
We listened to many bats flying overhead, their calls made audible to our human ears by an ultrasonic bat detector. Hearing them, sharp young eyes were able to pick them out against the nearly dark sky, which was thrilling. Although the bat detector that records and predicts species did not work that night, the previous night between 8:58 and 9:23 the following bats were heard: Mexican Free-tail, Hoary, Silver-hair, and Big Brown. Join us next year!
We listened to many bats flying overhead, their calls made audible to our human ears by an ultrasonic bat detector. Hearing them, sharp young eyes were able to pick them out against the nearly dark sky, which was thrilling. Although the bat detector that records and predicts species did not work that night, the previous night between 8:58 and 9:23 the following bats were heard: Mexican Free-tail, Hoary, Silver-hair, and Big Brown. Join us next year!
This cute creature, a Big Brown bat, is echolocating with its open mouth. This is one of several rescued animals that assist JoEllen in teaching people to appreciate and protect bats.
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