Last night did some trapping at Woburn safari Park as part of the Bedfordshire Natural History Bioblitz event. At the beginning of the weeek the forecast was dire, but it turned out fine with just a very brief shower.
This was how to do a survey – loos and a source of tea and coffee ( Thanks Hayley and Fraser) to go with the cake and a street light to record by. At times it was quiet and as recorder I was able to get on with my knitting, which Malcolm got a sneaky snap of, and which I have promised I will post. We heard Noctules and Daubenton’s and caught Common and soprano pips, a brown long eared Highlight of the night was a new record for the site, a rather glorious female barbastelle.
Bob shows Fraser and Hayley identification features. In case you are wondering, Alex is trying to get her left glove on Photo Jude Hirstwood
A very even tempered barbastelle. Photo Jude Hirstwood
As the night went on Bob popped to the loo, and came back with the news that there was a roost in the gents. A procession of excited people (including the ladies of the party) trooped up for a good sniff.Bat folk are funny like that.
Soprano roosts have a very characteristic smell, and Hayley is hoping to go back and spot them leaving.