hibernating-Natterer’s. Photo Aidan Matthews
HIbernating Natterer’s. Photo Aidan Matthews
The snow held off just long enough for us to finish the hibernation surveys. Once again we had good numbers 154 bats in February compared to 161 in January. The bat we found most often was the Natterer’s bat – a relief as they were in such short supply in the Summer.
This Natterer’s had scars on its nose and we did wonder what had been chewing n it
There were also a lot of Daubenton’s and Brown long eareds, but we found no pipistrelles, who are hibernating elsewhere – probably in people’s houses.
hibernating barbastelle. Photo Aidan Matthews
We found 12 barbastelles- a rare bat which is not often found in these numbers. Whenever you survey for bats there are some who will succeed in hiding themselves away so they are impossible to spot. This was one of the more visible ones.
We had some one with us who is a professional entomologist and new just where to look for Herald Moths and found 54 in one small site. Thirty were hiding in a place that we bat folk would never have thought to look . Thanks Phil
Hibernation surveys are hard work – so thanks to everyone who gave up their time. The data we collect every year is sent to the Bat Conservation Trust for their hibernation monitoring programme
We are pleased to reportthat o bat was spotted with any sign of any fungal infection