Bats (two types of Pipistrelle)

nightshade · #1 (**permalink**) 26-05-2009, 04:47 PM

Half a dozen Pipistrelles about during the good weather, four of the "45" Pips and a couple of 55 Sopranos. It was good insect weather and people out in their gardens disturbing insects into the air (oblivious to the aeriel display)

How many people with Bat Detectors does Wild About' boast now?

Meta menardi · #2 (**permalink**) 26-05-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

Half a dozen Pipistrelles about during the good weather, four of the "45" Pips and a couple of 55 Sopranos. It was good insect weather and people out in their gardens disturbing insects into the air (oblivious to the aeriel display)

How many people with Bat Detectors does Wild About' boast now?

I use mine quite regularly, bats still out for quite a short time here (N.Yorks). It is quite basic, but still good fun and kind of connects you to the dusk.

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 26-05-2009, 05:18 PM

I've got one, but don't use it as much as I should!

Jenny W · #4 (**permalink**) 26-05-2009, 07:42 PM

Doing some surveys at a few of our local nature reserves and leading European Bat Night walk on 29th August. I love it.

canis.rufus · #5 (**permalink**) 26-05-2009, 08:03 PM

Argh, well you did ask.

So far this year: Common and Soprano Pips, Daubenton's, Brown Long Eared, Noctule, Natterer's and a suspected Whiskered / Brandt's. All at numerous sites around Bucks / Beds.

Have also handled various species, including last weekend when we checked one of our woodland bat box and ringing schemes. One box of Natterer's, two of which are currently being radio tracked (while I am stuck here revising!). Also, four boxes of BLE's including four un rung bats (now my first rings of the year :/ ).

On the whole, I think I am going to have to face facts. This is not a casual interest, its a full blown obsession! Perhaps I should seek help.

(actually, I'm not sure that is what you asked, but close enough)

Tracey.A · #6 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 08:16 PM

Yes, I too have a bat detector. I love listening to them and as I live beside a bridge, with trees behind my flat and a stream I hear them quite often. I've heard the Common pipistrelle bat, Soprano pipistrelle and the Noctule bat and yes it is very addictive. I love to watch them flying about - just beautiful!

Tracey

hobble · #7 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 08:22 PM

What is a bat detector?
I have several bats which are flying about right now. I normally go out at about this time to watch them.
I think they are pipistrelle's?

thunder · #8 (**permalink**) 27-05-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobble

What is a bat detector?
I have several bats which are flying about right now. I normally go out at about this time to watch them.
I think they are pipistrelle's?

A bat detector is an electronic gadget that has a microphone that picks up the bat's ultrasonic calls and converts them to an audible to humans noise. From that you can get an idea of the species - though it is not guaranteed that you can identify every bat that passes! But listening to bats is great fun. Bat detectors vary in price from just under £100 (I believe) to several thousand! You can make simple ones yourself, if you have soldering skills, for a lot less.

henrya

hobble · #9 (**permalink**) 28-05-2009, 06:08 PM

Thanks for that, I have never heard of them..........
I will look into it, unfortunately my soldering skills are nil!!
It will give me something else to do and maybe I will learn exactly which bats are here.

chrysalis_stage · #10 (**permalink**) 31-05-2009, 06:51 PM

I have a bat detector too.

Have been out with it in Coventry and Cambridge hearing Pipistrelle, Daubenton's and possibly Noctule. Going out again tonight in Cambridge. Amazing creatures!