Concerned about our Bats

scrimper · #1 (**permalink**) 18-06-2011, 09:36 PM

We have lived in this house for 29 years and every year we have seen bats flying around our garden at dusk, I have also seen them in our attic.

But so far this year I have not seen a single bat outside (not sure about the attic as I haven't looked recently not wishing to disturb them).

I have loved having the bats here but am now concerned about them, is it possible that the very cold weather we had during January could have killed them off? or is it just a bit cold at the moment for them?

I do hope that nothing has happened to them.

dampflippers · #2 (**permalink**) 18-06-2011, 09:47 PM

Why not get in touch with your local bat group and ask if there has been a decline in bat numbers this year. They might also have a look in your attic.

I don't suppose you have had your fascias and soffits replaced with UPVC have you? Or your neighbours?

scrimper · #3 (**permalink**) 18-06-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dampflippers

I don't suppose you have had your fascias and soffits replaced with UPVC have you? Or your neighbours?

No it's a large old Victorian house we do not have roofing felt so there are plenty of gaps for bats to exit plus there are also holes in the end walls (pointing missing) where the bats can exit and FWIW I hate plastic parts in houses all our windows are original sliding sashes which need a lot of maintenance but they look just right.

(I deliberately left the holes in the pointing for the bats to get in and out)

nightshade · #4 (**permalink**) 19-06-2011, 07:18 AM

It has been suggested that many Pipistrelles may have died due to the harsh weather. I only have a few 55 Pips here where I normally get 2-6 of the larger 45 Pipistrelles from a nearby roost.

dampflippers · #5 (**permalink**) 19-06-2011, 10:13 AM

Bat Conservation Trust
You will find your local group on the Bat Conservation Trust website.

Incidentally, they have a facebook page (link on their home page) where you could post your question and hopefully get a reply from someone in your area to see if tey too have noticed a decline in bat numbers.

scrimper · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011, 09:39 PM

I am pleased to say that our missing bats have mysteriously reappeared! We have been watching for them every evening since I started this thread and 3 days ago we saw them for the first time, I must admit I am very pleased to see that they are still in residence.

nightshade · #7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2011, 07:27 AM

The bats around here have favourite feeding grounds which they seem to use in rotation. If they are feeding young which I hope they are are the moment
they will use the nearest productive area. In bad weather they even have areas with their own microclimate in sheltered glades and woods.
Perhaps your bats were away making the best of their areas.