ID bats by shape/outline?

[loripo]

Could anyone suggest a website showing bat shape/outline - we are struggling with a bat detector at the moment and although we can see (and hear) them we aren't sure which they are.

[Dogghound]

Identifying them with a detector is far easier than doing it by sight. You can identify bats by sight with some experience but I am not sure of any websites which offer help. What frequency do you have it on?

The sound of the groups is very distinctive, you should aim at identifying groups at first like Pipistrellus or Myotis.

Its best to put your bat detector on 45.

Pipistrelle - wet slapping calls
Myotis - similar to pips but more hard calls, without the slaps (Whiskered brandts), daubentons are rapid clicks (like a machine gun), natterers are crackly (like burning stubble).
Noctule - are like slow slaps around the 20 mark. Sound a bit like a galloping horse.
Long eared - tend to be silent or just a feeding buzz.

You need to consider the habitat too, it can aid identification greatly.

[Gill Catton]

bat id is very difficult indeed and sound type is really quite subjective and variable - I've been trying for years and still struggle with non-textbook examples (which is a lot!!) its also complocated by the fact that bats will alter their echolocation call based on habitat or if they are foraging alongside other bats for example.

The best advice I can give is get out with an expert as often as you can. Get to places where you know already what the bats are likely to be - for example head to a large river or lake and the bats foraging over the surface will be daubentons. Local experts may be able to show you pip roosts and natters roosts that you can safely loiter with intent around to learn the sound type.
Don't be deflated by it being a bit difficult don't expect to be able to separate all the myotis species by ear for example there are very few people who can do this.

It does get a little easier each year! (but only a little!)

[nightshade]

As well as shape many Bats have a recognisable flight pattern, some good websites to browse;
Warwickshire Bat Group
The Bats of Britain
http://www.semafor.co.uk/bat-detector.html#Init
And a very useful book/CD
http://www.wildbirdfoods.com/product...SSID=goatdkaok

[bee warrior]

I think identification of bats in flight comes with years of experience and having the opportunity to see many species of bats in flight and also in different habitats. Good luck.

[loripo]

Thanks all for your comments. Have passed all this on to my daughter as we were trying to ID the bats in her garden near Cardigan.

[The Woodman]

I don't know if this will help or confuse things!

[nightshade]

There are two possibly three bat groups in your area, why not contact them they will be able to identify your bats for you Local Bat Groups - Bat Conservation Trust
If you are really lucky you could have Brown/Grey Long Eared Bats

[loripo]

Thanks again - I'll pass the extra info on. They are very reliable visitors to the garden and fascinating to watch whatever ones they are