When to start using Bat Detector

[Monkey Lugs]

I got a bat detector for my birthday. When would be the the best time to start detecting?

[Dogghound]

Activity will increase around March/April (early or late) depending on where abouts in Britain you are, by May most (all) bats will be active. However it is a very mild winter and some bats are starting to become active now. I visited a roost last week which had active bats within it. I have not had time yet this year but I often go out in the winter. Mild, overcast, humid nights are the best in winter. At this time of year looking around areas such as south facing vegetated banks can be quite productive as well as sheltered boggy areas, ponds, woodland and (warm) urban areas as long as they recieve sunlight during the day. Bats tend to home into these areas due to the invertebrate abundance.

I find noctule and the pipistrelles are the most active species in winter. The Myotis (Daubentons, Natterers, Whiskered, Brandt's etc) tend not to move far from the roost and long eared are indifferent (We tend not to get many more species around here). I believe pipistrelle are incapable of hibernating for an entire winter without feeding a they can not hold down enough fat reserves which could be a reason for their winter activity levels.

If you have never used a detector before you want to set it at 45kHz this will pick up most species and especially common pipistrelles. Usually in the summer around half an hour before dusk is the best time to start, different species tend to emerge at different times of the night. Overcast conditions result in earlier emergence times, as do bad weather the previous night. At this time of year I would go out around 30mins-45mins before dusk, most activity occurs late afternoon during the winter and tails off before 7pm (in my experience of winter batting). Have fun

[Monkey Lugs]

Thanks for all that info. I've never used a bat detector before. Just developed an interest as I see so many bats in our garden at dusk during the summer months. I'm in Norfolk. Have taken it outside a few times just before dusk as it's been so mild but no luck yet.

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by Monkey Lugs

Thanks for all that info. I've never used a bat detector before. Just developed an interest as I see so many bats in our garden at dusk during the summer months. I'm in Norfolk. Have taken it outside a few times just before dusk as it's been so mild but no luck yet.

Not sure what model you have got, but mine is very tight directionaly (to it's benefit), so a good careful scan is useful. Once you do find them, probably later in the year, good luck, always fascinating.

[Monkey Lugs]

It's a Magenta 'Bat4'.
It also has a LED torch in it. Not sure what that's for exactly. I'm guessing it's just a torch so you can see what you've detected or does it actually serve to help attract the bats!

[Billabong Karen]

Originally Posted by Monkey Lugs

It's a Magenta 'Bat4'.
It also has a LED torch in it. Not sure what that's for exactly. I'm guessing it's just a torch so you can see what you've detected or does it actually serve to help attract the bats!

I'll be very interested to hear about your experiences, as I am going to order one of the same type in a month or so. Please let us know how you get on!

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by Monkey Lugs

I'm guessing it's just a torch so you can see what you've detected or does it actually serve to help attract the bats!

Yes its just for seeing where your going or writing notes down. Torches dont attract bats, very few species are fond of light. Pipistrelles tend to be attracted to security lights to feed on invertebrates attracted to the light source but most other species tend to be quite light shy particularly brown long eared and the Myotis species.

[Monkey Lugs]

Thanks. I've just got to play the waiting game now.
I'll let you know how I get on.
I'm sure I'll need some more advice on individual IDs when the time arises
Hope to report back with my findings and thoughts on the Magenta in a few months time (or earlier if I'm lucky)

[Johnny81]

Try the Bat Conservation Trust website also, plenty of stuff on there. I have the magenta 4, does the job

[Monkey Lugs]

Bat Detector Update...

Stepped out into the garden with the bat detector on Saturday evening. (I just took a punt that the warm weather would bring them out)
Within a minute it started clicking and a bat flew past!
The sound was fantastic and it let me know the bat was on it's way a few seconds before I saw it.

And then another one a while later - Nearly flew into my hair! I'm guessing the sound from the bat detector doesn't interfere with them at all? It's just the second bat nearly flying into me did make me wonder?

The detector was set at 45 so would it be fair to best guess that it was a pipistrelle?

We were wondering where they might be roosting. Could it be in trees or more likely a building? How far away would their roost be from their hunting ground?