Hello everyone, I've been a bit remiss lately in updating you all with the results from the different counts we've been doing. It's been great to have so many new people with us this year, showing so much interest. Here we go then.
The Brown Long Eared bats were as predictable as usual in Comin Coch and we counted 25 out on the 24th , just one more than last time, and you'll be glad to know that the tea was accompanied by HobNobs this time and only a few midges. We've been asked by BCT to do two follow up counts there in July. However, I think that if we do this, we are setting a president for following years and wonder if it's a good idea. We could, of course, go and count them if there is anyone out there who would like to go, especially if you have not been before; it would be good to see what happens to numbers later, but perhaps not send the result up. We do rather commit ourselves to doing it every year if we start. What is you feelings? Please comment.
The number of pips on Monday was up on the last count by 215, giving a total of 469. However, when I took some friends there on Saturday we saw only 317 leave. All very confusing! It's probably mums just staying home, and not leaving babies 'home alone'. The feeding has been so good this year. You could still hear bats in the roof later but they didn't seem to want to come out. Those that did come out did so in great numbers, all at once like falling leave, scattering in all directions, some nearly hitting us as we sat on the bench. The children that were in the group had a great fun - what a sight. We noticed a couple of bats leaving from around by the other door too. I think that's it for results.
Don't forget we do have scheduled two more pip counts at Cwm Rheidol, that's the 5th and the 19th. The other exciting news is that the ecologist who is dealing with the horseshoe site has asked if he could have help on the 27th July from the Group. He would like to do an emergence count but take particular notice of the flight lines - this could be really interesting everyone. The more of us there the better. Same pack drill as usual - let me know if you're coming to any of these or if you need a lift.
Net
Monday 28 June 2010
Sunday 20 June 2010
Some updates and reminders
Hello Everyone,
Just to let you know the results of the Brown Long Eared (plecotus auritus) and second Natts (myotis nattereri) exit counts and to remind you what's coming up this week.
According to Jon, Markku and Fran , they had a great night in Comin Coch at the BLE site. The owners of the property were very generous as usual, supplying Welsh cakes and tea while the wait was on, very much appreciated I'm sure. BLEs can be difficult to count. They generally do not come out until after dark and because of their long ears, which can pick up very quiet noises, they don't make much sound themselves. The vision/image intensifier came in very handy - thanks you CCW for the loan. In all about 23 emerged. BLEs are the most common species that you might find in a large open roof space; often the roof is steeply pitched. They cram themselves in along the ridge ends and junctions or around the chimney. They even fly around in the loft space for a while before exiting. Other bats like pips, tend to cluster in far less obvious places and are less likely to be seen hanging around, so to speak. Long Eared maternity colonies frequently include significant proportion of males too. Colony size is generally between 10 to 30 individuals - so ours is doing okay, but colonies of up to 200 have been recorded. These bats also seems to stay in the same roost site winter and summer unlike other species who go off to hibernate in caves and old mine sites for example, although I have seen BLE in such sites too.
The Natts behaved themselves again and put on a good show - 64 in all. Maybe we could go back later in July to see what numbers we have then - any takers? Apparently, according to reports, 3 very strange aliens were also seen at the site, covered in nets and exuding a very potent smell of citronella! Thanks to Chris, Fran and Aline for sticking it out. Petty the bats don't do their job better and get rid of some of those midges! Although the number is the same as last time this is not and indication that there are no babies (or pups) yet. Chris mentioned that some of the bats were seen to return to the exit point, just touching down for a second, then they were followed by a new bat leaving the roost. The count become confusing at the end with lots of bats returning in this way. This is indicative that young were around with females either returning to suckle or to tempt the little ones out. All bats need to learn from their mothers how to forage and the best places to do that.
Finally, don't forget Monday night. Another chance to see the pips at Cwm Rheidol - everyone welcome. Don't forget seats, a cuppa or a beer maybe (drunk in charge of a bat detector) and some very nice biscuits would go down a treat. Last time the bats were emerging as of 9:20 so be there a little earlier than that if you want to see the whole show. There will be two more opportunities in July. The final count of BLEs is Thursday 24th. If you want to come let me know well in advance please as numbers will be restricted.
Thanks everyone so far - great results.
Net
Just to let you know the results of the Brown Long Eared (plecotus auritus) and second Natts (myotis nattereri) exit counts and to remind you what's coming up this week.
According to Jon, Markku and Fran , they had a great night in Comin Coch at the BLE site. The owners of the property were very generous as usual, supplying Welsh cakes and tea while the wait was on, very much appreciated I'm sure. BLEs can be difficult to count. They generally do not come out until after dark and because of their long ears, which can pick up very quiet noises, they don't make much sound themselves. The vision/image intensifier came in very handy - thanks you CCW for the loan. In all about 23 emerged. BLEs are the most common species that you might find in a large open roof space; often the roof is steeply pitched. They cram themselves in along the ridge ends and junctions or around the chimney. They even fly around in the loft space for a while before exiting. Other bats like pips, tend to cluster in far less obvious places and are less likely to be seen hanging around, so to speak. Long Eared maternity colonies frequently include significant proportion of males too. Colony size is generally between 10 to 30 individuals - so ours is doing okay, but colonies of up to 200 have been recorded. These bats also seems to stay in the same roost site winter and summer unlike other species who go off to hibernate in caves and old mine sites for example, although I have seen BLE in such sites too.
The Natts behaved themselves again and put on a good show - 64 in all. Maybe we could go back later in July to see what numbers we have then - any takers? Apparently, according to reports, 3 very strange aliens were also seen at the site, covered in nets and exuding a very potent smell of citronella! Thanks to Chris, Fran and Aline for sticking it out. Petty the bats don't do their job better and get rid of some of those midges! Although the number is the same as last time this is not and indication that there are no babies (or pups) yet. Chris mentioned that some of the bats were seen to return to the exit point, just touching down for a second, then they were followed by a new bat leaving the roost. The count become confusing at the end with lots of bats returning in this way. This is indicative that young were around with females either returning to suckle or to tempt the little ones out. All bats need to learn from their mothers how to forage and the best places to do that.
Finally, don't forget Monday night. Another chance to see the pips at Cwm Rheidol - everyone welcome. Don't forget seats, a cuppa or a beer maybe (drunk in charge of a bat detector) and some very nice biscuits would go down a treat. Last time the bats were emerging as of 9:20 so be there a little earlier than that if you want to see the whole show. There will be two more opportunities in July. The final count of BLEs is Thursday 24th. If you want to come let me know well in advance please as numbers will be restricted.
Thanks everyone so far - great results.
Net
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Natterer's count on Thursday - who want's to come along? Last call!
Hello everyone, I'll try my best not to make any spelling mistakes this time! Ho, ho, that will be the day!
Just a reminder that the 2nd and last Natterer's count is on Thursday evening (17th June). We don't need too many of us there so let me know if you would like to come along. Please ignore my very misleading comment on the programme; you do not need to have a licence to come along to help with the emergence count. It's a good chance to hear myotis spp. but remember it's midge heaven up there!
Net
Just a reminder that the 2nd and last Natterer's count is on Thursday evening (17th June). We don't need too many of us there so let me know if you would like to come along. Please ignore my very misleading comment on the programme; you do not need to have a licence to come along to help with the emergence count. It's a good chance to hear myotis spp. but remember it's midge heaven up there!
Net
Friday 11 June 2010
Cwm Rheidol Sopano Pipistrelle count, last night's report, and other interesting things!
Good day everyone, hope you're all rested after last night's outing, thanks to everyone who came and made it a great evening. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves and learnt loads.
The head count was only 254, which is a bit disappointing to tell the truth - not up to our usual numbers. It was a bit windy but not enough to keep bats from coming out if they were there. The other notable thing is that they emerged from the front elevation of the building and not the side as they have done for the last few years. It could be that the cold winter has upset thing somewhat. I just hope there are a few more next time - we've got three more counts to come, 21st June and 5th and 19th July.
According to BCT, our pip site, with a peak count of 949 (2003), is the 6th largest soprano pip colony in Wales, out of 35 counted for the NBMP since 1997 and is the 19th largest in the UK out of 330 counted. The over all trend for pip across the UK however is down since 2003 unfortunately - the weather perhaps, it's getting the blame for so much lately?
Pips, as you may know, are divided into two species, the sopranos which echo locate at 55 kHz and the common at 45kHz. So how can you tell them apart you may ask. Well here's how you do it according to BCT.
Pips make their most distinctive sounds when flying in open space, so when trying to work out which is which keep this in mind. Always use headphone and when the pip is heard, quickly tune the dial between 37 and 60 kHz, Do not look at the dial whilst you are doing this. As the dial is rotated, listen until you hear the loudest sound, which is described as 'slap'. At this point you are close to the optimum or peak frequency. Then continue rotating the dial close to this frequency and listen until the sound is at its DEEPEST note (not the loudest part of the sound). When you are tuned to the deepest note, look at the tuning dial and record the frequency. If you are trying to identify bats from a roost repeat this process several times to get a spread of readings. If you are conduction a field survey remember to keep counting the number of passes too. All very simple, easy when you know how! Above 52 kHz record as a soprano pip (55kHz), between 42 - 48 kHz record as a common pip (45kHz). To complicate things, anything below 40 kHz consider as a Nathusius's pip or if the deepest note is heard at 49, 50 or 51kHz, record as pip spp.
Now you know so we'll have test next time but don't expect me to know will you!
Good luck tonight with the Brown Long Eared Count. We'll do it all again next week. We've also been asked to repeat the BLE's twice more in July, if we get time so there will be plenty of opportunity for everyone to come along there too.
Happy Batting
Net
The head count was only 254, which is a bit disappointing to tell the truth - not up to our usual numbers. It was a bit windy but not enough to keep bats from coming out if they were there. The other notable thing is that they emerged from the front elevation of the building and not the side as they have done for the last few years. It could be that the cold winter has upset thing somewhat. I just hope there are a few more next time - we've got three more counts to come, 21st June and 5th and 19th July.
According to BCT, our pip site, with a peak count of 949 (2003), is the 6th largest soprano pip colony in Wales, out of 35 counted for the NBMP since 1997 and is the 19th largest in the UK out of 330 counted. The over all trend for pip across the UK however is down since 2003 unfortunately - the weather perhaps, it's getting the blame for so much lately?
Pips, as you may know, are divided into two species, the sopranos which echo locate at 55 kHz and the common at 45kHz. So how can you tell them apart you may ask. Well here's how you do it according to BCT.
Pips make their most distinctive sounds when flying in open space, so when trying to work out which is which keep this in mind. Always use headphone and when the pip is heard, quickly tune the dial between 37 and 60 kHz, Do not look at the dial whilst you are doing this. As the dial is rotated, listen until you hear the loudest sound, which is described as 'slap'. At this point you are close to the optimum or peak frequency. Then continue rotating the dial close to this frequency and listen until the sound is at its DEEPEST note (not the loudest part of the sound). When you are tuned to the deepest note, look at the tuning dial and record the frequency. If you are trying to identify bats from a roost repeat this process several times to get a spread of readings. If you are conduction a field survey remember to keep counting the number of passes too. All very simple, easy when you know how! Above 52 kHz record as a soprano pip (55kHz), between 42 - 48 kHz record as a common pip (45kHz). To complicate things, anything below 40 kHz consider as a Nathusius's pip or if the deepest note is heard at 49, 50 or 51kHz, record as pip spp.
Now you know so we'll have test next time but don't expect me to know will you!
Good luck tonight with the Brown Long Eared Count. We'll do it all again next week. We've also been asked to repeat the BLE's twice more in July, if we get time so there will be plenty of opportunity for everyone to come along there too.
Happy Batting
Net
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Natt's count results!
Hi all, Chris, Fran and I ran the gauntlet of the clouds of midges last night and counted out 63 of our lovely little Natt's - like the old days! They started to emerge at 10:25 and it was over by 11:00 - well we couldn't see and we were bitten to death and had to escape - take that as a warning all! If you want to come along next time keep next Thursday evening free (17th June).
This maternity colony is quite a small one as there are reports of up to 200 individuals in some roosts.
Natterer's bats are a medium sized bat of the 'myotis' species. Their forearms (between thumb and elbow) measure between 36.0 - 43.0 mm and they have a white tummy, sandy grey upper fur and look really cute with their little pink faces and somewhat pinkist arms - I know, it's hard to tell all this when it's dark! The diagnostic feature - if you're lucky enough to have one of these in your hand - (licenced bods only please), is hairs along the 'calcar' and no 'calcarial lobe'.
For those using bat detectors their peak frequency is 48.9kHz and the pulse repetition rate is very high and is the most irregular of the three Myotis species.
For more info follow this link:- http://www.arkive.org/natteres-bat/myotis-nattereri/description.html
This maternity colony is quite a small one as there are reports of up to 200 individuals in some roosts.
Natterer's bats are a medium sized bat of the 'myotis' species. Their forearms (between thumb and elbow) measure between 36.0 - 43.0 mm and they have a white tummy, sandy grey upper fur and look really cute with their little pink faces and somewhat pinkist arms - I know, it's hard to tell all this when it's dark! The diagnostic feature - if you're lucky enough to have one of these in your hand - (licenced bods only please), is hairs along the 'calcar' and no 'calcarial lobe'.
For those using bat detectors their peak frequency is 48.9kHz and the pulse repetition rate is very high and is the most irregular of the three Myotis species.
For more info follow this link:- http://www.arkive.org/natteres-bat/myotis-nattereri/description.html
Monday 7 June 2010
First count of the year
Hi All, considering the weather, it's been decided to do the Natt's count tomorrow night (8th), rather than tonight. We have enough people now but if you do want to come along anyway, please contact me before tomorrow 6:30pm. Sorry, I seem to have confused everyone - this IS open to non licence holders.
Let's get organised for Thursday too please - let me know if you're coming
Markku and John have offered to do the Long Eared count on Friday but again, let me know if you intended to go along as soon as possible please.
Just typical that the weather should start to break down this week!
Net
Let's get organised for Thursday too please - let me know if you're coming
Markku and John have offered to do the Long Eared count on Friday but again, let me know if you intended to go along as soon as possible please.
Just typical that the weather should start to break down this week!
Net
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Hope you're ready for the next two weeks surveys!
Hi All, Are you all ready and free for the next two weeks - (June 7th onwards) I do hope so. Heads up then and please refer to the programme - find it on the quick links to the right of this message. I've made a mistake with the sunset times by one hour - forgot to take into account summer time, so add one hour to that please in each case. The weather looks set fair so we should be able to do all the sites as planned. Where there are two dates given we'll use the first. I've informed the house owners that we are due so they should be expecting us.
Chris, Esther and I checked out the Natterer's roast and they are there, about 60 of them! We think the weather must have been to cold last year for them to come out but we have high hopes for this year.
Please let me know if you're coming along and I can organise pick up and car sharing where necessary. aes@aber.ac.uk or phone 01970 832148 (I'll problably get loads of strange calls and junk mail now).
We need help at Cwm Rhiedol so if there is any 'first timers' we'd love to see you for that. Thursday 10th and Monday 21st.
Happy batting
Net
Chris, Esther and I checked out the Natterer's roast and they are there, about 60 of them! We think the weather must have been to cold last year for them to come out but we have high hopes for this year.
Please let me know if you're coming along and I can organise pick up and car sharing where necessary. aes@aber.ac.uk or phone 01970 832148 (I'll problably get loads of strange calls and junk mail now).
We need help at Cwm Rhiedol so if there is any 'first timers' we'd love to see you for that. Thursday 10th and Monday 21st.
Happy batting
Net
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