Bat Training

[Big Jim]

Cheers for the feedback Keith.  Im glad we managed to get things across in a less fascist way than is neccessary.  I think in DBCG we are lucky having so many members who are either ecologists/rangers or similar and hence a little more used to managing conservation along side recreation, development etc.  I think this is also reflected in the fact that there are hardly any caves/mines in the Peak that are gated for bats - some claim to be but often thats because it suits the landowner rather than the bats or bat workers I feel.  If cavers act sensibly and show the bats the respect they deserve, theres no reason why this should ever change.  I know dam well that me conducting survey probably causes more disturbance than most sport cavers do. :spank:

Glad to see from Pete's comments that the Surrey lot have done similar stuff - i always get the impression that the "Bat" word is a little more taboo down south.

Jim

 

[Big Jim]

Some of the pics Jess treid to post......

Group shot in Bonsall Leas

Lisa and Keith outside Groaning Tor

Lovely pic of whiskered bat covered in condensation

Natterer's bat with snow white belly just visible.

Link to flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/34939742@N07/ for a better viewing.

Jim

 

[Big Jim]

More photos from previous session courtesy of Dennis Jump

J4nny just hoping that stemple doesn't give way as she passes beneath.

Steve (Colin) Knox on left sharing his recipe for Brandt's Burgers with us all - he missed the bit about legislation at the beginning obviously :spank:

A Brandt's being identified in hand by Jim (for which I have a licence!!!!)

Thanks Dennis

Big Jim

 

[Big Jim]

So... have any of our trainee bat spotters found us any bats recently?  Please PM me any records. There are still bats in hibernation but more likely to be close to cave entrances
now as they become more active and prepare to move on to other roosting sites.

Cheers

Big Jim

 

[ronaldjprice]

Loads of the little buggers dive bombing my muck heap.
I think they have come out of the culverts onder the mills, in Nelson

 

[Big Jim]

I hope Patsy doesnt know you refer to her as 'your muck heap' Mums the word

Go check them culverts  - they may be good hibernation sites but more likely summer roosts for Daubentons.  If you get owt, let your local bat group know. Is Nelson Lancs or Yorks? - I just know its on way to the dales... and happy times

I had droppings down Hurnell Moss t'other week. Must send records to John Altringham when I get 5...

J

 

[Katie]

I have seen loads of bats since the bat training trip.



Unfortunately all of them were in Mulu........

 

[Big Jim]

Mulu...? I think thats just outside Derbyshire isnt it?

 

[j4nny]

sad to report, from my desk in the office there are no sighting of bats this evening 

however, i will have a good look when i get to the pub. 

 

[bsaden]

Jim
I was back in Gells a fortnight ago showing someone around and saw no bats, even though I looked carefully. Also went in the mine near the corner of the pine copse above the cars and over the road and up the hill to ****** Spring mine. No bats!
You can tell why I am known as the 'Memory man'!
I am caving (and climbing) in the States at the moment for 6 weeks - just rubbing it in! still seen no bats!

 

[Big Jim]

Cheers Dennis.

I think youve picked up bad habits of that Dave "Hawkeye" Webb It doesnt suprise me that youve not seen any for last couple of weeks - they should be on the move to other roosts now, though I would expect to find the odd one to be lingering in the 'light zones' of caves.  I had a single whiskered/brandts in Old Ash Mine (Winster) last week and nowt in Lords and (Latex) Ladies mine.

The one you couldnt remember is Dunsley and the other by the pines is either Spencers or Henstocks and I always muddle them up.

Enjoy the States - Nettle when you get back

Jim

 

[bsaden]

Jim
That's a date for Nettle  -I jurst love it there! WHich parts do you want to do, or all?!

Still in the US of A - buried in deep snow!

 

[george]

Hi,

I'm invading your thread from North Yorkshire - sorry! I found a couple of bats in Jug Holes (upper) in february, I got a couple of good photos and a 'Bat Handler' friend of mine identified them for me. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any training and/or days out like what you guys have done that might be happening in the dales? Or of any bat-like cavers up here? I'm relatively new to caving (just a couple of years) but happy to try most things!

George

 

[Les W]

I found a couple of bats in Jug Holes (upper) in february, I got a couple of good photos and a 'Bat Handler' friend of mine identified them for me.

What type of bats were they?

 

[menacer]

Hi,

I'm invading your thread from North Yorkshire - sorry! I found a couple of bats in Jug Holes (upper) in february, I got a couple of good photos and a 'Bat Handler' friend of mine identified them for me. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any training and/or days out like what you guys have done that might be happening in the dales? Or of any bat-like cavers up here? I'm relatively new to caving (just a couple of years) but happy to try most things!

George

Hi George, welcome to the forum.
You clearly have good bat hunting abilities.
If you could keep an eye out for this type of bat in you travels im sure the members of the BEC would be very greatful.

 

[Big Jim]

Hi,

I'm invading your thread from North Yorkshire - sorry! I found a couple of bats in Jug Holes (upper) in february, I got a couple of good photos and a 'Bat Handler' friend of mine identified them for me. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any training and/or days out like what you guys have done that might be happening in the dales? Or of any bat-like cavers up here? I'm relatively new to caving (just a couple of years) but happy to try most things!

George

George, cheers for the info on Jugholes - its a well known site with a history of use by bats. I didnt make it there this winter but have had plenty in there in the past.
As for the Dales... Students from Leeds Uni do bat surveys (hibernation and swarming) in that area. John Altringham and Anita Glover are the main bods who run it all.  Drop Anita an email - shes easy to find on google.
Ill be doing more training sessions in Derbyshire at end of the year so keep your eyes on this forum.

Jim

 

[george]

Thanks for your replies - I will look up anne and the leeds uni lot. I will also keep an eye out for bertie! My friend (Nick Wheelan) reckoned they we're Brandts but then he thought there was a possibility of them being Whiskered. I'm going to have to take him underground if he's up for it.
George

 

[george]

I meant Anita of course and John too!

 

[Peter Burgess]

Thanks for your replies - I will look up anne and the leeds uni lot. I will also keep an eye out for bertie! My friend (Nick Wheelan) reckoned they we're Brandts but then he thought there was a possibility of them being Whiskered. I'm going to have to take him underground if he's up for it.
George

Brandts/Whiskered. Isn't the only way to tell them apart to look at the shape of their willies? And if they are female, you won't stand a chance. Which begs the question, how do the male bats know if they've paired up with the right species? Do they ask the females to make an inspection first?

 

[Big Jim]

Peter, your are partly right. Penis shape is one of the distinguishing features along with shape of tragus and some very subtle difference in some of the teeth which are well hard to see. I dont think it is possible to say which species it is from a photo, Ive tried telling them apart on "Jizz" - ie a best guess based on size and colour and often this turns out to be wrong when these other features are examined.

There are also those who think that there could be another species very similar that we just cant tell apart yet. Its not that long ago that Whiskered and brandts were identified as seperate species and likewise for Common and Soprano Pipistrelles.

J