North Ceredigion Bat Group

Welsh Bat Workers Day 2012 - don't forget to book!

2012-01-20T15:24:00.006Z

Hi All,

Can I remind you to book for the Bat Workers Day to be held April 28th in Llanidloes. BCT will open up the booking to beyond Wales at the end of the month so get in there while you can. It's a day well worth attending and I'm sure you'll get a lot out of it. Cost is £35 for non BCT members and £30 for members but really worth it - and you get a lovely lunch to boot!!!! Numbers are limited to 90 people. Don't be shy, come along. I've booked so there will be space for three others in my car!!!!!!!! No excuses........hmm.....

Detail are here hopefully (if I done this right!!!!)

Start the Batty Year off the way you intend to go on!

Net

Request for sightings of migrating bats in the British Isles

2012-01-13T16:20:00.002Z

Hi all, Dave saw this and thought it might be of interest.

Request for sightings of migrating bats in the British Isles

Guess what, I'm also in the process of updating the programme for this year!!!!!

Happy New Year everyone.

Net

How do bats make their calls?

2011-10-08T17:28:00.003+01:00

Hello all. I was asked the other evening how do bats make their calls - do they for example have voice boxes and how can they pin point moving prey so well - needless to say I could not answer that one. Thanks to Aline for pointing out this really interesting article which goes a long way to answering that question. The linked article are good too - all really worth a read!

Net

First superfast muscles in mammals help bats catch prey

Bat and moth Evening update

2011-10-04T16:40:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone,

Aline has pointed me to this nice little article about the bat and moth evening some of us attended the other evening -

Ten go ‘batty’ in Llanafan

Net

Welsh Countryside and Coastal Management Fair

2011-09-20T16:45:00.004+01:00

Hello everyone - might be something here for one of you so I thought I'd pass it on. Something batty going on!

Have a look at this

Net

Bat and Moth evening at Llanafan

2011-09-12T17:23:00.002+01:00

Hi All, posting this on behalf of Aline who will be running this evening event - please give her loads of support, it sounds like it will be a great night!

Net :)

The Bat and Moth evening for the Llanafan ‘Wildlife Where you Live’ group will take place on Thursday 22nd September. Start time: 7 pm at Lisburne Hall. If it’s dry, we’ll walk around the village and look for bats (there are previous records of Natts, BLE, and pip roosts around the village - I hope it’s not to late in the year to find anything). If it’s wet, I’ll prepare an indoor presentation including photos and bat sounds.

The event will last about 1.5 hours, followed by refreshments. We’ll share the evening with Liz Snell from the Ceredigion moth group, so will have about 45 minutes of batty time (hopefully our bats won’t munch too many of her moths, or we won’t be invited again!)

Its open to anyone of any age and ability – you don’t need to live in Llanafan.

Any members of the bat group who would like to come along to lend a hand, or just as a participant, would be most welcome. It would be good to split into smaller groups for the bat walk, so please let me know if you are able to come and help. Plus, if you haven’t been to a moth event before, I would thoroughly recommend it - the variety and habits of moths are quite a revelation!

“For more information, contact Aline at Denmark Farm Conservation Centre: 01570 493358/ info@shared-earth-trust.org.uk).

But for the bat group, no problem for anyone to contact me by home e-mail (preferred) or phone.

Many thanks,

Aline

Bats eavesdrop to learn to hunt

2011-09-12T13:37:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, Esther thought you might all find this of interest. It's quite a good article and worth a read.

web link here

Net

Bat Carers Workshop

2011-08-18T17:19:00.006+01:00

National Bat Carers Workshop

Saturday 8 October

Media Resource Centre, Llandrindod Wells

10.30 am – 16.15 pm

If you want to go along please contact Steve Lucas at BCT

National Bat Conference

2011-08-08T12:43:00.001+01:00

National Bat Conference

There are still some places left at the National Bat Conference taking place on 16^th to 18^th September at the University of Warwick. To book your place or for information on the programme please see the BCT website at:

www.bats.org.uk/pages/national_bat_conference.html.

Don't miss out

Net

Seagull eats 5 live bats

2011-08-02T13:08:00.003+01:00

Well this might answer those questions about why bat numbers are plummeting! I'm often asked what the main predator of bats is and I usually say cats but I will be more circumspect next time!

Thanks Jon for pointing this out this amazing YouTube footage.

Net:)

Second Old Goginan square walk

2011-08-01T08:50:00.002+01:00

Aline and Chris did the second walkover for the NBMP, looking for Noctules, Serotines, and Pipistrelle bats on Friday. It was not quite as exciting as the first walkover, but we did pick up a couple of Noctule passes. The pips were out again, but possibly because of the fairly strong wind we could not find any in the more exposed sections of the walk.
These NBMP surveys have to be done during July, so we won't be doing any other sites this year, but hopefully we will manage to monitor at least 2 sites next year?

Cwm Rhiedol Survey tonight

2011-07-18T08:54:00.001+01:00

Hi All, apropos with the awful weather reports for this week, if no one has any objections, I'm putting off the survey tonight at Cwm Rheidol until next Monday 25th. Sun set will be at 21:19 that night so we should meet at 20:45. We'll only need a couple of people so let me know if you do or don't want to come along.

Glad you had a great night last week - any more to come?

Thanks everyone.

Net

First NBMP walkabout at Old Goginan site

2011-07-15T09:05:00.002+01:00

Last night, Aline, Kevin, and Chris enjoyed a lovely moonlit evening walking around quiet lanes and fields listening out for bats. We didn't find any Noctules or Serotines, but the pips certainly were out in force. The highlight of the evening was seeing several bats flying up and down the lane and picking midges out of the air all around us. They were very noisy, but gave us a good chance to identify social calls and discuss harmonics.
We also came across one bat that sounded like a myotis or brown long eared bat, and was seen in a fairly open and exposed field where it was flying quite low around some thistles - can anybody tell us what it might have been?

We will walk this site again in about 2 weeks time, and we are also looking at some other sites, so there should be more opportunities to take part on one of these surveys!

Why do some people love them and others hate them?

2011-07-11T13:14:00.003+01:00

Hi All, I just wanted to say what a lovely time we had in the woods on Friday evening. Despite the dodgy weather there where loads of bats out and about - mainly pips to be honest, I must get around to teaching some whiskered or natterer's to come out an play around when we've got a walk on. Thanks so much to everyone for making it such a pleasant evening, I couldn't have wished for a more supportive group. Thank you.

On a sadder note however, Chris has just drawn my attention to this and I certainly agree with her that this does make me sick too!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-14088144

http://www.rspca.org.uk/ImageLocator/LocateAsset?asset=document&assetId=1232726462710&mode=prd

I'm just glad they were rescued but it does make me wonder how often this type of thing is happening! I have an interesting newspaper article which does highlight some peoples thoughts about how the law is getting so tight that people are being driven to taking extreme measures, not that I agree with that you understand - sorry should not rant on here... If you would like to have a look just ask me.

At last the detail for the field surveys have come through so Chris and Aline will be looking for volunteers. I'm also looking for someone who might like to take on the responsibility for the Ystrad Meurig square. I've got study school for two weeks as of 18th so won't be able to do much organising I'm afraid.

Have loads of batty fun.

Net

Walk for the Wild Life Trust start time change

2011-07-04T12:33:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone. On Friday 8th July the Group will be leading a walk for the Wild Life Trust for South and West Wales in Penglais Pocket Park. A slight change to the start time has been made.

We will meet at 9:15 rather than 8:40.

If the weather turns out to be bad a decision will be made as to whether we proceed with the walk by 7pm and will be posted here so please check before coming out.

See you there.

Net

This weeks surveys - amendment

2011-06-23T21:16:00.003+01:00

Hello everyone,

Just looked at the weather forecast for Friday (24th) evening - it's awful! So we'll do the last Natt's count on Saturday instead - same time, same place. Hope this change doesn't mess up too many peoples plans.

Thanks again for all your help this summer.

Still three to go in July though

Net

This weeks surveys

2011-06-19T16:17:00.004+01:00

Hi All,

This week is going to be a busy one I am afraid. Just to reconnoitre, Monday is the pips, Thursday the Long Eared and Friday for the Natts. I think,as my mum use to say:-

'we'll have to weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not'

since we really don't have very much leeway. All the surveys have to be done this year by the 25th!

The pips came out very early last time so please be there for 20:46

Long-ears never come out until after dark, so be ready there for 21:30

The Natterer's were very late and didn't emerge until 22:55- well, those few that did bother - so please be there for 21:45 and expect a long wait. This one then is not for the faint hearted - don't forget to bring a chair and something to keep you warm!

The scores on the door for the count for those of you who would like to know are:-

pips - 656

long-eared - 25

natts - 4!

Is there anyone who can offer a lift from Aber please?

As per usual, please let me know if you intend to come along to any or all.

See you next week

net

Thursday 16th, Natts survey resheduled

2011-06-14T14:25:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, sorry to muck about with everyone plans but I have decided to reschedule the Natterer's survey for Thursday 16th.

There is a couple of reasons. The first natts survey did not go well - no bats present! Reading the survey notes again I see that BCT have slightly changed their instructions - no survey should go ahead if the temperature is less than 7c at sunset. It was only 6c that first night so we should write that one off. In view of this and the bad weather expected Thursday night Aline and Cinzia have offered to go tonight instead. We can count tonight's survey as the first visit and then I'll reschedule another one before the 25th September which is the end of this surveying period.

I hope I haven't disappointed anyone too much but there will be another chance to see the Natts in about 10 days time. I am aware that it will be a busy week next week but I'm sure we can squeeze something in. If anyone has any preference to day let me know but in reality we need to leave it as late as possible - maybe even Friday 24th. If you can't make next week and would really like to see and hear the Natts please pop along tonight by all means. You'll need to be there for start at 21:40.

Thanks for all your help again this year.

Net

Learn about Bats at Denmark Farm

2011-06-08T17:34:00.005+01:00

Hello All, I've just been to Old College and spotted a notice about a three day course being held in August at Denmark Farm. It's run by Education and Life Long Learning and is about identifying British bats. I can't seem to find it on their web pages but I've checked with the office and there are at the moment 6 places left. It costs £70 (or£60 concession) If you are interested you should contact SELL at:-

Tel: 01970 621580Fax: 01970 622258Email: learning@aber.ac.uk

Net

Summer survey programme

2011-06-02T19:37:00.013+01:00

Hi all,

I shouldn't need to remind you that it all starts next week, see the programme by clicking on the link just to the right of this text. The sites and the grid references of all are included. I seems to have make a bo bo with the sun set times - we need to add an hour - I've a feeling I did that last year too - that's what comes of leaving me in charge!

I hope by now everyone has each others contact addresses and that you will make your own arrangements to get to the sites; if there is anyone who can not find a lift, please let me know and I'll do my best to sort things out. However I would like to know who intends to turn up, especially for the Long Eared and the Natterer's sites where we need to keep numbers down and also cars to a minimum for parking.

We'll start on Monday 6th with the Natterer's bats - the weather looks promising. Of course you all spotted that the picture in the last post was one of them! We'll do the Pips on Thursday as planned and the Longeared on the Monday 13th. We need to be on site and waiting at least a half an hour before sun set.

As per usual, if the weather looks grim please check this blog before leaving home.

Just for interest, based on the surveys done for BCT last year the latest species population trends collected are now online in their 2010 Annual Report, available at

www.bats.org.uk

Looking forward to seeing you all over the summer and thanks again for all you help and support.

Net

Welsh Bat Conference 2011 and our survey season begins.

2011-05-23T12:07:00.010+01:00

Hi everyone.

Don't forget to book for the Conference before the 6th June. Places are always limited. It's really worth going along and will be good fun and you'll learn loa

ds.

http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/wales_bat_conference.html

Just a gentle reminder too that June is our busy survey time of year. The programme is up, just follow the link on the right hand side of the text. As you'll see the first survey is on either 6th or 7th - so it's depends on the weather and how many people will be around as to which day we go. That will be the natterer's roost at Llanrystud and then on the Thursday 9th we'll be down at Cwm Rheidol. It would be good, if possible, to have a little idea as to who might turn up so could you let me know by email please. I'll be at class in town until 8:30 on the Thursday evening and hope to pop along in time but if there is enough of you I might just dip out, I'm sure you all know what you're doing by now.

Okay then, what's this?

See you soon

Net

Brithdir Outing update

2011-05-09T18:11:00.002+01:00

Well, we didn't make it to Brithdir after all. Since the weather looked a bit dodgy and it's a long way to go to Brithdir we decided in the end to cut and run to Ynys Hir RSPB Reserve. We'll try Brithdir later in the summer when the moment takes us. Nevertheless we had a great evening. It was lovely there, warm and quite calm and we heard 45 and 55 pips of course, also Serotines, Noctuals and possible Long Eared bats – the usual suspects! There were loads of insects about; the occasional cockchafer beetle blundered by and in the distance a grasshopper warbler could be heard – lovely! This should be a promising summer!

How many of you got the bat ID right then? The feet should have given it away! Yes, you guessed it, it was a Daubenton’s Bat (myotis daubentonii). Photo courtesy of

http://www.bio.bris.ac.uk/research/bats/britishbats/index.htm

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the programme – we start the survey work on June 6^th – hope to see you all out.

Net

Brithdir Outing

2011-05-04T11:24:00.005+01:00

Hi All, I hope I've got everyone in touch with each other by now and arrange lifts and things - phoo..., Just in case I've missed someone, we will be meeting in Talybont, towards the end of the village by the two chapels, opposite the Lolfa/Neuadd Gofa at 7:30. There's one pick up in Mach on the way by the clock.

If you want to do some mugging up on species ID and bat sounds we hope to be seeing - or should I say hearing - Lesser Horseshoes, Long Eared, Daubenton's, Pips (two spec.) and possibly Whiskered!

To get you in the mood, what's this then?

See you on Friday evening - hope the weather is reasonable, we'll ignore a bit of rain but if it's torrential I'll put up a blog by 6pm.

Net

Barbastelle study in the Lake District

2011-04-27T15:02:00.002+01:00

Hi All, just thought I would alert you to this web page:-

http://blog.cheaptents.com/bat-watching-lake-district/

It's a nice article but before you all shout out I have spotted the deliberate mistake - yes, no gloves!

Net

Batty the 'fat' bat takes to the shy.

2011-04-20T11:35:00.005+01:00

Hi All, just to let you know that Batty took his big step into the unknown at Cwm Rheidol. After looking after him since mid December I was a bit reluctant to let him go but felt comfortable where I knew other bats were active. The place was humming with pips all around so I put him on my open hand. For a while he just sat there and I though he would not go but then an owl hooted and he seemed to wake up and started moving his head listening to the world (all very poetic), then off he went! For a time we watch him high in the trees following other feeding bats and then we lost him in the glooming. Ah, what a nice story!

I'll be in touch soon about final arrangements for the 6th.

Have a lovely Easter break what ever you are doing - I hope some of that time will be out there with your bat detectors!

Net:)

Brithdir Outing

2011-04-13T11:18:00.005+01:00

Hi All, thanks for your quick response about this. The consensus of opinion is to go on Friday 6th May. So far there are six of us. We can sort out the fine detail nearer the time. I'm happy to drive but we will need one other by the looks of it, maybe someone who can pick up from Aber.

Out of interests the church itself is of some note for you art historians. We will not be going in unfortunately so I thought I'd pass you this link so you can see what you are missing.

http://www.friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/CMSMS/index.php?page=brithdir

Net

Brithdir Outing

2011-04-12T15:16:00.003+01:00

Hi All, I've got permission for the group to go to Brithdir, All I need now is a show of hands and to set a date. We're rolling quickly into Easter so I suggest Friday 6th or Friday the 13th of May (Oh, that sounds ominous). May is starting to get really crazy already. If we don't get something settled this week we'll have to call it a day and just do the usual surveys.

Update on Batty the Fat Bat - he'll be away very soon now that he can swoop and weave around my room, he seems to love just playing around and hanging around on the curtains - he seems to be homing his skills! All I hope is that he can catch bugs for himself once he is out all alone in the big wide world. Hmm, yes, I've got attached to him and it will be hard to let him go but it will be soon.

Update on fat Batty the Bat

2011-03-31T16:14:00.004+01:00

Hi all,

I think you all know that I've had a small and very fluffy little pip staying with me over the winter. He arrived sick and thin in the middle of December but now, I'm glad to tell you, he is as fat as butter, has a lovely glossy coat and a roll of fat around his neck like a lions mane - he eats up to 25 meal worm a night! In order to get him fit for release I've been giving him flying lessons over the last few evenings. He flits off my hand and does about 100, yes 100 I've counted, circuits of my bedroom. (I have to pick the poop off the wall once he's back in his bed). I must admit the bedroom is small but it's a beginning!

I'm still interested to hear if anyone else wants to go for a 'jolly' to Brithdir later this month or early in May.

Net

Annual Report from BCT

2011-03-22T16:07:00.004Z

As you know the surveys the Group undertakes during the summer are, in the main, for The Bat Conservation Trust. The latest species population trends based on the data we and others collect during 2010 will be published in the 2010 BCT Annual Report, which should be available in May. In the mean time, maps showing the distributions of survey sites and bat species recorded last year can be found on the BCT website at: -

http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/summer_survey_summary_2010.html

I've just had confirmation of the sites that we'll do again this year during June and July but I wondered if anyone wanted to get involved with doing a Woodland Survey in Aug/September. Details for this can be found at the following website: -

http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/woodland_survey.html

I have explored the possibility of going to Brithdir in the early summer - like April/May and we have permission to do this if you like. If you feel that this is too far away we could go to Ynys Hir RSPB Reserve and undertake our own woodland survey and get some practice in. Please let me know you feelings on this so I can either get down to organising something or just relax and enjoy the warm spring weather. I'm out here working on your behalf!!!!!

Net :)

Lyme's Disease Awareness!

2011-03-17T10:03:00.003Z

This link has just been pointed out to me. For anyone working out and about in the field it might be worth having a look. It surprised me to hear that a friend of a friend has recently had Lyme's Disease which was contracted from ticks in the dunes at Harlech! A great many of my assumptions about the disease have been very wrong!

http://www.tickbitepreventionweek.org/

Net

Great bit about Horseshoe bats on The One Show

2011-03-02T17:42:00.002Z

For those who missed it there was a great little film about horseshoe bats on the One Show last week:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1b3O6SC_3E

Is there anyone who would be interested in a trip to Brithdir in April or May? I know it's a long way to go but we could find our own horseshoe bats perhaps.

Net

Summer 2011 programme available now

2011-02-22T12:39:00.002Z

After lots of badgering by Net, I finally put up the summer programme. As always, any changes will be announced on the blog.
Looking forward to a very batty summer!
cheers
chris

Anabat Training

2011-02-22T10:37:00.007Z

Hello everyone,

Steve Lucas has sent the following communication, if anyone is interested please get back to me as soon as possible. Net

Does anyone in your groups want Anabat training? I am particularly looking at Level III course right now but would be good to know if there is a demand for other courses. Sandie Sowler (in association with Richard Crompton) offers three levels of training http://www.anabattraining.co.uk for details of the courses however, it may be possible to run them at less cost depending on how many people would be interested.

I need to know by the end of this week for a level III course please.

Steve Lucas

Annual CCW - Bat Group Meeting

2011-02-08T15:36:00.004Z

Hello everyone,

This is just an early reminder that the annual CCW – Bat Group meeting is scheduled for 2 April. It might seem a long way off but it will come round quickly enough. Is there anyone who would like to go? There's usually places for two so please let know if you would like to go. Steve, from BCT is also asking for any agenda items which I'll need to pass to him by 7 March. At the moment the venue has yet to be settled.

This is a good opportunity to meet up with other Bat Groups from around Wales and can be quite an interesting day. If you're interested just email me as per usual.

Can't wait to get out there looking for bats.

Net

PS. I've got a little pip right now so if any bat group member wants a close up look just pop in and see me and batty bat!

Poor little bats in Australian floods.

2011-01-14T12:13:00.002Z

Hey all, it's not just people who are having a bad time in Australia at the moment. Chris and I want to adopt one or maybe two! Follow the link http://ht.ly/3D4Ht

Don't miss out on the basic bat care on 5 February at the Carmarthen Veterinary Centre from 10-4 pm, focussing very much on the west Wales area as this is a part of the world in which we are short of bat carers. There are a few places available If anyone in the bat group would like to go get in touch with Steve Lucas.

Net

Trying to sort out some dates for the diary

2011-01-10T14:27:00.003Z

Hello Everyone and a Happy New Year to you all.

I know this is a long long way off but some of us need to sort our the diary. I'm trying to fix a date in July to do the walk and talk for the Wild Life Trust in Penglais Woods. I'll need some help as there could be a couple of dozen people coming along. Friday, Saturday or Sunday evenings are good for the Trust members so I was thinking of suggesting 8th, 9th or 10th or even the following week end. How does this grab you and is there anyone out there who can help?

The survey programme for 2011 will be up shortly. If you can't wait, we'll keep to the same days as 2010 - all you'll need to do is adjust the date.

email me please with your thought at the usual address aes@aber.ac.uk

Thanks

Net

Season's Greetings

2010-12-21T17:28:00.003Z

Hi All, I know this is a bit early but I'm off the web or should I say 'net' for a couple of weeks. Just wanted to say a great big Happy Christmas. Thanks too, to everyone for making this last year of batting so successful and such great fun. Hope you all have a Happy and Healthy 2011.

Keep Batting

Best Wishes

Net

Bats spotted out and about

2010-12-02T16:33:00.004Z

Hi All,

Aline has pointed out that on the Ceredigion bird blog http://ceredigionbirds33.blogspot.com/ there has been mention of bats being seen out and about very recently and is concerned that they may have been disturbed. As I understand it, and I might be completely wrong here, male bats will come out and about late into the autumn/winter if the weather is clement; mating goes on even when the females are asleep sometime - shameful behaviour. The conditions would have to be good for the bats to replenish the energy lost however so coming out in the day in this type of weather does seem to be at odds and a bit worrying. Can anyone throw any light on this behaviour please?

Net

Confirmation of Group Annual Meeting etc.

2010-11-12T15:44:00.002Z

Hi All, It seems that most people can make it on the evening of Monday 22nd November. We'll meet at 6:00pm in the Art Centre. If you want some food or a cuppa grab it on your way up to the Theatre lounge bar up the stairs. This meeting is open to any newcomers.

I also thought some of you might be interested in the following link.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-769erv

From European Protected species, click on 'all 17 species of bat'. It has nice little summary
maps of GB distribution and groups species by habitat requirements.

Hope to see you on the 22nd. We'll look out for newcomers and I'll try and put something obvious on the tables so that you know it's the Bat Group.

See you then

Net

German scientists fooled bats

2010-11-08T10:13:00.004Z

Chris found this and I thought you might all like to see it too.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/video/2010/nov/01/bats-innate-ability-detect-water

Also can we please set a date to meet to organise next year's program.

Net

Furnace survey in the rain

2010-09-08T15:56:00.002+01:00

Just a quick note to thank those brave souls who came up to Furnace on Monday to help with the emergence count. I thought that the survey would have been cancelled but even in all the rain, the bats came out (hungry, I guess). A lower count than the one we helped with last month, but still very useful.

Thanks also to our consultant friends who allowed us a sneaky peak at the bats before they came out. There may be another survey (weather permitting) at the end of the month but I'll let you know nearer the time.

I'm thinking that it would be good to get the bat group together, perhaps for an end-of-season drink somewhere or maybe a meal? Your thoughts, please, via email would be good. Ta.

Esther

Furnace survey confirmed for this Monday, 6th September

2010-09-04T08:28:00.002+01:00

Just to say that this survey is going ahead - we had confirmation yesterday but you've had the date in your diary for a while now so hopefully no big surprise for you!

I've just sent an email out with details of when and where to meet, and what to bring. Please organise your own lifts to the site if you possibly can.

As before, if I need to cancel, I'll put a post on the blog and send an email out before 5pm Monday, so please check emails/the blogspot before you set off. If you're not going to be near a computer, then please phone me or text me to check - number is on the email I just sent out.

See you Monday - should be very exciting, so don't be late!

Cheers

Esther

National Bat Monitoring Programme Results Round Up

2010-08-20T17:05:00.003+01:00

Hi All, thanks Esther for organising these extra outings - that's great, see you all Monday.

Just thought that you might like to have all the results from this seasons NBMP surveys before I post them off to BCT. Make of them as you will. We were lucky with the weather and just manged to get them all done before it took a turn for the worst so we can't use the that to explain the variation in the count for the pips. I'm just glad that the Natt's seem to be back up in number and the LE are steady.

Pipistrelle Colony Count at Cwm Rheidol.
10-06-2010 = 254
21-06-2010 = 469
05-07-2010 = 290
19-07-2010 = 406

Brown Long-Eared at Comins Coch
11-06-2010 = 24
24-06-2010 = 25

Natterer's Colony Count at Llanrhystud
08-06-2010 = 63
17-06-2010 = 64

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who took part and made it so enjoyable. Hope to see you all next year again.

Net

Survey at Furnace, Monday 23rd

2010-08-20T12:17:00.004+01:00

Just a quick note to confirm that the bat group will be doing a survey in Furnace on Monday 23rd. I'll send out an email today to those that have said they can come with details of where to meet and what time, so please check your inbox. This is for bat group members only, I'm afraid, hence the lack of details on this blog.

The weather is very unsettled at the moment so it's possible that I may have to cancel - if I do, I will put a message on the blog on Monday afternoon (you should get it as an email before 6pm, if you've signed up for them), but I will also send a group email before 5pm. If you hear nothing, then it's still on - if in doubt, please give me a call (most of you should have my number by now).

We'll also get confirmation of the second count at Furnace soon, so look out for emails and check the blog.

Esther

Bat Worker Bulletin 51: 5th August 2010

2010-08-11T13:02:00.004+01:00

Hi, I've worked out a way to let you have the Bulletin other than via the email - hope it works!

Find Bat Worker Bulletin 51: 5th August 2010 at;-

https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1P2JJYvoPxANlHc8fhIdtguojopkrUIzjkbQO-h621ns&hl=en

Next I'll try to set up a link on the right hand side for them so you can look at them when you want.

Net

Welsh Bat Day - don't miss out!

2010-08-03T11:30:00.003+01:00

Hi all, glad you had a great time at Furnace - really sorry I missed that but there will be another chance later in September.

Just wanted to draw your attention to the Welsh Bat Day. I circulated an email yesterday but for those who did not get it and want the information please email me. I'll get the hang of the Google Document thingy before long and be able to put up a link like Chris!

The booking form will be going up on the BCT web site as of 16th Aug, so don't miss out.

Esther will be blogging with some new dates for exciting things to do soon - look out for this.

Net

Dyfi Furnace last night

2010-07-28T10:35:00.002+01:00

Many thanks to all who came out to help with the survey last night. It was interesting to be involved and I think most of you even got to see some bats (not always guaranteed!). It looks like we'll be invited along to the next count, sometime in September. We'll let you know as soon as we get a date.

Esther

Dyfi Furnace survey - reminder

2010-07-26T09:41:00.002+01:00

Hi All,
Please let me know if you intent coming along tomorrow night. We have to be there by 20:30. Parking in Furnace is a problem, but the lane going left just before the bridge (if you are coming from the South/Aberystwyth) might be an option. I suggest we meet by the bridge and take it from there.
So far I haven't heard from anyone, so please get in touch!
See you tomorrow
Christiane

BCT Sunset / Sunrise survey this weekend and beyond...

2010-07-24T14:23:00.005+01:00

A (late) reminder for those of you who aren't in touch with the Bat Conservation Trust website (well worth a visit) or their newsletters (free to members) - this weekend is the nationwide BCT sunrise / sunset survey: see this page on their website for details.

Basically, the survey doesn't require any previous bat experience or any expensive equipment (no bat detectors required!). The downloadable form gives you instructions on how you can carry out your own search for a bat roost and how to identify some of the bats you're likely to see. You can either do a survey at sunset, by trying to track bats back to where they seem to be coming from, or you can get up just before sunrise to see if you can follow them back to their roost. Or even better, you could do both (as long as the surveys aren't separated by more than a week). You could either have a go at doing the survey this weekend (a bit short notice, I know), or in the next 3 weeks (up to the 15th August) and the results will still be counted by BCT.

Make sure you either fill in the results form online, or send a completed form to BCT in the post. If you are going to have a go, have fun but be safe - take a friend with you or let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back.

Happy batting!

Tuesday the 27th July Dyfi Furnace survey

2010-07-22T15:39:00.006+01:00

Hi All, Hope those who went to Cardigan had a good time and are dry by now. Sorry I couldn't get the bats to come out and play!

The details for Tuesday have yet to be finalised but for the moment the ecologist who will be running the survey has ask that we be on site by 20:30 hrs. Again this is all weather dependant and you'll need to check before setting out that all is well. As you know I'll be away next week so Christiane is taking up the challenge of organising.

If you want to take part, let Christiane know.

Have fun.
Net

Cardigan Castle Wed 21st July arrangements

2010-07-19T17:19:00.005+01:00

Hi All, this trip is open only to those who have been out with us this summer, by way of a treat for you. It will be weather dependant so please ring me before you set off to check that it's on - I'll be waiting for your calls - home number as always.

You'll need to be at the entrance to Cardigan Castle no later than 8:30pm where Richard will be waiting for you. He'll give you a short briefing, before setting you all out to monitor different points of the building. It's advisable to bring something to sit on, something warm to drink (that could be tea I suppose or something stronger for those not driving - I'm not suggesting anything or going to be held responsible!). It's takes a good hour to get from Aber to Cardigan if you don't get stuck behind a tractor or caravan and it will be a late finish I should think. If you follow the one way system around the town you come up under the wall of the castle (all supported by a wooden stantions). As you come around the corner to go up the main street of the town ( just after the bridge) you'll see on your left the entrance to the supermarket - the only one in this one horse town. You could park there or just on the main road. The entrance to the castle is opposite you there.

I hope you can arrange amongst yourselves lifts etc, I'm sure you've all exchanged emails and phone numbers by now. I won't be going but should you need a lift that could be arranged if you let me know - by phone or email a.s.a.p

Have loads of fun and learn lots.
Net

Thursday 15th's survey cancelled

2010-07-14T16:54:00.003+01:00

Hi All, sorry for cross posting but I just wanted to make sure that everyone knows that I have cancelled the Long Eared roost survey for Thursday 15th. The weather looks very bad and there's no fun in going out in that. Hope it's all okay for Monday at Cwm Rheidol, 9:00pm - I'll keep in touch.

Please see below for forthcoming jollies.

Net

Things to do in the next three weeks - we're not finished yet!

2010-07-09T15:42:00.010+01:00

Hello everyone. Here's a few dates for your diaries and some other stuff hopefully of interest, so don't say I didn't tell you!

15th July. - this Thursday. I've planned a final visit to the Long Eared Roost at Comins Coch. I already have five names but if there is anyone who still has not been and would like to come, please let me know and I'll give you directions.
We need to be on site by 9:30.
(P.S Jon could we borrow the night imaging thingy again please?).

19th July. Last chance hotel at Cwm Rheidol. Be there by 9:00 please

21st July. (Wednesday) We have been invited by Richard Crompton to visit Cardigan Castle. This is open to those who have been active with the Group this summer - a bit of a treat for you all. I'll let you know nearer the time what will be involved but I should imagine we will need to leave Aber fairly early in the evening - it's a good run down to Cardigan from here.

27th July. (Tuesday) Emergence count at Dyfi Furnace.

For the future:- Wales Bat Workers Day 2010. Steve Lucas from BCT has pencilled in the 16th October this year. It will be held at the MRC in Llandrindod Wells and the agenda is yet to be formalised. For anyone interested in bats it's a occasion not to be missed. There are usually lots of varied work shops to attend and it gives you a chance to meet other batworkers from around Wales and beyond. There's usually someone who will bring their bats along too and often a chance to buy equipment. A very worthwhile day. There is a fee but for what you get it's worth it!

Some other stuff
Another good evening was spent at Cwm Rheidol, great to see all those new faces, thanks for coming along. 290 little bats popped out to play - I'm getting to know each and every one of them. Since I've been counting there for over 13 years it's quite possible that some of them know me too!

Staying in the rain at Tanybwlch on Tuesday night also had it's compensations I believe. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to see, what I am told, was quite an aerial display. Anyone want to say more?

That all for now folks!
Net

Tonight's outing reminder and a new one for tomorrow.

2010-07-05T14:23:00.002+01:00

Hi All, sorry it's a bit late in the day but just wanted to remind everyone that we're counting bats tonight at Cwm Rheidol again. Need to be there by 9:00 - see you there.

I've also just heard from Richard C who has invited anyone who is interested to help him carry out a survey at Tan-y-Bwlch, Rhydyfelin, tomorrow evening, 6th July. Please contact me if you are interested and I can give you more details. Could be very worth while to take part. Again it would be a 9:00pm start.

Net

Some more results and dates for your diary

2010-06-28T16:33:00.007+01:00

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

Some updates and reminders

2010-06-20T11:57:00.015+01:00

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

Natterer's count on Thursday - who want's to come along? Last call!

2010-06-15T14:57:00.004+01:00

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

Cwm Rheidol Sopano Pipistrelle count, last night's report, and other interesting things!

2010-06-11T14:40:00.006+01:00

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

Natt's count results!

2010-06-09T15:29:00.007+01:00

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

First count of the year

2010-06-07T14:14:00.003+01:00

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

Hope you're ready for the next two weeks surveys!

2010-06-02T15:37:00.005+01:00

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

Walk and Talk at Penglais woods

2010-05-11T17:16:00.002+01:00

There was a great turn out last night for the walk and talk at Penglais Pocket Park, 46 people came along - best ever response - so it made it very worth while. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as I did. Thanks to everyone for making it such a great evening, and of course, thanks to the bats who played their part beautifully!

Net

Walk and Talk 10th May Penglais Pocket park

2010-05-09T13:01:00.002+01:00

Hi All, Is there anyone out there who could help me please? Please let me know - phone me or email.
Net

Walk and Talk, May 10th - Penglais Pocket Park, Aberystwyth

2010-04-25T14:35:00.005+01:00

The Bat Group have organised a walk and talk for the University's Biological Society to be held on the 10th May and would like to invite anyone who is interested to join in the fun. We will be meeting at the entrance to Penglais Pocket Park, which is opposite the main entrance to Aberystwyth University Campus at 9:00 pm.

Note to Bat Group Members, I'll be needing some help so please let me know if you can come along - much appreciated. As you can see, I've changed the time from the one in the programme as I think 8:00pm will be far too early.

Thanks Everyone
Net

Lovely batty weather - fancy an airing?

2010-04-13T10:41:00.005+01:00

Anyone fancy a trip to the Rheidol Valley later this week or next while the weather is so lovely? We could get our detectors out of moth balls and look for those elusive lesser horseshoes! Or perhaps we could go to Nanteos as was suggested at the meeting.

Event for your diaries

2010-04-08T12:02:00.002+01:00

The newly formed Ceredigion Moth Group are proposing to hold a joint outing to celebrate National Moth night with Bats May 15th. They have invited our group and Teifi Bat Group. They hope to have an informal event in Greybreard's Wood (Cwm Tydi) - not for the public. They have batted there before and picked up Barbastelles...! I see this as a great opportunity to get to make some new contacts and have a great evening out. If you would like to go I will need to pass on numbers as this is private land and a private do.

Net

Summer programme available

2010-03-22T17:09:00.002Z

Our programme of summer events with provisional dates is now available.

Meeting to arrange new season's programme

2010-02-26T10:58:00.002Z

Hi All, lets meet on Thursday 4th March, 7:30 at the Welsh Black in Bow Street. Anyone needing directions please email me aes@aber.ac.uk.

Net

About time we got together?

2010-02-09T12:40:00.001Z

Hi All, Just thought it's about time we got together. What do you think? Email me.

Net

National Bat Monitoring Programme Annual Report 2008

2009-10-18T17:48:00.002+01:00

Just to let you know that the NBMP Annual Report for 2008 is now available to view online at:-
http://www.bats.org.uk/pages/nbmp_reports.html.

Last chance hotel for this year

2009-09-21T14:11:00.003+01:00

Hi All,

Just to let you all know that we will be meeting at Tre'r Ddol on Tuesday evening 22nd September to have a walk up the Cletwr valley - should be very pleasant. Meet at the Wildfolwer pub by 7:00pm. I'll meet you later for a drink in the pub!!!

On another point check out this link:- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8263876.stm

Get together in September or October?

2009-09-04T13:46:00.003+01:00

Hi All, Wonder if anyone would be interested in another outing in the next couple of months? I know the weather is terrible but we might just get an Indian summer - humm... Anyway, here's a couple of proposals. We have been asked to go back to Long Wood - near Lampeter - to do some netting but I will need to know if there is any interest in this before accepting and asking Richard C to come up from Cardiff. It might also be nice to go for a walk along the river at Cwm Cletwr, Tredol.

I've also been asked by Tregaron Beaver Cubs troop if there would be anyone free to give a very short talk to the kids - they are between 6 to 8 years and would just need a quick intro to bats - some nice pictures or something to do relating to bats. Any volunteers please?

I also have several copies of Bat New to go to good home - anyone want one let me know.

I'd be very glad of feed back on any of the above.

Net

Wales Bat Workers Day 10th October 2009

2009-08-28T13:41:00.004+01:00

Hi All,

If you're really interested in bats and want to get some excellent training from the county's formost bat workers to get you started this will be of interest to you. It's usually a really good day and gives you a chance to meet other bat workers and someone usually brings along one or two bats to have a look at. It's at Llandrindon Wells - so not too far from here, it's open to everyone what ever your experience but places are limited so don't miss out!

The programme so far - Matt Zeal, Dai Jermyn and Tom McOwat - all experts in their fields are giving presentations. There'll be two workshop sessions covering topics including sound analysis, identification of bat droppings - phew -, latest in equipment and Habs Regs and other interesting legal aspects. A couple of workshops sessions have still to be finalised - possibly bats and trees. If there is a topic of particular interest let Steve Lucas at BCT know and he'll have a go and try to arrange something (SLucas@bats.org.uk). If you want the booking form try this link http://users.aber.ac.uk/aes/booking.pdf or email me and I'll send it to you direct. It will be the best £25 you've ever spent and lunch is good too...

Net

Brown Long eared count results

2009-08-18T13:44:00.001+01:00

Hi All, thought you might all like to know that Fran and I counted out 23 bats the other evening - make of that what you will! net

Additional Long Eared Count 13th Aug

2009-08-06T13:49:00.002+01:00

Hi All, Is there anyone out there who would like to come along and count out the Long Eared bats again at Comins Coch? Let me know please and I'll sort out lifts and times later.
Net

Results from the last two pip counts

2009-07-19T15:21:00.004+01:00

The 6th of July results are a bit weird so any coment would be appreciated! Although the weather was fair; no rain, only a light breeze and 15c, there was quite confusing behaviour. The first bats were already emerging at 9:20 and continued to exit until after dark. The total count however was only 162 bats yet there was still plenty of activity in the roost to be heard. The count on the 14th was more clear cut despite the heavy rain for the first 20 mins. 434 bats were counted out between 9:15 and 10:15 after which the bats began to return and it grew too dark to see.

We still hope to revisit the Long Eared roost in Aug and try to get together for a bit of fun later in the summer so keep your eyes on the blog.
Net

Cwm Rheidol tonight

2009-07-14T15:51:00.003+01:00

In theory we are still on for the count tonight, however, I am not aware of anybody wanting to come along. If you are planning on coming, could you please get in touch, otherwise we will have to cancel the count tonight!! We would need at least 3 people, including me!

BCT Bat Worker Bulletin no.31 - 3rd July 2009

2009-07-06T16:17:00.004+01:00

1. SNH releases latest bat lyssavirus monitoring result

The latest results of SNH’s European bat lyssavirus (EBLV) active surveillance programme have been released today. In 2008, EBLV type 2 was detected in a single, live Daubenton’s bat in Perthshire for the first time. A second Natterer’s bat also tested positive for EBLV type 1 antibodies. The presence of antibodies indicates exposure to the virus, but no live EBLV type 1 virus has been found in the UK.

SNH press release and BCT’s response the finding can be found at:
http://www.snh.org.uk/press/detail.asp?id=2104 and
http://www.bats.org.uk/news.php/54/bct_response_to_the_latest_snh_bat_lyssavirus_monitoring_results.

2. Results from the 08/09 white-nose syndrome surveillance forms

Thanks to everyone who retuned white nose syndrome forms to Sarah Ford following the 08-09 hibernation checks. We received feedback from 42 bat workers covering 114+ sites around the UK.

In SW England, we received two separate reports of dead bats with white fungus over the winter season. In both cases, bats were submitted for testing and, in both cases, results where negative (the fungus was not of the genus Geomyces). White fungus was found on small number of dead bats in isolated cases elsewhere in the country, but the specimens were too decomposed to test. In expert opinion, these cases were very unlikely to have been associated with white-nose syndrome. We still have no confirmed cases of white nose syndrome in the UK or Europe.

More survey work coming up

2009-07-03T10:48:00.000+01:00

Two more counts at Cwm Rheidol are planned for the 6th and 14th July – let me know if you can make it please. aes@aber.ac.uk

2009-06-30T12:18:00.002+01:00

Hi all,

Thought you might like to know the results from the roost surveys we've been doing over the last month. In all cases the weather was good with clear to patchy skies, temperature ranging from 8c to 15c , calm and no rain , what a change that made and very few midges except on a couple of occasion when they were absolutely diabolical. So what did we have, well:-

Cwm Rheidol pips colony 1st count, 821 bats in all - 819 from the west end and 2 from the side. At the 2nd count there were 435 bats - 419 from the west end and 16 from the side. The difference could be explained in that that weather had been good so the females who should now have babies didn’t bother to emerge because they had feed well on previous evenings; they preferred to play mum.

Two more counts at Cwm Rheidol are planned for the 6th and 14th July – let me know if you can make it please. aes@aber.ac.uk

The long eared roost at Comins Coch produced 20, 1st count and 22, 2nd count, about a third down on usual numbers but we didn’t have the added help of the infra-red camera this year so we might have missed a few. We have been asked to do another count there in August by the house owners just to check all is well so keep your eye out. This might be 13thAug but yet to be confirmed.

Unfortunately the Natterer’s count was very disappointing; no bats emerged on either count. The roost had been about maximum size for this species (92 last year) and it is known that they tend to split up when the roost gets too crowded. However it would be expected that some individuals would have remained, we’ll just have to keep watching.

Hope this is helpful

Nanteos tonight...

2009-06-25T10:43:00.004+01:00

Hi All

Just a quick note to say everyone is welcome to come along for the survey tonight. Sunset is about 9.40pm, so I suggest arriving at Nanteos about 9pm so I can walk you round the site and explain what is going on. We have the main mansion, stales and some trees to look at. Please park at the front of the mansion. I will be on site from at least 8pm.

For anyone feeling keen, I am intending to return for dawn (back on site at 4am)!

I look forward to seeing you later.

Rich

Blog updates delivered via email...

2009-06-22T11:36:00.003+01:00

I've just added a gadget to the blog (see right): add your email address, hit 'subscribe' and follow the instructions on the screen. This means that you will receive an email whenever a new post has been added to our blog. Emails are sent only once a day (between 3 & 5 p.m.), and only when there has been a new post added - no new post, no email.

The emails will most likely come from my google email address, so be sure to add me to your 'trusted senders' so they don't end up in your spam filter. Do still check the blog regularly, but this gadget should help keep everyone up to date.

Any problems, let me know.

Nanteos bat survey next week

2009-06-19T11:43:00.004+01:00

Hi all.

Richard has been in touch to ask for some volunteers for a bat survey he'll be doing at Nanteos Mansion, near Aberystwyth, next Thursday (25th June). It is likely to involve a survey of the mansion building itself, and the stable block to the rear, as well as a dusk emergence/activity survey of the site. If you're interested, please either contact Richard directly on 01970 822188, or you can send me an email if you prefer (there is a link on the right of this page). He'll arrange meeting times, what to bring etc, nearer the time.

Last colony count for June is on Monday (22nd) at Comins Coch. Please let Net or me know if you want to come along. As before, this is a small site so we may have to restrict the numbers of volunteers for this one, so please don't turn up if we're not expecting you! Thanks.

Thursday's colony count

2009-06-17T16:54:00.003+01:00

Hello again. A quick update on this Thursday's count at Cwm Rheidol - up to last thing this afternoon, there was only Chris, Rob and myself signed up to do the count. Since we are all coming from the Bow Street area, we won't be passing through Aberystwyth, therefore we won't be stopping to pick up anyone from Somerfield - please don't turn up expecting a lift! However, if you are able to make your own way to Cwm Rheidol Visitor's Centre, please do. I'm aiming to be there shortly after 9pm.

Esther

More bat surveys this week...

2009-06-15T09:30:00.003+01:00

Hi all. Thanks to everyone who has helped out with our colony counts so far. There are still plenty to come though, and we will need your help particularly for the Cwm Rheidol counts this week and in July.

The first Brown long-eared colony count is tonight: if you haven't already told Annette that you're coming along, please don't turn up at Somerfield car park tonight as we already have enough people to do the count (it's a very small site and too many people outside the roost may alter the bat's behaviour). There is another count tomorrow evening and I think we may have enough people for that too, but do check with Annette first if you want to come along (there is an email link on this page - don't leave it too late though!).

Looking further ahead (see the 'Programme of events' link also on this page), the second count at Cwm Rheidol is this Thursday night and we could do with some volunteers to help out with this and the two follow up counts in July. I'm appealling particularly to our more experienced bat group members to take the lead on this week's Cwm Rheidol count, and perhaps one of the July counts, to give Annette a night off! Again, please send Net an email as soon as you can if you are able to help out. If you need details of the colony count protocol, just let me know.

As always, please keep an eye on the blog for updates: if the weather turns bad and we need to cancel a survey or a colony count, we will update the blog before 4pm on the day. Please also put the rest of the surveys in your diary so that you can schedule in a bat count or two this season. Keep in touch and see you soon!

Survey work starts next Tuesday!!!!!

2009-06-03T19:52:00.005+01:00

Hello everyone, it's what you've all been waiting for, a chance to get out there and do some bat survey work. As of next Tuesday (9th June) the group starts to undertake the Bat Monitoring Programme stuff for the Bat Consevation Trust. We need all the help we can get over the next two weeks so please come along. The dates and meeting venues etc are all available on the programme which is now linkable to from the quick links over on the right hand side (thanks Chris) so there is no excuse for not finding it. Please let me know if you are coming so I can sort out transport (aes@aber.ac.uk) by no later than 4pm please. On the day also check the blogspot to check all is Ok as there may be changes according to the weather. If there is any changes I'll post before 4pm. If you are coming along bring warm clothes, a torch, some anti midge stuff and maybe something nice to eat and drink! See you all there. Annette

Bat walk last night, Cwm Rheidol

2009-05-08T11:56:00.004+01:00

Just a quick note to thank all the people who came down to Cwm Rheidol last night to go bat hunting - it was a windy, chilly night but well worth the effort!

Armed with bat detectors, we started off at the Visitor's Centre where Net gave us an introductory talk on bats and bat detectors. Then we watched some Soprano pipistrelles emerging from a maternity roost nearby, before taking a walk down the lane and around the reservoir to see what else was flying around. Other bat species heard on the night included Common pipistrelles, Daubenton's, a Noctule (briefly) and a very loud Serotine. There may have been a Natterer's whizzing around under the trees as well, but there were so many pips flying around as well, it was difficult to be sure.

We'll be back at Cwm Rheidol in June (on the 11th and 18th) to count the pipistrelles emerging from one of the largest bat roosts in Wales - this is just one of the roosts we monitor for the National Bat Monitoring Programme run by the Bat Conservation Trust (see our 'useful links' for details). If you'd like to come along and help out with any of our colony counts, please let us know. No previous experience required. We'll post a reminder nearer the time: the full programme of bat group events can be viewed here.

If you haven't already subscribed to our blog, why not do so by clicking here. You'll then get an email every time we post a new blog, so you can stay up to date with bat group events.

Next event 2nd and 7th May

2009-04-26T11:26:00.003+01:00

The group have been asked to have a presences at Cwm Rheidol Power Station Visitor Centre SN699 796 to help out on their Fun Day next Saturday 2nd May. They now have a web cam linked up to the pip roost in the roof space and would like someone there to talk to the visitors. I'll be there between about 11:30 to 3:00 but I would be very glad of some company - let me now if you want to join me.

On the 7th May we'll be doing a walk and short talk for the University Biological Society starting at Cwm Rheidol Power Station Visitor Centre. I'll give a short introduction on bat detectors but it would be good to have as many Bat Group members there as possilbe prepared to give a hand. If you want a lift let me know and meet at Somerfield's car park no later than 8:15, or be at the site by no later than 8:45. SN699 796. See you all there. I'll post by 4:00pm on the day if the weather means we have to cancel.

first grounded bat of 2009

2009-04-19T01:48:00.003+01:00

By shear coincidence, just the day after an enjoyable night at the RSPB Ynys Hir Reserve watching (and failing to catch!) bats, I had a call from a householder in nearby Eglwys Fach. The lady had "a small bat" which her son found in their garden. It was active but "appeared to have twisted wing".
Annette and I visited to find a slightly drowsy male common pipistrelle. Sadly, the bat had a very badly broken forearm, and fresh puncture marks in its wing - a likely result of an encounter with a cat. These are unrecoverable injuries, so the bat was humanely euthanased.
No sign of a roost was found, but early emerging bats were flying over the house so there must be a roost not far away...
Hopefully there won't be too many more of these this year.

Ynys Hir outing

2009-04-15T20:04:00.002+01:00

It's on for Friday night so far. If the weather turns bad a decision will be made by 4:00pm Friday so check out this site before you come.
Meet on site SN682962 RSPB Visitor Centre by 8:00pm.
It could be a late night so bring some food and hot drink, wear warm clothes and good boots and bring a torch.
Contact details
01970 832148

Summer programme out

2009-03-23T17:08:00.002Z

The provisional dates for the summer programme are up here.
The first outing at Ynys Hir should be fun, hope you can all make it! Don't forget to let Net know if you are coming.

BioSoc 'Bats of the World' talk - update

2009-02-10T15:21:00.004Z

Just to confirm that the talk on Bats of the World will be from 12-1pm, Tuesday 3rd March 2009 and will be held in Room G4 in the Cledwyn Building on the Penglais Campus of Aberystwyth University. All are welcome. Would be nice to see some bat group members there, if possible, but it is during working hours!

Instructions on how to get to the university and a campus site map are available on the Locations and maps page of the university website.

BioSoc are on Facebook, so if you're already on Facebook, why not give them a 'poke'(?). I'm already at the outer limits of my knowledge on social networking sites, so i'll leave it at that.

Programme of events - also coming soon...

2009-02-10T10:14:00.002Z

We hope to be publishing a programme of events for North Ceredigion Bat Group soon - it will include an evening bat walk with BioSoc and the Wildlife Trust in the Rheidol Valley some time in May - again, all are welcome! On the night, we'll be checking on a large roost and then doing some bat detecting in the nearby woods to see what we can find. We'll have spare bat detectors, so everyone can have a go.

Later on in the year, we'll be checking on some of the local bat roosts - some that we've been monitoring for many years - as part of the Bat Conservation Trust's National Bat Monitoring Programme. No previous experience required so do come along. We usually arrange to meet up in Aberystwyth beforehand, and then share cars to the bat roosts, but we'll send out emails nearer the time with full details. If you want to join the North Ceredigion Bat Group email list, please email me.

BioSoc Bat Talk - coming soon!

2009-02-10T10:00:00.004Z

North Ceredigion Bat Group have been invited to give a talk on bats for Aberystwyth University's 'BioSoc' (Biological and Environmental Society).

The talk will be given by Richard Crompton on the 3rd March 2009, from 12-1pm and will be about 'Bats of the World'. We'll confirm which building and room number when we have them. The talk is open to members of BioSoc but all are welcome (it would be good if you could make a small donation though, if you're not a member). Contact Jo at jrd6@aber.ac.uk for more information about BioSoc.