Bat Walk 2017
Our 4th annual bat walk took place on Friday 22nd September. Being a little later in September than previously means that sunset was a little earlier, enabling an earlier start. The weather was kind to us, although it was on the cool side! We were pleased that several children joined us this year. Philip Briggs, from the London Bat Group, very kindly led our walk again this year.
After his brief introductory talk, we recorded continuous bat activity along almost the entire length of the eastern boundary; both common and soprano pipistrelles were flying, mostly high up in the lime tree canopy. Philip picked up one recording of a bat at a lower frequency, which might have been a noctule, or a Leisler’s bat.
On analysing his recording data later, Philip also reported a recording of a passing Nathusius’ pipistrelle, so that makes 4 species in one evening- not bad! Philip commented: “Nathusius' pipistrelles are a lot rarer than common and soprano pipistrelles but are widespread across the UK. London is a hot spot for them and they are found in Bushy Park. Autumn is the peak time of year to record them as migratory individuals from Eastern Europe are migrating across the UK to their hibernation sites. So it's not too surprising to record a passing individual but a nice new record for Carlisle Park.”
Sadly this year no bats were detected elsewhere in the park.
If you haven’t yet been on one of these friendly and informal walks, do consider joining us for next year!
For more information, visit: http://www.bats.org.uk