Crevice fidelity in Natterer’s bats. 23rd November 2023 and 20th December 2024. “The Chonk”, a particularly well fed Natterer’s bat is back.

The chalk marks are at least 15 years old. Daubenton’s bats still regularly recorded in the same crevice.

Holiday packing done. Looking forward to some European bat identification to challenge my skills.

It’s been a long year waiting, but he’s finally turned up. Y6147 back for another swarming season. #bat #batswarming #chiroptera @JohnAltringham

Hoffman Kiln is looking its best right now.

Sudden increase in Natterer’s and Daubenton’s bats inside our study site last week matching rising temperatures. Possible spring swarming? Might have to spend a night up there to see what’s going on.

Consistent numbers of hibernating bats at higher altitudes, but lowland sites seem down. Need more data points, but possible result of mild winters? #bats #chiroptera #hibernation

The weather’s been mild, wet and wild which has resulted in the lowest count of the year. Just two Natterer’s in the kiln this week, including the resident of 28D - back after a two week absence. #bats #chiroptera #hibernation #conservation #research #ecology #scicomm

The hibernating frog, in amongst tufa deposits in a tunnel, was a first on yesterday’s survey.

Managed to miss him most of this year, and to be honest was starting to worry especially when a single unringed bat turned up in the tube last week, but he’s finally back in the usual spot. Y6147 very kindly displaying a readable ring. Another year older @JohnAltringham