A dry but blustery Wednesday night saw a 28 strong band of intrepid Bat Watchers gather in the Kilbride Car Park for the 3rd Bat watch of the season.
Things started off with a quick cuppa from the back of the little green van while local bat expert and FCS ranger Andy Kerr described the different habitats we would be visiting and the types of bats we could expect to encounter. As things got a bit darker and with bat detectors held high, we ventured into the Forest around Bishop's Glen and very soon an excited buzz passed through the group as we heard the click, click, click of Soprano Pippestrelle bats overhead. For some in the group this was their first time actually hearing and seeing bats in the wild, and they were thoroughly amazed at how close they came to us, how fast they flew and how well we could hear them echo locating through the bat detectors.
We continued on into the glen and spent some time on the bridge watching and listening as we were visited by more Soprano's and some Brown Long Eared bats, much to the delight of the group - particularly the children!
Returning to the car park via the forest road, questions were asked and answered and the overall feeling was that the night was a great success, and at least one bat watcher was off home to search a well known internet auction site for night vision goggles and bat detector!
Many thanks to all who came along, and in particular Andy Kerr, Annette Watson of Visit Scotland and Rowan Fraser - Ranger with Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, for giving up their time and sharing their knowledge so enthusiastically.
We look forward to more of the same next year. In the meantime - why not get out there yourself and see if you can spot the bats - or anything else for that matter.
See you around the forest (probably in the daylight!)
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