In other news we are still in WV in the Charleston area. In a few days two groups will split off. Chris is sending me to the Monongahela National Forest to "round out my learning experience". I was told that this means he wants me to see a Cedalis (sp?) (Indiana bat). That is cool. I hope to see one. This project is also famous for lots and lots of bats! Up to 100 in one night!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
"Big" News
Due to the sensitive nature of the information and the possible ramifications for the PATH power line project I can't be specific. But I can say that while netting in WV a bat species was caught that was thought to be an endangered species (in VA). Upon further inspection we found that it was actually a closely related species that is not known to live this far to the north. The "bigger" discovery was that it was a lactating female, which means not only is it living here, it is also breeding. The following night we caught three more of this species. We are doing some telemetry on the first one to see where the maternal colony is roosting! This is "big" news for these cool looking bats. Chris wanted me to see it so I walked up a mountain with him while he went to ID it. I am happy he picked me.
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3 comments:
What I like about science... sometimes you find what you're looking for, but when you're out there looking, sometimes you get a surprise! or maybe I should use a "big word" like serendipity... an unexpected wonderful experience. Hope you have more!
Tonight I had the opportunity to catch one of these bats myself! We are up to five or seven of these!
It sounds like you are beginning to like bats way more than elephants?? Have fun finding new experiences out there!
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