Meet scientists that study these fascinating creatures of the night by attending a “Bat Chat” on Friday, June 7, at 9:00 p.m. at the Oak Bottom amphitheater, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Dr. Joe Szewczak, Professor of Biological Sciences at Humboldt State University and the National Park Service’s Klamath Network Inventory and Monitoring Coordinator, Dr. Alice Chung-MacCoubrey will kick the evening off with a brief talk. A live bat trapping session will follow, allowing you to meet the bats in your neighborhood! Using equipment that analyzes bat vocalizations in real-time, letting visitors see and hear the echolocation calls of wild bats as they fly past, and recognize the species. If the research team gets lucky at the nets, participants will have the opportunity to observe several bat species as measured and safely released.
Bring water, a flashlight or headlamp (one that includes a red light setting is best), and a camp chair, if desired. Plan to stay 1.5-2.5 hours for the best chance of seeing wild bats.
For additional information please contact Jennifer Gibson at (530) 242-3457. To learn more about Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/whis, or stop by the visitor center.
