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More batty friends having fun while they learn about bats.
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This group of 40 grade 1 and 2 students, listened quietly and then were proud to share the bat knowledge they've learned, as they made their bat craft.
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Huge thanks to Granny's Fruit Stand in Summerland for their generous donation of pumpkins, again this year.
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They packed their bags and moved out.
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The last bats were sighted in the attic of the Peachland Historic School about 2 weeks ago, according to Visitor Centre manager Trina, who helps BEEPS monitor the attic bat cameras. Although we are not certain, bat biologists surmise that our bat colony departs to find cozy and comfy cracks, crevasses and small caves to snooze the winter away. To help stop the spread of white-nose syndrome in our bat populations, cave explorers are cautioned to meticulously examine and clean all clothing and equipment when they exit a cave, and before entering the next one.
As 2022 was an unusual summer, our bats returned later in the spring, gave birth later and stayed longer with our balmy fall temperatures providing them with an extended bug buffet. Incidentally, BEEPS and other bat conservation groups in the Okanagan reported higher than normal numbers of bats in unusual locations than in other years. Once we have all compared notes, we will advise any conclusions reached.
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Attic Cleanout and Guano Collection
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Now that the bats have relinquished their summer residence, BEEPS will be able to climb up into the attic of the Peachland Historic School to examine the equipment, make any needed adjustments and collect data from the devices we've installed. We are most grateful to the Peachland Fire Department and other community volunteers as, without their guidance and assistance, this would not happen. Guano from the summer residents will be collected for laboratory testing, followed by distribution to our winery partners, to be used as organic fertilizer. The testing will confirm the species and general health of the colony.
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