June 17: NEWSFLASH!!!
881 Bats in the Attic and Counting!
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Thanks to some sharp-eyed volunteers, we were able to tally up a very encouraging number of bats returning to the attic of the Peachland Historic School, a few weeks later than usual. A Global News Okanagan videographer was on hand to record the event, which you can watch here. BEEPS will be hosting Bat Counts every Friday at twilight, up until August 26. Come out and help us count, as we are expecting a number of the current residents to give birth to a healthy number of pups any day now.
A further count on June 24, revealed 987 bats but no pups as yet.
Bat reproduction is unusual and interesting. They mate furiously and often in the early days of fall, away from the attic roost. The females are able to store sperm and delay gestation during their hibernation. In the Spring, once conditions are optimal for health, weather and abundance of food, they give birth to their pups. Our Yuma and Little Brown bats, typically give birth to a single pup per season, while other species of bat may deliver two pups.
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FRIDAY NIGHT BAT COUNTS: Be sure to come and help BEEPS count bats on Friday evenings this summer. Crafts and games begin at 7:30 first bats should appear around 8:45 or so.
Meet outside the yellow Peachland Historic School,
5684 Beach Avenue (across from Swim Bay).
Bring a chair, a counting app for your cell and sharp eyes to glimpse them as they swoop out, skim the lake for a drink then feast on the evening bug buffet.
Register: summer@beepspeachland.com
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Bat Ambassadors gathered at the first stop on the Bat House Interpretive Trail. back row L-R: Sorcha, Anna, Sam, Ethan, Armelle, Rachel, Dagmar, Alison. Front, Sierra and facilitator Paula.
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Bat Ambassador Workshop - June 28
BEEPS hosted the event in the board room below the attic where the Peachland Bats reside in the summertime. Facilitated by Paula Rodrigues de la Vega, participants learned effective techniques create to engage citizen scientists to learn more about our local bats, and interesting facts about bats from around the world.
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Paula & Anna with Flying Fox or Fruit Bat silhouette. Dagmar demonstrates wing span.
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Say hello to BEEPS Summer Staff:
Sierra Bromley and Ethan Emzer will be at Tuesday Night Markets, Friday Night Bat Counts, Sunday Farmers Markets and other community events:
- Friday Night Bat Counts: Starting July 8, will see an earlier start, with kids’ crafts and games beginning at 7:30 PM at the Peachland Historic School, across from Swim Bay. We’re excited to use our new echo meters to identify bat species by their calls. Bring a lawn chair and counting app for your phone.
- BEEPS in the Vineyard - Hainle Trail Walks: Weekly starting in July, stroll to the plateau to marvel over the views and vintages. The trail walk is open to all, but only adults are invited to wine tastings.
- Day Camps for Everyone: Camps are designed for all abilities
- Kids Bat Camp on July 4th, 18th, 25th and August 8th.
- Seniors’ Bat Camp on July 11th – “You’re never too old to go to CAMP!”
Check the website regularly for updates and registration details:
www.beepspeachland.com
or email summer@beepspechland.com
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