Coney Island Bat Survey
Carried out by the Northern Ireland Bat Group
Introduction
Half of all animals are bats, 950 different species, and they
are the only true
flying mammal. One bat can eat up to 3500 insects a night.
These range from small midges to medium sized moths.
Most of the knowledge that the public has regarding bats is a myth.
Bats are not blind and can see as well as us in good light.
While foraging at night echolocation gives a bat perfect "vision"
better than radar.
On
Coney Island
Evidence for the existence on the island of Pipistrelle (pipestrellus
pipestrellus).
From observing bat swarming at dawn it is estimated that numbers may be up to
500.
Also Leisler bats were heard feeding above the tree canopy.
Pipestrelles and Leisler's were seen feeding around the reed beds.
Flying in the open area above the picnic tables Northern Ireland's newest bat
was detected .. this is Nathusius' Pipestrelle for which there are few
records.
It is almost certain that one or more of the following species of bat,
those being
Daubenton, Whiskered and Natterers live on the island.
Bats'
anatomy in detail.
