Count bats in the same area each time you make your observations and ignore bats outside it. You should try to define an area where you have seen bats near plants, trees or perhaps over water bodies. At the end of the count period, record your final tallies and submit that data to the network with the data input form provided below. Choose your evening at the start of the project and then stick with the one that you have chosen. If you count every evening and report only the best counts, your results will be biased.
Many participants only watch for a short period at dusk.
To maintain a standard to the data collection, we require that you monitor your observation area for a minimum of 20 minutes. Try to watch for about the same amount of time on each count, so that your results will be consistent. Southern sites are encouraged to submit their data throughout the winter months if bats are active in their area. In addition, they will also be expected to join the Bat Conservation International's Bat House Survey Project. Instructions for this activity can be obtained by contacting the BCI web site.