Motoring slowly we took in the good smells of the lake and the serenity of the forested shores and secluded bays, catching occasional glimpses of loons silhouetted on the water's calm surface. And so we were ready to begin another evening of observations at a 10 day bat study workshop that took place in August 1989. Sponsored by BCI, the workshop was conducted by Dr. Brock Fenton of York University. Fenton is a member of BCI's Scientific Advisory Board and a recognized expert in bat communication, as well as a well known conservationist and educator. The workshop, designed primarily for wildlife biologists, offered an introduction to field techniques for obtaining baseline ecological data about bats.
Many states have interest in providing for bat conservation needs, but lack trained staff.
Participants in the course learned how to catch, identify, and determine whether captured bats were juveniles or adults. They also observed feeding and courtship behavior and learned the habitats used by different kinds of bats. The workshop also included information on public health issues, cave management strategies, and basic conservation education. Fifteen participants attended, coming from nine states, Mexico, and Australia. Several represented federal and state forest or wildlife agencies while others were professional naturalists or enthusiastic BCI members.