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Bat detector surveys are carried out by ecological consultants, researchers, conservationists and hobbyists. Understanding and categorising non-bat sounds in surveys offers the potential of knock-on benefits for informing development projects (e.g. other important records discovered within a site), as well as the possibility of associated conservation benefits. In recent years the number of people carrying out these surveys and recording calls with bat detectors has grown considerably. These surveys often generate vast amounts of audio recordings, resulting in the heavy workload associated with completing the sound analysis and reporting process.
Those carrying out analysis can be distracted, intrigued or delayed owing to the occurrence of recordings that are unfamiliar and not identifiable to them. These recordings can relate to 'difficult to ID' bat species, but also, often, sounds not related to bats. This can be especially true when noise triggers such as insects, small mammals or birds look like bat-related noise. Therefore, only knowing what bats sound like is not enough. It is extremely useful to know what other sources of noise look and sound like within the same soundscape. This resource will help bat workers, in whatever environment they are in, to be more confident in recognising, categorising and dismissing other sounds. Is That a Bat? includes a substantial downloadable sound library (in .wav format) that readers can listen to by ear or process through sound analysis software.
Is That a Bat? also caters for sounds that are also heard by ear alone, in the field, during the hours of darkness. These scenarios often have bat surveyors intrigued or confused as to what they are listening to. Occasionally, knowing what these sounds are could be important, or at the very least, of interest.
The first chapter caters for the subject overall, including suggestions from the author as to why the subject matter is of value. It also discusses bat-related calls (including social calls) with a view to offering comparisons against the other sources of sound discussed in separate chapters. Continuing through Is That a Bat?, there are chapters covering the following: small mammals; amphibians; insects; birds; electrical/mechanical noise; and other noise/nuisances. Within each chapter there are sub-sections about bat detector recorded sound, sound by ear, as well as advice on techniques and methods to reduce or increase the likelihood of recording other sounds. Is That a Bat? concludes with associated appendices, including a 'Problem Solving Key' to help those encountering an unfamiliar sound to narrow it down to the likely source.
With technology advancing at pace, the technical ability of the analyst is of huge importance. With a wider perspective and more knowledge, those responsible for interpreting field encounters can be more confident when making decisions about sources of sound. Apart from that, 'knowing stuff' makes the job far more interesting and gives the bat worker a greater appreciation of the natural world within which they are working.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Preamble: Before We Get Started
Downloading Files from the Sound Library
1. Well, What On Earth Could It Be?
2. Terrestrial Mammals
3. Birds
4. Amphibians
5. Insects
6. Electronic & Mechanical
7. Weather, People & Other Nuisances
References
Appendix I Supporting Figures
Appendix II Problem Solving
Appendix III Useful Additional Resources
Appendix IV Test Yourself
Appendix V Glossary
Index
Neil Middleton has had a strong interest in the natural environment since childhood, in particular, birds and mammals. He has studied bats for over 25 years, with a particularly keen interest in bat acoustics (echolocation and social calls). Neil is the owner of BatAbility Courses & Tuition, a training organisation that deliver bat skills development to customers from throughout the UK, Ireland and beyond. In 2014 he was the lead author of an important and well-received book discussing social calls in bats, Social Calls of the Bats of Britain and Ireland, and in 2016 he wrote The Effective Ecologist, which tackles the subject of ecologists performing effectively within their working environment.
"`There has been some ground-breaking development in bat detector technology in recent years, such as the Audiomoth and Echometer Touch, reviewed in BTO News, Spring 2018, which have enabled a much wider audience of non-bat specialists to become interested in bat sound identification. [...] However, for new and experienced observers alike, there can be unfamiliar sounds. These may relate to difficult to identify bat species, but insects, birds and terrestrial mammals may also be recorded as ‘by-catch’ during bat surveys. [...] This is a complex area of study, where there is still much to learn. However, this book and downloadable call library does an excellent job in highlighting the potential for identifying other sounds, in a very entertaining book. [...] Admittedly, it is an area of study that fascinates me, but this is the book highlight for me this year."
– Stuart Newson, BTO News 335, summer 2020
