BATS AND MOTHS IN SPOTLIGHT
STAFF and volunteers at Loch of Kinnordy will be joining Butterfly Conservation's 'National Moth Night' weekend on Saturday, May 15 from 8.30 pm to explore the amazing variety of night life that live on the nature reserve.
"With most species of moth flying at night it is rare to be able to see these intricately patterned insects clearly, but with the help of various techniques, using sugar and light, we'll attract the moths to places where we can get a closer look at them", commented reserve warden Hannah Morton.
This year one of the main themes of National Moth Night is bats, which emerge from their roosts at dusk to hunt and feed, mainly on moths.
"Most bats can't see in the dark so they use echo location, sound pulses, to detect their prey. It is also difficult for us to see the bats in the dark to identify them, but each individual bat species uses a different sound frequency to hunt.
These frequencies are outwith the human range of hearing, but using a 'bat detector' it is possible to find the frequency of the signals, and identify the individual bat species.
"It's always exciting to discover what bats we have feeding on the reserve. In the past we have mainly heard pipistrelle bats but who knows what we'll discover on Saturday.
"It's a great night. Remember to wrap up warm, bring a torch and the bats will provide the entertainment. If this is too late but you would still like to see the delicate beauty of the moths, please join us on Sunday morning around 9 am when we'll be opening the light trap to identify and release the creatures we attract through the night. "
There is a small charge of 3 for adults; 1 for children; free for RSPB members.
Please book with Hannah by telephone on 07795978246 or by email on loch.kinnordy@rspb.org.uk
Loch of Kinnordy is one mile outside of Kirriemuir on the B951, Kirkton of Kingoldrum Road. The reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk and entry is free, although all donations assist with management work on the reserve. With three hides on site, visitors can enjoy a number of viewpoints across the loch.
Work at Loch of Kinnordy is supported by SNH. Individual projects have been funded by Angus Environmental Trust.
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Weather for Forfar
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
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Light rain
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