The road getting up there is less than perfect, that's saying nicely. The path up to the cave is short but steep. The researchers put up a rope system to access the cave safety. That was fabulous; and fun ;)
It was great to be here all together :)
The net covered part of the mouth of the cave. Bats would either fly into the net or fly past. If they landed in the net, they would gently fall into a trap below.....
This is what it looks like from the inside of the cave.....
It was such a beautiful night! Sunset, temperatures, good company.... loved it!
Then, just like that the bats start their exit....
It's an almost magical experience to see. I stood inside the cave for the first time and was overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and I admit ~ the smell.... lol
But, I would do it over and over again. So amazing! The sound of the bats wings permeate the cave.
I took a little video:
Again, the amazing sky lit up too......
Bats continued to take flight.....
The crew had their hands full as bats filled the trap. Pit-tagging, measuring, painting with fluorescent paint, and dusting them green. It was a cool process to see and help out with.....
Here's a video of the bats taking flight from the cave out into Spring Valley....
Here is a short video of the netting process.....
This is what the trap looks like.......
Short video of the bats in the trap....
Dusting the bats.....
Isaac volunteered to sit and dust the bats for a while......
He thought the green dust was pretty cool! Haha
Placing a dab of paint on the bats.....
Banding the bats....
Time flew by as fast as bats fly ;)
Measuring the bats....
Yes, a well-documented night :)
I would do a repeat. What a great opportunity.
Ava found some scorpions on the hike back to the vehicle. I'll leave you with that :)
Sleep well; you're welcome! ;)
