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Most bats echolocate at a frequency unheard by the human ear, however, some desert species emit echolocation calls within the range of human hearing.
Spotted bats (Euderma maculatum) are an elusive and widely-distributed species throughout the semi-arid deserts of North America. Sometimes called the “Oreo cookie bat,” they sport large, pink ears and spotted fur. Spotted bats roost high among sheer cliffs, but their clicking calls can be heard while they hunt for moths in the canyons of the Pacific Northwest.
Historically, spotted bats were thought to be extremely rare i or even locally extinct in the PNW. In 2005, however, listening surveys in Central Oregon revealed that spotted bats may be more abundant than previously recognized.
Pallid bats (Antrozous pallidus) are another of Oregon's high desert bat species. They have a wide range, spanning from Canada to Mexico. While pallid bats typically produce inaudible, high-frequency echolocation calls, this behavior changes while rearing pups. When in the vicinity of summertime maternity roosts, pallid bats will lower the frequencies of their calls to within the range of human hearing.
Serendipitously, both the spotted bat and pallid bat are found in similar arid cliffs and canyons habitats such that both species can be effectively surveyed simultaneously.
We will be sending volunteers out to search for both the spotted and pallid bat this summer. Surveys take place just after dark in a variety of locations, from city parks to the remote desert. This is a family-friendly research project and an excellent opportunity to get to know Oregon's night sky!
Survey season has ended for 2025
But we'll start things back up once the bats emerge from hibernation. For 2026, we plan to have a number of outreach and survey events planned June-August. Fill out the form below to be kept in the loop about all our batty activities.
Some of our surveys are described as 'overnight', but we are not actually listening to bats all night. After a short training, we listen for one hour and then head back to camp. We just don't want folks trying to drive a long distance home afterwards, so we strongly encourage you to stay in the area overnight.
These surveys take place across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho and accommodate nearly all levels of outdoorsiness. Whether you want to head into the backcountry on a solo journey or meet up with us in a city park or campground to listen with a group, this project can accommodate.
If you have any questions, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out. And if you're not already on our mailing list for email updates, you can sign up here. We look forward to seeing you next year!
And a HUGE thank you to everyone who has participated in the 6 years that this project has been going on!!
Participating as an agency partner
In 2022, we added more formalized surveys for our field crews and partner organizations. Aural surveys are conducted across most of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. These surveys follow the NABat survey design, but have a bit more flexibility so can be convenient for anyone already conducting passive acoustic monitoring or out on overnight field hitches. A virtual training for our partner protocol is available on our YouTube channel.
We have also compiled a playlist of audible spotted and pallid bat calls for surveyors to familiarize themselves with the echolocation and social calls. That playlist can be found on our YouTube channel.
The Audible Bats data sheet will continue to be included in the Bat Hub's NABat Field Map. If you have any questions, would like to receive project updates, or are interested in conducting surveys in your area, please contact Sara Rose to be added to our list of project partners.
Additionally, if you are aware of a pallid bat maternity colony or spotted bat stronghold anywhere in the tri-state area, please reach out.
Where have Audible Bats volunteers ventured so far?
Resources
This year, we will have both digital and paper datasheets available.
To access the digital datasheet, download Survey123 on your phone or tablet. Open the app and tap, 'Continue without signing in.' Tap the tiny symbol in the search bar and then scan the QR code below. You can also open the datasheet by opening this link on you phone/tablet.
The paper datasheet can be downloaded by clicking the link below.
If you are unable to attend our in-person training at Smith Rock, you can still learn everything you need to know by watching one of our training videos. There will be a few different options depending on what kind of surveys you would like to do. We also have a few extra bat call videos for you to familiarize yourself with the sounds of spotted and pallid bats. All videos can be accessed on our YouTube channel.
Our volunteer site selection map can be used to find good locations for audible bats surveys. We have provided as much information as we can about survey site access and conditions, but please be aware that our team has not been able to visit most of these sites in person to verify things like road conditions.
There are a number of reasons to consider carpooling to our events! Our trainings and bat walks end after dark, which can make some folks a little unsure behind the wheel. Our overnight events often take place in remote areas and have limited parking availability. And who doesn't want to limit their carbon footprint? Feel free to use the document below to find other folks who might be interested in carpooling. We'll leave it to you to coordinate your trips with one another. There is a separate tab for each event.
Contact Us
Please note that there is no previous biology or backcountry knowledge required to become a community scientist. There are options for all physical abilities and outdoor experience. Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
For any questions, please contact Sara Rose, volunteer coordinator. We appreciate your interest in the Audible Bats Project.