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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!
It's almost bat survey season!
The bats are waking up and heading for their summer homes. That means it's almost time for that most magical summer activity: the sunset bat survey. We are busy planning outreach and survey events for the 2025 season. Scroll down to see what we've got on the books so far.
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 soon!
Agency and NGO partner surveys
In 2022, we added more formalized surveys for our field crews and partner organizations. Aural surveys are conducted across 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.
If you have any questions or would like to receive project updates, please contact Sara Rose to be added to our list of project partners.
Training at Smith Rock State Park
Friday, June 6 at 7:30pm
Come learn what the Audible Bats Project is all about! We'll begin with some basics on bat ecology and conservation then dive into the details of the project. After all the talking, we'll head out to the canyon rim to listen for the spotted (and maybe pallid) bats that call the park home.
Meet at the Pinnacles Amphitheater at 7:30.
Group Survey at Hart Mountain
Friday, July 25, overnight
This will be our inaugural survey at Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge. After a training on all things Audible-Bat, we'll disburse around the refuge to listen for one hour. Folks are welcome to pitch a tent near the bunkhouse or snag one of the first-come-first-served campgrounds nearby.
Meet at the visitor center at 7:30
Bat Walk - La Pine State Park
Saturday, June 7 at 8:00pm
We'll start with a brief talk on bat biology and learn about the diverse bat species of the Pacific Northwest. Afterwards, we'll take a walk to the river equipped with a bat detector to observe and identify the bats flying around. This is a unique opportunity to experience these incredible creatures in the wild. Don't forget to bring your curiosity and a flashlight!
Meet at the amphitheater between the North & Middle campground loops by 8:00.
Group Survey at Billy Chinook
Saturday, June 14, overnight
Our first group survey of the year takes place at our most reliably bat-heavy location: Lake Billy Chinook! We gather at Perry South Campground for a bat chat and training. Then we'll split into small groups and head out to different survey locations to listen for about an hour. After the survey, we'll head back to camp. Camp in one of our reserved sites or book your own.
Meet at Perry South Campground, site 38 by 7:30pm
Group Survey at City of Rocks
Saturday, August 2, overnight
City of Rocks National Reserve is home to a unique and very bat-friendly landscape. Join us for our first foray into Idaho with a brief training followed by a 1-hour listening survey. Book your own campsite or register to camp out with us at the City of Rocks State Park Campground (free camping!).
Meet at campsite 16 at 7:00pm
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.
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.