A SPECIES of bat previously unrecorded at a Yorkshire Water nature reserve has been unmasked by local wildlife enthusiasts.
Noctule bats are fairly common at Tophill Low, near Hutton Cranswick, roosting among the trees of the reserve during the day but heading out over the reservoirs at dusk, where they can be seen swooping to catch a passing beetle or moth.
The more c
ommon, but comparatively diminutive soprano pipistrelle, is also a regular, with up to
100 individuals thought to be making a home in the roof of the wildlife centre itself.
But more detailed research by the East Yorkshire Bat Group has recently confirmed, on closer inspection, some of the pipistrelles are actually a less common variety not recorded on the site before.
"Nathusius's pipistrelles look very much like the sopranos from a distance but can be differentiated by measuring the forearm and fifth finger," said Yorkshire Water's Tophill Low warden, Richard Hampshire.
"As it is actually illegal to handle a bat without formal registration, we have had to rely on the experts and we are delighted that the EastYorkshire Bat Group has been able to confirm another species as a resident.
"Nathusius's pipistrelles have been recorded in the Bridlington and Hornsea area, but discovering them at Tophill Low means their range is that little bit wider than we thought."
The species was first recorded in the UK in the 1940s and has been gradually spreading north from the continent since then. It prefers habitats close to large bodies of water, which may be why a new colony has been established at Tophill Low.
"Naturally, we are delighted to have them and hope to encourage them to stay by working with the East Yorkshire Bat Group to put up more nesting boxes around the reserve," said Richard.
Meanwhile, as one species has been quietly establishing itself at Tophill Low, others have been making rather more noisy use of the facilities.
An estimated 25,000 common gulls have been on the open water - a phenomenal number swelled by as many as 12,000 black-headed gulls.
"These species are by no means rare but to see so many is one place is spectacular," said Richard.
"The numbers place Tophill Low as the third most important site for these birds in the UK - something we are quite proud to achieve."
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