Way back in the winter we brought a very underweight noctule into care. She gave birth earlier this year and Simon has been caring for both of them. Mum got very podgy and was not keen to fly. So she was put through an intensive training course and her mealworm intake was reduced still further. Junior has still to get the hang of flying and is not that keen on exercise either, but he will see the light in time!
The Noctule prior to departure. Photo Jude Hirstwood
Yesterday we went back to the spot where the Noctule was found. We were a bit concerned when it began to rain early in the evening, but that cleared when we made our way out from the car. Simon and his family had got quite attached to the bat during her time in residence. Simon’s daughter insisted he dad give the bat a final cuddle before she was released. This was duly done.
Simon says goodbye to the Noctule
To begin with the bat was perfectly happy to stay nestled in his hand, but when he held her out to the elements her curiousity peaked. She crawled onto the edge of his glove and then stretched her wings. We held our breath and then she opened her wings fully and launched herself off into the night- too fast for me to get a photo We listened to her on a bat detector as we watched her fly away. She did several large circles, presumably orienting herself to her home environment and flew off strongly.
The moment of release Photo Jude Hirstwood
Now Simon is going to concentrate on getting junior flight ready. Thanks to Simon for all his hard work.
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