The only predators that visited Poison Water were bats, and Townsend's big-eared bat (Plecotus townsendii), seen here, was a new record for our species list.
It didn't show up at the sandstone cave.
The big-eared bat is most often found roosting in caves and mine tunnels, and is not regarded as a common species, though large roosts of several hundred bats are occasionally found.
It is also a late flier, beginning to forage well after sunset.
It's hard to believe and a bit of a mystery, but no bobcat, coyote, gray fox, bear, or mountain lion stuck its head into Poison Water to face the camera trap.
Nor any striped skunks.
In summertime in the Sierra Nevada foothills, I've camera trapped striped skunks tanking up two hours before sun set.
Perhaps 4 days just wasn't enough time, but I would have expected at least to see a gray fox or a skunk.
We need to do more camera trapping at Poison Water.
5 comments:
This has been such a great series! I am amazed by the bats. Such cool animals, and fantastic shots of them!
Hey Codger you did it again!
Outstanding bat photo.
Fantastic bat photos, I love the first one, but had to laugh at the background.
Those 600's really are great up close and the flash is perfect with any background, no glare from the bucket LOL.
cliff
Couldn't agree more about the background. I'm not sure what purpose it serves, other than make a funky background for camera trappers.
What beautiful bats!
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