There may be no more misunderstood animal than bats and we should all use the fact that this is Bat Week to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
Massachusetts is home to nine bat species and eight of them are federally endangered. We are all aware of the significant population drop that bat populations took when hibernating species like the Little Brown Bat were severely impacted by White-nose Syndrome. This disease, spread by people who tracked it into caves after visiting infected caves, caused populations in some instances to drop by 90%.
For a species like bats, who are long-lived by typically producing a single offspring, this population dynamic creates a real challenge to recovery. The fungus causes bats to wake up prematurely from hibernation, which leads to starvation. Researchers are also discovering that some varieties of bats, particularly tree-dwelling species like the Eastern Red Bat and the Hoary Bat, seem to be frequently killed by wind turbines as well.
The use of common pesticides both reduces the number of insect prey that bats depend on for food and introduces poison from ingested insects. The common practice of treating properties to reduce flying insects has the effect of depriving bats of their food source. Loss of prime roosting sites for bats, such as the bark of dead trees, is also a limiting factor for bat populations.
Massachusetts bat species include the Little Brown Bat (the state’s most common bat), the Northern Long-eared Bat, the Indiana Bat, the Eastern Small-footed Bat, the Tri-colored Bat, the Eastern Red Bat and the Silver-haired Bat. The Hoary Bat and the Big Brown Bat are also found here in the Bay State.
Bat Week, which took place this year from Oct. 24 to Oct. 31, is a time to educate the public about the vital role bats play as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect controllers and to promote bat conservation. Most bats consume between 300 and 1,000 insects per night!
You can help with bat conservation by reporting bat colonies of 10 or more to MassWildlife. You can also protect bat habitat by leaving old trees standing as they are prime bat roosting sites, reduce use of pesticides and installing a bat house on your property.
Meanwhile, it is definitely ‘Prime Time’ for Massachusetts hunters. The archery season for whitetail deer began Oct. 6 and will continue through Nov. 29. Fall turkey hunting season also opened Oct. 6 and concludes on Nov. 29.
Upland bird hunting season is in full swing with pheasant season running through the end of the calendar year. Grouse season closes Nov. 29 and woodcock season ends Nov. 22. Waterfowl season for ducks and geese in the Central Zone both wind up on Nov. 28. Something for everybody!
Most days my two French Brittanys join me to explore a few covers. What seem to be native woodcock are around but no signs yet of “flight birds,” as migrating woodcock are called. Sometimes you will find several woodcock in a small area as they migrate south, and that can be widespread. The weather this week should promote some migrating, but you never know when flights will drop in.
Another factor in the woodcock migration is the “touch and go” of a flight which may pitch in at dusk but be gone at dawn, leaving only the white splash of their droppings as evidence. In my opinion, after many years of pursuing the American woodcock, who are often called Timberdoodles, it seems like November has become the new October, as migrating birds seem to be heading south later.
Regardless, the dogs have been getting exercise, and my shooting is not causing much of a dent in the population, despite Tessie’s stellar pointing work. The years seem to have made the covers tougher to get through while trying to get to points and the thick brush, bright sun and smart woodcock all contribute to my misses or, more often, never even getting off a shot. Oh well.
Don’t overlook the great fall trout stocking in Massachusetts. Stocking got underway in September with over 65,000 beautiful trout going into 450 lakes and ponds across the state. They are all over a foot long with 32,000 rainbow trout being bigger that 14 inches. You can find a listing of stocked waters at the MassWildlife web site.
Fall fishing is great with bright foliage and cool air. Remember that life jackets are mandatory in canoes and kayaks after Sept. 15 and are a good idea for everyone as the cooler water temps make hypothermia a serious risk.
Enjoy your trick or treating and don’t eat too much candy!
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.
