This thread seems to have wandered off topic slightly, being in GM Bird Sightings (I think we've nailed the Sparrowhawk), and we are veering towards Other Wildlife.

However, GMLRC runs a very informative Bat Workshop during the summer, and Rob is correct in that an ultrasonic bat recorder is the only way to differentiate with certainty between species - there are 3 different species of Pipistrelle alone in the UK. That is why those of us that submit other wildlife records along with our bird records are only able to record, via RODIS, the term "Bat species", as an entry, unless it is supported with bat detector data.

I think the closest we can offer is that the Sparrowhawk was chasing a "winged mammal"

Good chance it could've been Colin, but just be aware it wouldn't necessarily mean if it was near water it was Daubenton's.
Many Bats exhibit similarities between species, including size, colour, habitat etc and quite often cause ID confusion even for experts as alot of the time all you get is a glimpse in poor light (which is why one of the most reliable ways is using special equipment to record the echo location call as it is pretty much unique to a particular species so I believe).
I suspect there may be other forum members who know more about this than me.
Cheers
Rob

Interesting, that. I also saw a day-flying bat in late-May, between 2-3pm.

It was following the Bridgewater canal at Stretford, going towards Sale. Flight wasn't what I normally associate with bats - pedal down zipping around; this one was just strolling along in its own time - wouldn't have outstripped a turtle let alone a sparrowhawk! Biggish in size (compared to a pipistrelle, that is) but I couldn't see any stand out features. I had it pegged at a Daubenton's - just because it was tooling along the water...

thanks for the intrest and infomation and i forgot to say were it was it was in highfield nr wigan don,t know much about bats we do get lots of the small ones around here found one once on the drive gave it some meal worms then it flew off good result

Hi Dave,
I'm by no means an expert but I do love my Mammals. I'm pretty sure it won't be either of the Horseshoe Bats (both Lesser and Greater Horseshoe are pretty much limited to the South and SW of England with the odd individual apparently recorded in South Midlands).
Mike could well be right with Noctule as it is usually regarded as one of the most widespread along with Common Pipistrelle, they are normally a rusty orange shade and can have a large WS. We get them in Denton actually in the garden setting off the garage security light.
There are other Bats of similar size though, and taking into account that of the UK's 17 species, most have been recorded in GM, and I think 7 or 8 are considered resident in GM.
What a great sighting that was though!


Word of warning...the records of Bat Distribution are fascinating and although not always available due to the sensitive nature of Bat Conservation, when you do find an article that is available to read, you will be hooked!

I saw a Merlin take a Noctule at MMWWT in 2007. BBC Autumnwatch cameras had left the hide by then unfortunately after filming swans sliding on the ice. Opportunity missed!

Ive witnessed a sparrowhawk taking a day time flying bat before .

Noctule is probably your best bet for the bat.

This is a first and proberley last time i will see this 12 30 to day saw sparrowhawk chasing what i thought was a song thrush as they twisted and turned i relized it was a bat in the middle of the day hawk was left bemused brill sight to see after at least 40 seconds it gave up the bat then just climbed up very high till could not see any more heading south any one else seen any thing like this, and any idears what kind of bat it could of been



-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Monday 27th of October 2014 03:31:34 PM