many thanks to Amanda, who runs the Hurstpierpoint Bat Hospital, for spending an afternoon allowing me to photograph her “inmates”. despite arriving in a less than perfect state (having been cat victims and the like), the bats looked in remarkable condition – all I am sure down to Amanda’s experience and care. she was able to show me a wide variety of bat species, all of which are thankfully relatively common not rare in Sussex.
I was keen to get some clean, id type shots, so we made a “studio” in her dining room (of all places) and brought each bat in for its star turn. this type of shot would never be possible in the wild, and we were keen to be as quick as possible to prevent any distress to the bats.
I must say that this was my favourite species. probably because it looks a bit dog-like…and the fact that it was a touch overweight!
the only one that “got away” was the Brown Long-eared who despite a few attempts, didn’t want to sit on a pretty log, while I crept up on it with a camera. don’t blame it really.
Wow! Amazing captures!