Daubentons bat


	Often called the "water bat", this species is easily recognised in flight by its low, level flight a few centimetres above the surface of lakes and slow-moving rivers. It is irresistably like a tiny hovercraft as it skims the water in search of caddisflies, mayflies and midges, and may even scoop prey from the water surface using its big feet. Many other bats feed over lakes and rivers, but none has such a close association with water as the Daubenton's. These bats can even swim if they make a mistake and end up in the drink! As can be imagined, favourite roost sites include stone bridges, canal tunnels and damp caves.

This venture is supported by the WICC programme of Interreg and the Bat conservation group Dublin