Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

I am seeking any UHH members that might know of an accessible colony of bats. I live in the Sacramento area of California, and I would be willing to travel - within a few hours, to a colony for photographing. The spot has to accessible, meaning not on private property that you don't(or I can't obtain) permission to shoot. The colony can be up to 15 feet from the ground for their entrance, but for the lighting, etc. I would prefer something more manageable. Old mines, barns, under eves, etc. are the best solutions.

Here's the deal. I have all the equipment for shooting and lighting the subjects. The triggering device is set up for Nikon cameras, so I don't know if the other brands have a different sync cable for attachment to their bodies. You will be welcome to use your equipment with my setup as I can accommodate multiple cameras.

So, if you know of a location we can set up, I would be very willing to let you attempt capturing images with me in exchange for finding the location and sharing it with me. I do not share locations with others unless you request it. So don't be afraid that others will be parading in and disturbing the species we will be working with.

I have just put some of the final touches on the equipment and have tested it on inanimate objects and birds so far. I was looking for some less frequently shot, and somewhat more interesting subjects.

Please PM me if you think you have an idea that might be helpful. You are welcome to view my web site to see the kind, and quality, of images I try to produce if you are somewhat apprehensive as to my shooting at a bat colony. http://www.naturescamera.com

There is no need to reply to this post. If you send me a PM, that will be sufficient. I will return your contact from there.

Bill_de Loc: US

Figured I'd post it as others might also be interested. Why keep things a secret. A quick Google search came up with this and many others.

http://baynature.org/2013/07/25/yolo-bats/


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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

There is one in Phoenix, Az. There is no access to the "cave", but one can photograph the bats leaving around sunset.
--Bob

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

There are places that allow access to some bat caves, but that gets complicated as a result of a fungal disease that affects bats, is easily spread, and thus there are many controls in place.

Good luck.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Thanks Bill. The Yolo colony is protected and not accessible by individuals independently. It is located under the Causeway freeway, between West Sac and Davis, CA. There are guided tours which is not what I am looking for. Very restricted access, not close observations, and the roosting site is very high, and not unlimited time to setup, etc.

I am not searching for a public site for a reason. I want to photograph individual subjects, and a public forum wildlife shoot doesn't usually interest me as it is not structured for study, but more for the entertainment value.

As for keeping things secret, I do not reveal spots where others have taken me to shoot unless they say they don't mind. Some are on private property that they have access to, some are sensitive spots and having many people disturbing the wildlife may discourage the representative species from returning.

If you ever want to witness what I am referring to, take a trip and try to enjoy Yellowstone wildlife shooting. OMG. What a mess of traffic and people who have no respect for the wildlife, mixed with many that do.

I know people who fish, and they don't want me to reveal their favorite spots for the same reason - they won't be favorite spots for long.

I will, and have, taken serious wildlife shooters, both pros and amateurs to my favorite spots as I know they will respect the wildlife there. So it is not an ego thing, it is more of a respect and hopefully enjoyable shoot with another individual or individuals with similar interests in wildlife photography and/or natural history documentation.

Thanks for the suggestion, though. Trust me, I am not trying to be selfish in any way, I just don't give out someone else's special places, people's phone numbers, fishing honey holes, etc. out of common courtesy. :thumbup: :thumbup:

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Thanks. I have some friends down that way. I may look into that possibility. :thumbup:

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Thanks for the notice. My wife is a veterinarian specializing in small animal/exotics, so we do our best to take the necessary precautions. I hope to have some posts for the UHH members to see at some point. But who knows?. It's wildlife photography. :thumbup: :thumbup:

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Just in case there are other VERY adventuresome types...., the only bat colony I know of is at Ojuela in Mexico, just outside of Mapimi. About 500 miles south of El Paso TX. and a few hours north of Torreon.
The bats are spectacular! Ojuela is a ghost town and a spectacular foto-op with its suspension bridge. It is also one of the most mineral rich areas on the planet if you happen to be into rocks and such.
Well worth a trip!! ;-)
SS

Rbode Loc: Ft lauderdale, Fla

Start your own bat colony.


http://www.gardeners.com/buy/teak-bat-box-house/37-460.html?SC=XNET9422&gclid=Cj0KEQjw5Z63BRCLqqLtpc6dk7gBEiQA0OuhsKBCPsLnk_XxJIIHdSlrAZD694JNQ3Bhn3KfOkJNT9AaAkps8P8HAQ&kwid=146330542x7480688725x92075245

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

This is easier than you might think. Each species has specific habitat requirements - nearness to water, food sources, other established colonies, etc. No easy way out with bats, I am afraid. :thumbup:

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Here are some of the images of bats I have gotten in the past. I would really enjoy capturing them in flight.
Enjoy

(Download)


(Download)

Jim Bob

I hate bats. If I located a colony and had the wherewithal I would see to it that it is destroyed.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

You see. I told you that saying I agree with you just once would probably be a unique event.

Bats are very worthwhile life forms, and they eat mosquitoes and gnats!

Is there a good reason why you don't like bats?

You're not a gnat are you?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

In fact bats are much more worthwhile and useful that a lot of people I've come across!!! :lol:
SS

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

:thumbup: