Bat counting

Third Friday of every month at Turrella Reserve, about half an hour before dusk.

On the 3rd Friday of each month WCPS members participate in regular counting of the Wolli Creek Valley population of Grey-headed Flying-foxes (GHFF) as they fly out from their camp beside Wolli creek at Turrella. In doing so, we contribute to research on the population dynamics and movement of this now Vulnerable native mammal species. The sight of thousands of GHFFs flying out in the evening is really something – a real David Attenborough nature experience.

It’s not that difficult to learn to count the Flying-foxes as they fly out close to dusk from their camp. To get involved, email bats@wollicreek.org.au  We meet in Turrella Reserve, down near the footbridge over Wolli creek, but contact us, as the meeting time varies with the seasons.

More info about Grey-headed Flying-foxes is available in this article by Andrew Smith 2007 

and elsewhere on our website http://www.wollicreek.org.au/plants_animals/flying_foxes

If you encounter an injured Grey-headed Flying-fox, do not handle the animal but contact WIRES on 8977 3333 or Sydney Wildlife on 9413 4300

If you see a GHFF hanging from power lines, you can help – download the info sheet (PDF) ‘Flying Foxes on Power lines’.

Useful Links for more information:

www.sydneybats.org.au – Flying Foxes in Sydney. Contains lots of useful information and links to other relevant websites

www.abs.ausbats.org.au – Australasian Bat Society

www.environment.nsw.gov.au – The website of the NSW Department of Environment Climate Change and Water (DECCW)

www.bellingen.com/flyingfoxes/ – Information about the Bellingen camp in northern NSW. Some superb photographs can be found on this site.

http://australianmuseum.net.au/Australian-bats – Information from The Australian Museum website.

For information about native plants of the Wolli valley that can provide food for GHFF’s see Wildlife Habitat Plants – see our Wildlife Habitat page