Bats are the second largest group of mammals on Earth, comprising over 1,400 species that exhibit diverse form, behavior, and ecological roles. Yet their nocturnal nature makes them a mystery for many naturalists and nature enthusiasts. This talk will uncover the hidden lives of bats, introducing key aspects of their biology and natural history. We’ll explore how bats navigate and hunt in the dark, the incredible range of their diets and adaptations, and their ecological significance. Special attention will be given to the bats of New Brunswick, highlighting the species found in our region, their current conservation status, and the challenges they face from habitat loss, white nose syndrome, and wind turbines. Participants will leave with a new appreciation for these remarkable mammals, along with guidance on how to observe, support, and advocate for local bat populations. Whether you’re a lifelong naturalist or newly curious, this presentation will shed light on one of the most misunderstood and ecologically important groups in the animal kingdom.
Lucas Greville is currently teaching and doing research as part of the Biology Department at Mount Allison University. He grew up in Etobicoke (near Toronto) and completed his BSc, MSc, and PhD at McMaster University in Hamilton followed by a postdoc at the University of Waterloo. He has been studying bats for 13 years.

Don’t miss this fascinating glimpse into the mysterious lives of bats. This will be an in-person presentation which will also be available via Zoom. All are welcome, Nature Moncton members or not.

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Do you like to feed birds in your yard or are you thinking about setting up a bird feeder in time for winter? Whether you’re new to setting up a feeder or have been doing so for years, we’d love to have you join us at the Bird Feeder Workshop on October 25. We’ll sit down with warm drinks and yummy snacks to talk birds! This workshop will include learning about feeder types, feeder placement, seed types, how to handle pests, how to keep the birds healthy and, most importantly, how your observations can contribute to 2 citizen science programs: Project FeederWatch from November to April and the Christmas Bird Count in December. We have some great bird feeder prizes to give away too! Registration is required. Please email Cathy Simon at smittybatman@hotmail.com to sign up. Participants are welcome to bring some snacks to share if they wish.

Mark your calendars for October 26th for a Nature Moncton outing to the property of Peter and Janet Wright. This property is 10 minutes from downtown Moncton and consists of a large area of mixed forest, blueberry fields, bogs, and more. Peter is trying to assist in the restoration of the Acadian Forest that would be natural to this area. An interesting project that I would like to watch the progress of. Our walk will be guided by the owner and will cover some of the recent history.

We will be walking on trails that are new and a little rough in places but fairly easy walking. We walked a little less than 2 kilometers and saw only a small portion of the place. A beautiful place for a fall walk. All are welcome.

The Address is 1030 Rte. 114 Hwy, Lower Coverdale, NB. And the start time is 10:00 AM. Cross the Gunningsville bridge toward Riverview and, at the lights, turn left toward Hillsborough and continue 4.3 KM. The address is on the right side and the driveway is a little hard to spot at highway speed so I suggest you slow down or you will have to turn around as I did.

The opportunity to observe wild animals going about their daily business, just as they would naturally do without human presence, is a beautiful privilege that well-placed trail cameras can provide.

Brian Donovan has perfected the technique with 20 trail cameras set which he checks every 3 weeks, both winter and summer, at a remote section bordering the Renous Highway in the most densely forested area of New Brunswick.

Expect to see animals such as lynx, moose, bears, fishers, martens, and more in action day and night.

Brian’s 5 years spent pursuing a forestry degree at UNB undoubtedly spurred these routine visits to the deep woods. He has been intensively doing this project as a hobby for 6    years.  He has learned a great deal of unique information about the biology of his patrons, and he has developed a skillful delivery to share it.

Expect 30 minutes of condensed information and 15 minutes of the most amazing video to be recorded in New Brunswick. This presentation will take place at the Mapleton Rotary Lodge (weather permitting) and will be available virtually as well. All are welcome, Nature Moncton member or not.

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