A Quick Review of the book: 'Is That A Bat?' by Neil Middleton

Book Review: 'Is That A Bat?' by Neil Middleton

'Is That a Bat?' is a book which intrigued me since I first learned of it (probably while pursuing books on the NHBS site).

Okay, I decided to just simply google: is that a bat by Neil Middleton

Exactly as it reads above, with no capitalization, and no question mark, just to see what would happen. The 1st link listed is of the same title, from 'goodreads' where it states "5/5" (Rating).

Below that, is the link to the publisher Pelagicpublishing.com And below that, is the link to the book on amazon.

Some details:

The complete title of the book is: Is That A Bat? A Guide to Non-Bat Sounds Encountered During Bat Surveys 

It is available in paperback, or e-book (electronic) format. It was published on January 6, 2020. It is 288 pages in length, with 257 figures (illustrations), and 36 tables. 

It features 7 chapters: 3 appendices, a glossary, references, and an index.

It measures 234 x 156mm and weighs 650 grams.

I may be getting a little ahead of myself here, but this is how the table of contents reads:

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
The Sound Library
1. Well, what on earth could it be?
2. Terrestrial mammals
3. Birds
4. Amphibians
5. Insects
6. Electronic and mechanical
7. Weather, people and other nuisances
Appendix 1 Supporting figures and tables
Appendix 2 Problem solving
Appendix 3 Additional resources
Glossary
References
Index

The price varies a bit depending on where you order from, and especially which format you choose; but NHBS currently has the paperback, in stock and available for only £34.99

This book would be quite suitable for a range of readers: Anyone from a hobbyist or citizen scientist, all the way up to professional bat workers and researchers - There is something of interest for anyone who works with bat detectors.

...Now, once I got myself (an electronic) copy, and started to look through it - Wow! I realised straight away that this review might not be so quick and easy:

Not only is there a lot of great info packed into this book; but when you buy a copy, you get access to on online sound library! (via the publishers site). I had no idea, and was pleasantly surprised by this. 

Several of the first sounds & spectrograms, are presented in a quiz/self-test format. This thoughtful inclusion helps make this book a real learning experience.

The next thing that dawned on me, was this book would also be excellent for those involved in wildlife sound recording in general. Definitely a nice cross reference, which is also pleasant to read. As I continued reading, I found myself thinking about getting my own recording equipment out...I eventually did in fact!

When visiting the dealers websites, you will commonly see some sample pages of the book made available, as a preview. The Author uses graphs, and other useful illustrations. As well as some very useful spectrograms & screenshots of various recordings. These were made using Pettersson's BatSound software (from Pettersson Elektronik). 

I found the illustrations to be lovely.

What I liked: 

• A very thorough book!

• Well written, and put together in a logical progression.

• Along with it's online sound library, it is reminiscent of having a course in wildlife sound recording.

I enjoyed 'Chapter 5 Insects', the order orthoptera was discussed (which includes crickets, katydids, and grasshoppers). As a long time fan of singing insects, I liked the included oscillograms  & spectrograms. As well as the concise facts shared about each species mentioned. 

This treatment is repeated when the subject of amphibians is covered, as well as: Small and large terrestrial mammals, birds, and rodents. To a lesser extent (for obvious reasons) even 'Electronic and Mechanical' sounds are touched on in Chapter 6. Very interesting stuff!

I was also happy to see the appendices (neat stuff), and suggestions for further reading. In Appendix 3 for instance, the Author shares some very neat websites.

Considering the wide range of acoustic subjects covered: mainly the animals which are also recorded while one is focusing on bats - This book would be great for anyone venturing into the field - both figuratively and literally!

Without a doubt, anyone who intends to record bats in their natural environment, would do well with a copy of this book. You may also be interested, in seeing the assortment of books dealing with bats, currently offered by Pelagic Publishing here.

Until next time (when we'll be discussing bat detectors), 

Happy bat detecting!

...The Second Wonderful Bat Detector - The DIY Kit from The Netherlands

In my last blog post, I wrote about the fact that 2 bat detectors are on their way here (from Europe). If you happened to see that post, you already know about The SSF BAT3 detector from Germany.

However, I held off on disclosing the identity of the other bat detector (from the Netherlands) since there were none in stock. 

Well, since the maker's site has been showing it available once again - I will tell you: It's called The Teensybat. So...The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and critical parts have been graciously offered for sale by the maker; Edwin Houwertjes. You may learn more, from exploring the maker's website

You can also learn about the interesting development history of this project here. It bears repeating: This lovely bat detector, is one which must be assembled by someone familiar with soldering/assembling electronic kits. Pre-built detectors are not currently offered. 

Photo of The Teensybat, from website

Having stated that, I can go ahead and share a couple of great links for the Teensybat... Here is a Link from the Teensybat site, featuring YouTube videos (by the Author) in both the English and Dutch language: The name of page is Using The Teensybat You might also stumble upon this page which goes to show, that a lot can be learned from poking around on Edwin's site. 

Fortunately, I happen to enjoy experimenting with electronics, and building kits & projects. Now that I think of it: not only have I built my share of DIY bat detector kits (over the years), but I also became very keen on DIY lightning detector projects/kits at one point. As evidenced by this (less popular) old blog of mine.

Well, I'll keep this post brief and close for now...Just to summarize:

As you may learn from visiting The Teensbat's website, it appears to be a very thoroughly well-designed bat detector! Possessing features which some off-the-shelf/ready made bat detectors lack. For all intents and purposes, it seems quite capable (especially going by some field videos).

Well, as I've stated in an earlier post - I've ordered mine, and it's on the way! I also just finished ordering the Teensy 4.1 project board (which is a requirement). As well as a couple of other optional features. Such as a temperature sensor, and a 3.5mm jack for additional mic experiments. This is in fact, another interesting point: A buyer may choose to customise their Teensybat, by purchasing optional components before assembly - Very cool! I'm really looking forward to building and using it!

Until next time, 

Happy bat detecting!

Two Wonderful Bat Detectors Are On Their Way!

Just a quick post for now - I'm excited to announce that two unique bat detectors are currently on their way here!

To make it more fun, I'll only share a few clues and hints (for now): 

• They each have lovely, colour touch screen displays, featuring live spectrograms!
• One from the Netherlands, the other from Germany.
• Both from non profit entities (I had to purchase them).
• Chances are, you've never even heard of, or seen either of them.
• The one from the Netherlands, is a DIY kit which will require soldering.
• I've been wanting to get the one from Germany since at least 2019.

The DIY bat detector kit from the Netherlands, is currently out of stock - With no ETA as to when kits will be available again. So, there's no point in discussing it any further at this point in time. 

The bat detector from Germany is in stock & available for purchase. So, I'll tell you a little bit about it:

It's The SSF BAT-3 from Microelectronic Volkmann 

The very neat-looking SSF BAT3

Check out the All About Bats page - Originally in the German language; most of the related web pages are (using the Google Chrome browser provides auto-translate).

The SSF BAT3 provides live spectrograms

in a very compact size

That's it for now! Of course there will be lots more to share over the next few days!  Including more pictures, and links!

Happy bat detecting!