Review: Big Bat Year - A Conservation Story by Nils Bouillard
The book may be seen here, at the publisher's site.
Big Bat Year, takes the reader along on the unique journey made by it's author, to see as many different species of bats as possible, in a single year.
For those of you who weren't aware, this is similar to a "Big bird year" which some avid birders undertake; often traveling around the world, to see as many different species of birds in a single calendar year.
The book is 232 pages in length, measures 6.21 x 0.63 x 8.92 inches, weighs 510 grams, and was published on April 27th, 2023.
I was very curious about this book, from the time I first learned of it. By the time I'd reached the bottom of page 4 - after reading the rules, which the author decided to impose on himself, I realized two things:
- He's thought things through, and isn't going to make it easy for himself.
- I'm going to enjoy reading about this adventure!
This book is unique. This factor was obvious to me, from the time of the book's release. It isn't the kind of book on bats you and I are used to. One of the key differences, is that this is a book which you sit down and read through.
I know, please bear with me here...
It's a recounting of an adventure, a memoir of a young man determined to accomplish something (unique) which no one had set out to do before:
Record as many different species of bats as possible, while traveling around the world, and limiting yourself to one calendar year.
I think you would agree, that he's accomplished this goal admirably!
As always, I advise you to shop around for the best price, and delivery times. Link to NHBS below to get you started:
Back to the book...
I was pleased to read page 11, because it was the first time in which bat detectors were discussed!
Some interesting facts about invasive species began on page 13. There are such sections placed throughout the book. I will not report on all of them, so as to leave some as surprises.
An exciting description of recording a bat in New Caledonia on page 32.
There's some concise, but effective, and encouraging words on page 69, for anyone who has ever considered learning more about bats.
Pages 71-74 (Sepilok, Borneo) has a little something for everyone - By the time you reach this point in the book, you've become well-aware that the author gives reports of many different types of animals encountered (not just bats). This will undoubtedly keep naturalists intrigued.
Pages 75 through 206 represented the whirlwind tour of bat chasing I was looking forward to!
With a "stop" on page 98, for a concise overview of bats & disease.
And a short, but informative "stop" on page 100 for an explanation of bats & culture (I enjoyed it!).
Page 114 discussed the author's acquisition of The EM3 detector (from Wildlife Acoustics) so I was smiling!
There was a fascinating "first" described on page 161 (no, I'm not going to disclose everything...).
Pros:
- A unique book, which is easy to read.
- Beautiful assortment of photos.
- Very nice descriptions of the animals encountered.
Cons:
- I would have loved to see more pictures of bats.
I found the book very interesting, at times exciting, and overall inspiring. It would be of interest to anyone connected to bats in any way; and would also be a great introduction to the world of bats for a newcomer.
If you know a birder, who either would (or should!) be interested in learning more about bats: This is the book to gift them!
In fact, as I type this, more than one person comes to my mind...Indeed, I will inform the leaders of the 2 Birding Groups I used to tag along with - Highly recommended!
Until next time,
Happy bat detecting!
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