FOMC SPONSORS BAT SEMINAR by Luis Calvo

FOMC celebrated the completion of the Bat House Research Program by sponsoring a seminar on Madera Canyon bats.  Local bat expert, Ronnie Sidner, Ph.D., presented a power point program and lecture at the Kent Springs Center on October 1, 2005.  It was a beautiful evening to learn about the Canyon's bats and have dinner with a few good "friends."

 

As many of you may remember, Dr. Sidner was the bat expert featured in our video "THE EXPERTS VIEW OF MADERA CANYON."  Her lecture program was both entertaining and educational.  During dinner Dr. Sidner answered member's questions and thanked FOMC for establishing the Bat House Research Program. A "Mexican Style BBQ" of carne and pollo asada was served up with beans, tortillas and salsa. Everyone's sweet tooth was satisfied by a dessert of "Tres Leches" cake.

 

After dinner, guests were encouraged to view bats though a "night vision" scope as they flew by the back deck. Guests were also treated to the sounds of bat songs through a device that captures a bat's "sonic signature" as they fly through the Canyon. New FOMC members Bill & Lynn Forbes shared their night vision video camera to everyone's delight. Who would have thought that an educational program could be this much fun?  The proceeds from the event will benefit FOMC's Bat House Research Program.

 

The word on the street is that FOMC is going to schedule more educational programs like this in the Canyon.  Education Director, Doug Moore, is of the belief that learning should be fun. I'm not one to argue with him on that point.  What do you say?  Let's have a "Bug Seminar" in the Canyon with some friends!

Dr. Ronnie Sidner, bat expert, chats with Board President Luis Calvo during a break in the bat seminar.

The audience at the Kent Spring Center enjoys the colorful and informative presentation by Dr. Sidner. 

Three "batty women" show of the "bat party" cake at the Bat Seminar on October 1.  From left to right: Jenni Tobias, Nancy Calvo, and Carol Murray.

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