We did come across this very pregnant Northern long-eared bat though.  She was being very calm and cooperative (or perhaps she was just so fat she really couldn’t move…?) and I was able to get a bunch of decent pictures before she slipped back into the darkness.

There were also a pile of these Eastern Cricket frogs down there making a terrible racket.  If you haven’t heard one from 2 feet or less it is quite an experience.  I think I can still feel the pulsing in my ears…

I didn’t get any pictures that were real winners but I didn’t have all night…

Finally if you haven’t heard about the new and fast spreading illness that is taking a huge toll on many bat populations -well its probably past time I said something about it.  It’s called “white-nose syndrome.”  The best idea is to read up on all the latest info on the illness right here.  But in short we still don’t know what exactly is killing the bats or how or if it is even possible to stop its deadly spread.  I did attempt a couple of pictures that express the plight of our bats.  Hopefully soon we will know more about this illness.