First Visual Record of a Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) over the Open Ocean
William L. Kennerley1, Lisa T. Ballance1,2, Rachael A. Orben1,2, Leigh G. Torres1,2, and Donald I. Solick3,4*
1Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR 97365. 2Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, OR 97365.3Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA 94304. 4Vesper Bat Detection Services, Fort Collins, CO 80524. *Corresponding author.
Journal of North American Bat Research Notes, Volume 2 (2024):N1–N5
Abstract
We document the first visual observation of a Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary Bat) flying over the open ocean, 49 km from the northern California coast. This observation provides further evidence that this migratory species at times utilizes offshore habitat. Hoary Bats face significant, populationlevel threats from collisions with onshore wind turbines, particularly during late-summer and autumn migration periods. The location of this sighting within a leased offshore wind-energy area highlights the potential for Hoary Bats to be impacted by planned of fshore wind-energy development.
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Journal of North American Bat Research is valued by the academic, agency, NGO, and private-sector research community as a respected and trusted source for science related to all aspects of the biology, ecology, and conservation of bats, Order Chiroptera, and their habitats in North America, including Canada, Mexico, the USA, and the West Indies (Bahamas, Greater Antilles, and Lesser Antilles). Manuscripts based on studies outside this region that provide information on species within the region may be considered at the Editor’s discretion.