New Myotis species discovered in UK

'Myotis alcathoe, or Alcathoe's bat, was identified by a research team led by Professor John Altringham at the University of Leeds and Professor Roger Butlin of the University of Sheffield during a Europe-wide study of bat population ecology.'  Full story here; http://www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/786/bat_species_discovered_for_the_first_time_in_uk

Common toad

Francis found this toad yesterday.  Looked like he had just come out of hibernation, very lethargic and skinny with great folds of loose skin hanging off his back and legs.  We moved him, her or it, as I don't know if you can sex a toad, under a hedge otherwise the rooks might have got it.

Bat food

Midges in the back garden at about 6.45pm.

They're back!

We have been away for a few days so they could have been out earlier but today, at last the bats are back in the garden.  But it's still cold, currently just over 7c and the max today of just over 11c.  However there's obviously plenty of food judging by the mess on the front of the car after a run down the motorway.  Has anyone else seen them sooner?