PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Imre Potyó | Aerial Acro-bats

Name: Imre Potyó
Picture title: Aerial Acro-bats
Category: People’s Choice
Nationality: Hungary
Occupation: I’m an environmental educator in The Danube-Ipoly National Park, Hungary. I took up photography in 2007.

Technical information
Camera: Nikon D7200
Lens: Nikon 10.5 mm, f/2.8
EXIF: 1.3 sec, f/13, ISO 1250

Three flash. Using a camera trap. Single exposure.

Imre Potyó says:

Outside, it is freezing cold winter, but the 10°C temperature and the unique environment of the mine attract animals. Lesser horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus hipposideros) winter in an abandoned iron ore mine in the Börzsöny Mountains (Hungary). Researchers have pointed out that lesser horseshoe bats also move during the winter, meaning their strategy differs from other bats. This behavior is amazing and unusual. We wouldn’t expect insect-eating bats to fly in winter.

During winter, the bats often fly out from their mines into the bare trees. Occasionally, they break their hibernation and fly out to feed in the winter forest, hunting winter moths. Sometimes, they even fly into the snowy woods. I’ve experienced something similar myself. It’s truly amazing to see bats take flight among the bare trees.

During these moments, you might have the chance to capture them near the entrance to their underground hibernation site using a camera trap. I created this image without any disturbance or artificial guidance. I have been photographing them in this mine for ten years without causing any harm, strictly following ethical guidelines. I don’t use distractions, such as curtains or sheets, to herd them.

It was magical. Witnessing their winter flight and feeling the air currents created by their wings on our faces is one of the most beautiful experiences. I would like to draw attention to the hidden, nightly wonders of a wintry forest.