Bat Watching on the High Line

When the sun goes down, NYC’s coolest (and most misunderstood) residents take to the skies. Join Friends of the High Line and Urban Bat Project NYC for a relaxed bat-watching experience on the park that will give you a whole new perspective on nature in the city. Bat biologists will give a short presentation of bat data gathered from the High Line, revealing the fascinating lives of local bat species and where they like to hang out. Bat experts will then circulate to answer questions and give sonar demonstrations that will allow you to hear bats’ secret “conversations” as they swoop overhead. We recommend bringing a flashlight/headlamp.
Bio:
Nic Comparato (they/them) - Founder & Principal Ecologist

Nic is a bat biologist and long-time New Yorker. They are currently a Ph.D. student at Rutgers University with the Aronson Lab for Urban Ecological Studies. As a bioacoustic specialist, Nic primarily studies the bats of NYC by recording their sonar. They began their career in science as a volunteer for NYC Audubon (now Bird Alliance) and started Urban Bat Project NYC as a way to offer similar opportunities for people interested in bats and science. Nic is also conducting a community science bat survey on the High Line in conjunction with the High Line’s Emerging Leaders Program. Nic is also very active in New York City's science communication community. They co-host and produce a STEM-themed drag show, They Blinded Me With Science, and serve as a regular guest on shows like Facts Machine and Science Tonight.

Though they are actually a lifelong fan, Nic is non-binary and prefers not to be called Batman (thanks in advance, and, if you're wondering, their favorite storylines are Sirens and Long Halloween).

Maude Addams (they/them) - Outreach Associate & Bat Impersonator

Maude is a busy producer and performer in New York City's drag scene as well as a general bat enthusiast. They are one half of the drag production team, Cringe Compilation, and co-host and produce They Blinded Me With Science with our founder, Nic. Maude regularly assists with bat walks and events and occasionally serves as Urban Bat Project NYC’s resident bat impersonator. Their favorite Pokemon are Muk and Garbodor.
Photo Consent:

By attending this event, you agree that photos and/or video footage of you may be taken, and you grant your permission to Friends of the High Line and its agents/licensees to use such photos/footage for promotional and other purposes.

Accessibility:

We encourage all persons with disabilities to attend. To request additional information regarding accessibility or accommodations at a program, please contact [email protected]. Program venues are accessible via wheelchair, and ASL interpretation can be arranged two weeks in advance. If you require registration information for this event in Spanish or Simplified Chinese, contact us at [email protected].

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