Bat surveys with DarkFlight and Roost
DarkFlight records wide angle thermal video and ultrasonic sound together. Review the whole survey in Roost, with thermal, ultrasonic and movement filters provided to take you to the bits that matter, faster.
Built for bat emergence and re-entry surveys. Hire by the night, with Roost included.

“DarkFlight combines high-spec thermal imaging and a full-spectrum bat detector in a single unit. The image quality was first rate, and watching the sonograms pulse across the bottom of the screen was fascinating. A very worthy addition to the shelf of high-quality kit that will make bat surveys more accurate and more efficient.”
Richard CromptonBat Ecology Specialist, Ecology Expo
“The kit is very user-friendly and produced high-quality data, and the wide field of view on the thermal was incredible in the field. I can see this becoming our go-to thermal for hire. A high-quality setup that also integrates a bat detector, and is quick to deploy, is a big advantage on site.”
Lynden ReedArboriculturist & Ecologist, TMA Environmental Consultants
A whole survey of footage, easier to work through
After a busy survey, finding the useful moments can take longer than you would like. Roost gives every 32 seconds of thermal footage a composite image, so you can see where movement occurred across that part of the survey.
Work through the blocks and open the original video whenever something needs a closer look. The acoustic recording is there alongside it. You record the decision for each block as you go.
See how review works in Roost →
Take a closer look with UltraVision
On a warm evening, a bat can be difficult to pick out against a building. UltraVision brings out changes in the thermal scene, making subtle movement easier to follow.
Compare the normal thermal view with UltraVision in this recording.
See the review tools in Roost →
Would it help on your surveys?
DarkFlight and Roost are likely to be useful if your team:
- runs bat emergence or re-entry surveys
- spends hours reviewing footage after a survey
- needs to inspect activity around awkward building elevations
- wants video and acoustic evidence together during review
- needs a clear record of the decisions behind a report
When it may be more than you need
If your current equipment and review process already work well on straightforward surveys, DarkFlight may be more than you need. Tell us about your sites and we’ll give you an honest view.
You still need an ecologist to review the survey and decide what the evidence shows.
Try it on one of your surveys
Hire DarkFlight with Roost included and see how it fits the way you work. Send us a little about the site and the dates you have in mind.
Hired before? Book directly on 01900 422 201 or jethro@ecordea.com.
Common questions
What do DarkFlight and Roost each do?+
DarkFlight records the thermal video and ultrasonic audio in the field. Roost is the online platform where you review that survey and prepare the evidence for your report.
Do I still review the survey myself?+
Yes. Roost helps you work through the recording and keeps track of the blocks you have reviewed. You decide what the movement shows and check any acoustic species suggestion.
How much does it cost?+
Hire starts at £300 per night for two DarkFlight kits or one DarkFlight Pro. Three kits, including a Pro, cost £500 per night. Five-night and 30-night options are available. Purchase starts at £3,250. Roost is included with every hire and for the first year of ownership. After that it costs £450 per unit per year, with the option to spread payment at £37.50 per unit a month. Updates are included. See all hire and purchase options.
Can I use Roost with recordings from my existing equipment?+
Roost currently works with DarkFlight recordings. If you are considering DarkFlight alongside your existing equipment, get in touch about the setup you have in mind.
What happens after I enquire?+
We’ll reply by email, usually within a working day. We can discuss the site and arrange a hire if you would like to try it on a survey.
See what DarkFlight and Roost could do for your next survey
Hire by the night, or get in touch to discuss buying a unit.
If we don’t think it would help on your sites, we’ll tell you.

