As some of you know I was up before sunrise this morning, at the break of dawn just about, and all these little bats…batlets? were flitting about…I’ve never seen such a thing, they were about the size of swallows but definitely bats…what’s the story?
Microbats.
I hear them here at my place after dusk. They have a very high pitched, but quiet squeak which they use for echolocation when hunting.
Only once have I been lucky to see one flitting around me and like you it was also early morning, at Edith Falls NT. It flew in tight little circles trying to catch something I couldn’t see within arm’s reach. I watched it for at least a whole minute before it moved on. Maybe they are more reckless in the mornings than in the evenings.
Thanks for the input Speedy…this is my home town and we get flying foxes, this is the first time I have seen microbats…
Microbats, everynight in our garden in Townsville. They fly around at dusk and are gorgeous to watch. We see them land occasionally.
And here in PNG too. I busted an old dead limb from an Albizia samans and about 40 microbats were awoken and they flew around only to perch back in the remainder of the stump later…
I’ve got a photo somewhere.
Microbats, everynight in our garden in Townsville. They fly around at dusk and are gorgeous to watch. We see them land occasionally.
And here in PNG too. I busted an old dead limb from an Albizia samans and about 40 microbats were awoken and they flew around only to perch back in the remainder of the stump later…
I’ve got a photo somewhere.
Let’s see if I can do this…..
on my hat
painmaster said:
Let’s see if I can do this…..!https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10702084_863084730371458_1698708326366984543_n.jpg?oh=3bcd1113744d24aa2b1d394f33035d38&oe=55041B8D
Nice pic pm. That little face has reminded me that I have seen other bats too. One was in an old mine shaft and it seemed to be so inquisitive, it was landing right beside us on the roof. Later on we realised that it was probably chasing the flies which we had brought in with us. The others I have seen were in caves or gorges.
I think it’s worth adding here for forum users that bats are not to be handled as they sometimes carry deadly viruses. If you find an injured bat, call WIRES or the wildlife rescue organisation in the area. If you are scratched or bitten, get to the doctor ASAP for treatment, just in case.
Speedy said:
painmaster said:
Let’s see if I can do this…..!https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10702084_863084730371458_1698708326366984543_n.jpg?oh=3bcd1113744d24aa2b1d394f33035d38&oe=55041B8D
Nice pic pm. That little face has reminded me that I have seen other bats too. One was in an old mine shaft and it seemed to be so inquisitive, it was landing right beside us on the roof. Later on we realised that it was probably chasing the flies which we had brought in with us. The others I have seen were in caves or gorges.
I think it’s worth adding here for forum users that bats are not to be handled as they sometimes carry deadly viruses. If you find an injured bat, call WIRES or the wildlife rescue organisation in the area. If you are scratched or bitten, get to the doctor ASAP for treatment, just in case.
well said.
A friend of ours had them in his fence post. Every afternoon about 50 bats would fly out.
The log must have been very hollow inside.
Tam said:
A friend of ours had them in his fence post. Every afternoon about 50 bats would fly out.
The log must have been very hollow inside.
I’m guessing this was a corner (strainer) post?
You just need to sit near a streetlight at dusk around my place to see loads.
It’s a great evening thing to do in Cairns. Watch the Spectacled flying foxes heading out from their camp at the library to the rainforest and then as it gets darker, watch the micros as they swoop at incredible speeds on the insects attracted to the street lights.
What have I been missing out on…
Dinetta said:
What have I been missing out on…
Not to worry Dinetta, you’ll probably see them everywhere now.
BTW, I like your “batlets” better than “microbats” :)
Speedy said:
Dinetta said:
What have I been missing out on…
Not to worry Dinetta, you’ll probably see them everywhere now.
BTW, I like your “batlets” better than “microbats” :)
You’re welcome…
:)