Bugbear: the bats are out and about...

**BoldHighlander** · 13th November 10, 01:15 AM

Hi Ted,

was taking my dog out tonight to do her nightly duty, when I heard the high pitched "squeaking" of a bat. It must've been very close, as it was very loud, and must've been flying along the roofline of my house, heading the same general direction that I was. This is the third one in about as many days I've heard calling out, though this one was much closer to me.

Before I and the dog headed back indoors, I made sure the back lights were lit a little brighter (motion activated) to attract more bugs for their evening feeding.

Anyhow, it made me think of you and I knew you'd appreciate the encounter

**tripleblessed** · 13th November 10, 01:49 AM

I'm glad other people like bats. In my '50s childhood evenings, we played late,
and I see them in my mind in great swooping arcs in and out of the lights, and
silhouetted against the clouds still getting light from the sun long out of
sight. Wonderful! Don't see as many now.

**BoldHighlander** · 13th November 10, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by tripleblessed

I'm glad other people like bats.

You bet!
I've always been more fascinated than scared of them, even as a wee bairn

It never bothers me to see (or hear) them flying about outside. The only time I've been concerned with having one fly into me was when one got disturbed in my grandfather's barn, and it swooped all around in the enclosed area in a blind panic (probably didn't help we were tossing hay into a pile ).

**Bugbear** · 13th November 10, 02:52 AM

Yep, they have been over my yard quite a bit this year too. I'm fairly sure some of them are living in my palm trees.

The raven is still living up in the tallest palm (Mexican fan palm), or at least he hangs out a lot up there.

I'm sure Ali will be thrilled.

**cessna152towser** · 13th November 10, 03:11 AM

Bats are into hibernation in Scotland at this time of year, indoors in old buildings or disused railway tunnels. I probably won't see any until March.

**BoldHighlander** · 13th November 10, 03:27 AM

Originally Posted by cessna152towser

Bats are into hibernation in Scotland at this time of year, indoors in old buildings or disused railway tunnels. I probably won't see any until March.

Probably won't be long before they will be around my neck of the woods too Alex.

**Kiltboy** · 13th November 10, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by tripleblessed

I'm glad other people like bats.

Me too. Always loved watching them. In my neck of the woods, they are rare to see. But just watch the sunset flight of the bats in Austin, Texas and you'll be hooked.

**BLHS209** · 13th November 10, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by tripleblessed

I'm glad other people like bats.

You mean there are people who don't??? OK, I am not counting my wife. Well, she doesn't mind them, only when they come and visit, in the house.

Yes, I too have noticed a decrease in population when I have been out walking at night.

I know I am strange but I think they are cool.

Chris Shepherd

**Irish Jack O'Brian** · 13th November 10, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Kiltboy

Me too. Always loved watching them. In my neck of the woods, they are rare to see. But just watch the sunset flight of the bats in Austin, Texas and you'll be hooked.

Yep, we love our bats in Austin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6GlU...eature=related

We had a hockey team too, but they may have flown. http://www.icebats.com/

**Bugbear** · 13th November 10, 11:00 AM

I think some types of bats out here migrate on down to Mexico as it cools off up here. From what I understand, there's a large canal tunnel over in Phoenix that serves as a bat cave, and bat watchers lurk around it in the fall.

They are welcome in my yard; I don't use chemical pesticides out there, and they are part of the integrated pest management system as far as I am concerned.