[NatureNS] Migrating Bats @ Grand Manan

Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2010 6:33:16 -0300
From: Brian Dalzell <aythya@nb.sympatico.ca>
To: naturenb@listserv.unb.ca
Cc: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
Sensitivity: Normal
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <naturens-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
Original-Recipient: rfc822;"| (cd /csuite/info/Environment/FNSN/MList; /csuite/lib/arch2html)"

next message in archive
no next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects


With a full moon and clear skies, I decided to get up early and go for a pre-dawn walk in hopes of hearing some nocturnal migrants.  There was a brisk east wind, and it was cool, only about 14C.  Didn't hear any birds, but was amazed to find the sky full of bats -- the first time I've seen such a feeding swarm.

Usually there are only a few around (we're talking Little Brown Bats here), and they are hard to see in the dark.  However, at 0530, with the sun rising, I was able to estimate 50+ bats foraging over an open field in the lee of some tall trees.  What an amazing sight, dipping and looping like a flock of swallows.

Never once did I see a collision between them, and at about 0600 the flock melted into the woods and it was all over.  I went to check my bat box, and there were only a few bats (<5) in it.  Tomorrow morning I will get up again at 0500 to see if they are still around, but I suspect they will be gone.  Pity.

next message in archive
no next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects