"Batnado" observations

[mickeyd]

We visited the home of the largest population of mammals in the world a couple of days ago. Bracken bat cave is the current home of about twenty million Mexican freetail bats that create their own "batnado" every evening on their way to dinner.

It was quite an exhibition of a natural occurrence that has been going on for about 10,000 years.

If you are ever in the area, it might not be a good idea to pay a visit and be impressed.
Bracken Cave

[harley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeyd We visited the home of the largest population of mammals in the world a couple of days ago. Bracken bat cave is the current home of about twenty million Mexican freetail bats that create their own "batnado" every evening on their way to dinner. It was quite an exhibition of a natural occurrence that has been going on for about 10,000 years. If you are ever in the area, it might not be a good idea to pay a visit and be impressed. Bracken Cave

Well. even though it might not be a good idea, I'm putting it on my bucket list. Thanks.

[JoeWras]

Always amazing, isn't it? We saw the one at Carsbad caverns. At first, just one or two, and then BAM, they they all come.

I always wonder how this works. Does some wise-guy leader say, "Wake up boys and girls, time for dinner!" and get the colony going?

I see the same thing every morning on my walks with Canadian geese. They sit there on the water squawking away. Finally, one of them gets his butt in the air and the rest follow. How does the conversation go? Are they encouraging each other or complaining about having to wake up and fly for breakfast?

Got to love nature's show. And the show is right priced for LBYM.

[Koolau]

Used to love to watch the starlings weave their black "aurora" many mornings on my way to w*rk. Truly stunning and difficult to figure out how it all happens.

[Free To Canoe]

Cool. Definitely putting it on my bucket list.

[mickeyd]

Quote:

Does some wise-guy leader say, "Wake up boys and girls, time for dinner!" and get the colony going?

My observations were that about 15 minutes prior to the gang departing the cave a few "scouts" depart. If they do not return, the rest of the 20, 000,000 take it as a good sign and begin to fly in circles creating a "batnado".

Also saw a red tail hawk dive into the mass of airborne animals hunting for dinner while a nearby tree had a big owl observing the event and (no doubt) making plans for dinner also.

[irishgal]

Bats are awesome. I have a bat house up high on the side of my barn and at dusk a few fly out to check things out then a bunch come out. During the summer I can stroll around my property without dealing with Mosquitos, as bats can eat thousands in a short period of time.


Wild Irish Rogue

[Koolau]

As a kid back in the midwest I recall the first bats of the evening coming out in summer to pick off the various bugs which inhabit the night. It was fascinating to watch them dart and change directions at will. I would sometimes pitch a walnut or acorn, etc. into their midst to watch them "attack" (until they realized I had played a joke on them.) Surprised I was not "rewarded" with a guano storm for my cruelty (Probably still have some karma to work off all these years later.) I guess their revenge took place last year when one of the little creatures made it from the attic to the living room. I had to open all the doors and let her (her mouth was open - that's how I know) find her way into the night. So glad DW was not home to freak out.