“The greatest threat to our planet is
the belief that someone else will save it.”
Robert Swann
“Mother Earth” By Karliene:
“The future of humanity and indeed
all life on Earth depends on us.”
David Attenborough
“Carnival of the Animals: VII” by Saint-Saëns (courtesy of Anna Vidyaykina)
Halloween being just around the corner, my thoughts have turned to bonfires and to the atmospheric darkness of autumn nights, and then to bats. If you should venture out after dark and hear some spooky sounds, you may find this will put your mind at ease (courtesy of AV Productions):
“Berceuse” by Gabriel Fauré (courtesy of Adagio Trio):
One October a few years ago, extreme climate changes which occurred in many places on Earth resulted in the catastrophic deaths of thousands of bats in Queensland, Australia. Not able to withstand temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius high, the bats plummeted to the ground. The volunteers from an animal rescue centre rushed to save as many babies as possible. Trish Wimberley, the wonderful woman who set up the Wildlife Trauma Centre, brought up bat babies, thus not only saving the next generation of these important mammals but also providing a unique study into their intelligence, self-awareness and their ability to connect with their carer.
Courtesy of Adam Cox:
The fact that they are so very cute also helps to raise our determination to insist that governments worldwide start taking our concerns seriously, and stop industrialisation everywhere and anywhere (Amazon forest fires) and building on the green belt here (UK), among many other places in other countries. When we destroy Earth, it will be too late to then realise that we can’t eat money or cement.
Courtesy of Wakaleo:
Some fortunate little bats!
Courtesy of The Dodo:
Courtesy of GeoBeats Animals:
“The Truth About Bats” (courtesy of Wandering Path Productions):
The folklore of many countries includes bats. Sometimes their flesh was used as a cure for various ailments, sometimes as part of witchcraft ceremonies, as in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Then there is the malicious association with Count Dracula, and a more accurate one as a weather prediction – bats flying early in the evening mean a good next day ahead. The name originated from Scandinavia but was also associated with a ‘flying mouse’ as in German – Fledermaus. Now we know that appearance is misleading since bats are genetically closer to humans than to mice.
Lewis Carroll wrote in Alice in Wonderland, one of my favourite childhood books:
“Twinkle, twinkle, little bat!
How I wonder what you’re at!
Up above the world you fly,
Like a teatray in the sky.”
Courtesy of Jiipygmi;
Apart from birds, bats are the only warm-blooded creatures that manage to take to the air. There are two groups of bats: those who feed on fruit and flowers and those who eat insects. The bats in the former group use smell to locate food, but insect-eating bats use echolocation. They fold their wings like vellum umbrellas, and they can see in the dark, despite having quite poor vision, because they can navigate safely by emitting high-pitched sound-squeaks that ‘bounce’ off anything in their way. There are many types of bats, and all of them are fascinating. Their flying ability allows them the freedom of travel. In Australia, the only creature that came from the outside was a bat, and the forensic examination of the fossil of one bat proved that it arrived millions of years ago from France.
How bats hunt (courtesy of BBC Earth):
To some people, bats seem ugly because of their hairy faces, leathery wings with elongated fingers and bodies that closely resemble those of mice. To me, they are not only beautiful but extraordinarily well-designed. The skin membrane between the fingers allows them to fly, and the folded wings provide safety when they sleep upside-down, hanging by their claws. On the ground, they are clumsy because their knees bend backwards which makes walking difficult. All bats have a good set of teeth and large ears, useful for echolocation. There are 950 species of bats in the world but in Britain, there are just: Pipistrelle, Horseshoe Bat, Brown Long-eared Bat, Natterer’s Bat and Noctule Bat and a few others. The female nurses her baby while flying, an amazing achievement as the baby is a quarter of her weight. Females only start breeding after they are several years old and they have an unusual system of delayed fertilisation. If they are not in tip-top condition in the spring, they can prevent fertilisation by keeping sperm separated from the eggs after mating. Bats live a surprisingly long life, about 30 years or more.
All about bats! (courtesy of WildlifeWatchUK):
Bat Sense (courtesy of Nature Video):
The 11th-century market town where I live nestles alongside the Grand Canal. In summer, just after dusk, you can see groups of low-flying bats busy hunting for insects that are plentiful above the waterways. A small bat can devour 3000 insects in one night. It is necessary for the bats to gain as much fat as possible to be safe during the harsh winter months. After feasting as much as possible in autumn, when cold weather arrives and insects become scarce, bats hibernate. They like cool places like caves, abandoned mine shafts, barns or even attics of old houses and churches, as long as the places are quiet with a stable temperature and no draughts.
The woman who lives with 500 bats (courtesy of Beastly):
To me, these enchanting nocturnal creatures symbolise the countryside, longevity, continuity and peace. They even feature on the family crests of two heraldic families: the Wakefields and the Heyworths. At Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, there is even a beautiful carving of a flying bat on the staircase. Bats in Britain are now fully protected, Just as well because the continuing loss of their habitat and the changing climate poses a threat to the future of these fascinating creatures. Long may they prosper.
“Hedwig’s Theme” by John Williams (courtesy of Taylor Davis):
Here is my picture of some of my friends, bat included.
“Scarborough Fair” by Celtic Borders (courtesy of Brian Horton):
As we are close to Hallowe’en, which itself originates from the Celtic festival Samhain which marked the end of harvest and the start of wintertime, it is fitting to reflect on new beginnings and renewal, and to remember and honour those loved ones who have passed on.
“Saturn” by Sleeping At Last:
naturetails 
Well done, Joanna, for another amazing article! 👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️ I always learn so much with you. And you even made me dislike less “the knights of the night”.🦇
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Such true words Joanna. Good people doing nothing, that’s always the danger.
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I have never been a big fan of bats, but with that said, I know that they are a vital part of the natural world and should be valued as such. Great post. And great & very true quote: “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Robert Swann
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Thank you, Diana, for your kind comments! Greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Dorothy, for your kind and much appreciated comment!
Joanna
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Thank you, Filipa, for your kind comment! Do you like the mosquito better?!
Joanna
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Yes! But my favourites are ladybirds. 🐞❤️
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I see these bats in our Area. Thanks for sharing this idea. Anita
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Thank you, Anita, for your kind comment, much appreciated!
Joanna
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I now know much more about bats than before, thanks to your fine article.
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Thank you, Neil, for your kind comment, that is much appreciated!
Joanna
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This is how children should be introduced to animals! Until I was grown up and could see things differently, I always shuddered at the thought of bats. My mother disliked them. One night in Cambodia she got up to go for water and a bat affixed itself to her naked breast. I imagine her scream scared the bat more than it did my father. We used to see colonies of bats crossing the river each night, as birds flew back to roost in the opposite direction. I remember the smell of them in the ancient ruins. There was the chance, out there of rabies but I think it was their dark skin-like wings that scared me. You have taught me more than I ever knew, and it is quite fascinating. All creatures are and how much we can learn from these “inferior” animals! I had seen a film a few years ago of a woman who cared for bats after wildfires in Australia. How sweet they are. I don’t know if I shall ever have a chance to meet a bat up close now, but I shall be much better informed. The films of bats hunting are quite extraordinary. Oh, and your picture…is is yours as in your painted it? It is very lovely. Thank you for such a nice introduction to these wonderful creatures.
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I also meant to say that if I ever heard a badger when I was walking in the dark, I think I would faint! And that story of the fossil bat in Australia…incredible what they can deduce!
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No, you wouldn’t, you are a strong girl! The technology is amazing now, and is still expanding!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments! You have a knack to make me happy with your beautiful words! I wish that children learn about all animal without prejudice, but that is a high order. I do paint quite a lot, and as I cannot afford old masters, much cheaper to fill the house with. I have a simple the interior decorating rules; books, mirrors and paintings, lots of all three. Also, plants.
Thank you, Carolyn, again, your kind words are greatly appreciated!
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Totally magical, Joanna. I love the pictures of the little bat faces. Thanks for bringing their plight to our attention. Happy Halloween.
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Thank you, Pat, for your magical comments! They are adorable! And of course, so important in the eco system!
Happy Halloween!
Thank you, Pat, again!
Joanna
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They are a cuter than Buddy but not as expressive.
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This is a rare occasion that where Buddy is concerned, I have to agree with you, Pat.
But why are we not asleep?!
Joanna, semi- conscious…
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It’s not quite 9 pm here but probably very late where you are.
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Yet another super post Joanna. It started perfectly with Karliene’s ‘Mother Earth’, but there were so many videos with music and stories that it took me ages to get through them all, but worth every second. On top of that, there was your usual expert information, as well as the remarkable people who look after these creatures, and that ‘Bat Lady’ is something else. By the way, did you paint your picture with the bat, thrush, frog and mouse? If so, you’ve got even more talent than I thought. It’s good to see that your laptop is working because I would miss these posts if you couldn’t do them, but, like a ‘Bat Out of Hell’, I’d better get moving as I’ve spent ages again reading all this. Great stuff!😊
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Yes, it was almost one o’clock!
I end up going to bed at 2 in the morning, and although I got up late for me, all chores are done, and I am starting to work.
Let it be a good day!
Joanna
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Thank you, Malc, for your wonderful comments! I thought that this post will melt readers hearts as they are so lovable!
Yes, I paint hundreds of pictures, all inspired by nature, it makes my home look interesting, with all the books, mirrors and plants.
Thank you, Malc, for putting your friend in touch with my blog and with me, she is so likeminded, I just hope she will visit again.
Thank you, Malc, again for your time and kind words, all greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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PS. The bird in the picture is a Nightingale, I painted thrush somewhere else.
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My mistake. It’s a really good painting, and I can just imagine all those pictures around the house.
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Thank you, Malc! You are so kind!
Joanna
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You seem to be able to manage with little sleep, Joanna. Amazing.
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Thank you, Pat! The day started with my internet disappearing, and it has been quite a few hours before I could read my
e-mails, and they are lovely! This is why I am late reading your posts! I usually cat-nap here and there when I didn’t have enough sleep.
Tonight, I will go to bed at ten sharp as I have Ocado delivery at 7.30 am and have to be ready and presentable. As I don’t look my age, the delivery drivers address me as Darling and so I have to look like “darling”!
Joanna x
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Thank you, Joanna, for chosing an excellent title for your post, opening with a brilliant quote from Robert Swann. I commend your topic selection as there are myriad of myths and superstitions associated with these fascinating creatures. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people attributed the virus’s origin to bats.
Once a bat entered my house in the evening, but despite my efforts to guide it out by opening doors and windows, it struggled to find its way, possibly due to echolocation issues. It flew around for several hours before eventually finding its way out.
Bats are often perceived as evil spirits, Vampires, and harbingers of death. These misconceptions are largely perpetuated by the movie industry, particularly through characters like Dracula.
However, many of these myths about bats being wicked creatures have been debunked. They are known to share food with other bats, and in some cultures, such as some parts of India, they are associated with good fortune, believed to be a form of the Goddess Lakshmi.
Bats are unique creatures, possessing avian-like wings, reptilian hibernation skillis, a rat-like appearance, and mammalian reproduction. As you mentioned, a single bat can consume up to 3,000 insects in a single night, making them valuable scavengers. It’s good to know that it’s fully protected in Britain. In India, only two species are legally protected.
Thank you so much, Joanna, for yet another highly informative post, this time on this poor creature that we normally skip to read. Videos are awesome as always, but pictures of baby bats are really cute.
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Joanna, this was a most enjoyable and informative post. I’ve never been a fan of bats, but I admit I’ve never seen them up close or known much about them. Enjoyed the photo of all of them being fed in a line. You found wonderful videos/music to share too. Brilliant topic! I’m still smiling.
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I am continually amazed by your ability to find such obscure information on every topic you pursue. And most of your focus seems to be a balance in the interconnectedness of the creatures who inhabit our planet. Of course, you are right, Joanna, an imbalance would lead to escalating costs for food and discomforts in the lives of humans as well as other animals and plants who share space on earth.
Building bat houses as a substitute home should be considered by people who have no outbuildings and don’t wish to share a residence with their flying mammalian cousins. Kudos to Ms. Wimberley in Queensland who rescued the orphaned bat pups. She may have helped save a species until climate change raises temperatures more permanently. We all should try not to disturb bats as they hibernate in cold weather. Human presence in addition to other stressors (eg. White Nose Syndrome) increase calorie consumption during cold weather at a time when they cannot be replaced.
A most educational blog post which should help bat conservation for generations to come.
Stewart
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Thank you so much, Kaushal, for your wonderful comments! I am more than happy that you liked all the information, and could add your own thoughts. Always, greatly appreciated. I hope the bats in India will be protected!
Joanna
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Thank you, Stewart, for your excellent comments! Your praise make me very happy, and is greatly appreciated!
Of course, your thoughts on the connection of every thing on the planet is spot on, as we all came from the same source, and that is why our feeling of being superior is somewhat misplaced.
Thank you, Stewart, again, your reflections and you time are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Truly my pleasure, Joanna! Always welcome!
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Thank you again, Kaushal!
Joanna
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Thank you so much, Monica, for your wonderful comments! The bats are of great importance and as they need protection,
I wanted to say as much as possible about their lives, habits and service to us to make them more interesting.
Thank you again, Monica, for your kind words all greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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What an amazing collection of facts, fun, and film you have put together again Joanna. I love your painting, you have a wonderful talent.
We are lucky to have bats fly around our house, I suppose every day although we don’t always see them. They are really interesting creatures, although greatly misunderstood and, therefore, often feared.
I loved learning about The Bat Lady. She is performing such an important service for so many!
Thank you once more for a really interesting report of The Knights of the Night!
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Thank you, Peter, for your delightful comments! How lucky you are to live in a grand house to share it with bats!
You have highlighted all important points, and you made my day by liking my painting! I have over 100 paintings inspired by nature and the friends in my garden. They look interesting on the walls in every part of the house.
Thank you so very much, Peter, for your kind words, all greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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No grand house here. The bats fly around outside!
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I thought it was old rectory or church!
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No such luck. A 3 bed semi but very close to open countryside.
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So often bats are overlooked or seen as bloodthirsty predators! Your wonderful post should be in all of the daily newspapers! 💚🤗💓🙋♂️
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Thank you, Ashley, for your wonderful comments! Your words made my day! I am very fond of the bats as without them we would be
without a great helper, a very interesting to study creature, and our “relative “, as we all started existence from the same source
Thank you, Ashley, again, your kindness is greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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What a strange/humorous/beguiling picture of those little bats in swaddling clothes with tiny baby bottles.
Like a couple of other commenters, I hadn’t known that you’re a painter. Nice going.
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Thank you, Steven, for your lovely comments! I hope that I persuaded a few people that bats are of great importance to the natural world.
and to us! Every creature on our planet is of value, with the exception of some humans.
Thank you, Steven, for mentioning my modest aptitude for portraying the wildlife in my garden!
Joanna
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Well, you certainly DID change my mind on bats. So, you accomplished what you set out to do. You are right, we need to be “educated.” Thanks, Joanna. 💕
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Thank you so much, Monica, your words make me very happy!
Joanna
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Loved this little look at the intriguing night creatures that are bats. ❤
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Wow Joanna ! You have won my heart over to bats. I have not been very interested in them before. What sweet faced creatures with marvelous abilities. Your post was enormously educational and interesting as always. I admire your talent for presenting such beautiful posts. And the cherry of the top was Mother Earth by Karlien. I have not heard her music but I relate to the words so much.
Morag x
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Thank you so much, Morag, for your wonderful comments! Nothing can make me more happy than reading such words! Your praise, Morag, is deeply appreciated!
Joanna x
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