Bat House Forum

[cloudman75]

We had a nice two days here for a change with the temp about 70 degrees F. and bright sunshine. I have been checking the bat houses recently because a few freetails stop by on warm days at times. Tonight around 8 PM there was one small bat in the unventilated old house that I relocated a few weeks back. It is dark blue on the upper half and light blue lower. This bat is the very small bat that is often active on warm days during winter, lives in my attic louver on the west side at times, and disappears during very cold weather. It looks like a little brown but smaller and has been with me for years. I was thrilled to see a bat and did not use the camera and flash for fear of disturbing his cycle. Whatever it is, it works for the bat. It can stand temps below freezing, does not hibernate for long periods and survives somehow. If I see it flying to feed I'll take a photo when it comes back to the bat house.
If we have several warm days, there is usually a few insects flying for bats to feed on.
I am still anxious to see if any bats will use the three new houses I built. It will only be weeks now before we can expect to see a few bats flying here. Anyone else have bats yet?

Frank

[Terry Lobdell]

Frank, we are to get some mild temperatures the next couple days.........I'm going to go out with my flashlight and see if I have any big browns roosting..........Both my daughter and I have seen them flying in Feburary before.........supposedly they come out occasionally during winter thaws to drink..........March 6 is the earliest I have had them roosting in my boxes...............

Am also getting ready for my next bat house project.........using a pole extension and chain hoist to raise a bat house onto french cleats........I've done some sketching and it seems like it will work well.......

[William Bagwell]

Can not say for sure if it flew out of our house, since I should have gone out a few minutes earlier. Inspired by your sighting, can confirm we at least one bat flitting around our yard.

[cloudman75]

I had hoped to see some Big Browns also but a check just now revealed no bats. I did see the little bat flying and feeding at dusk,
so I came in and got my light. There were some insects flying. We had temp in the 70s yesterday, above freezing last night and
upper 60s today with bright sun. The little bat is amazing how it survives without going into hibernation for an extended period.
If you will look at the photo I posted of bats on my attic louver, you can see a large pile of guano under the little browns on the left. Then on the right side under the little bat is a small pile. This indictes to me that the little one keeps somewhat to itself although in the same area of the little browns. It took some time for the little bat to make that little pile under it. Right now it is 61 degrees
at 7:12 PM Maybe a few freetails will show if the warm spell continues.
Keep us posted about the bats, I think everone is tired of cold weather and ready for the batting season to begin.
That's good news William, Good luck Terry I hope you see some BBS.

Frank