Bat question

[The Black Rabbit]

I've seen a few bats out in broad daylight - saw one get had by a sparrowhawk at slimbridge during the day once - and thats my question really.

There is a Common Pipistrelle (I think - we're getting VERY good views) flying around our office courtyard NOW. (As I write this).
We generally have two or three every night.

But what makes bats risk their lives (quite literally) to seek food in the middle of the day?

Is it a food availability issue? - hardly a problem here I can tell you, right on the river with sedge flies, mayflies and midges EVERYWHERE!

Is it an "experience" thing? We've just been out to see the bat - it looks like a small (young) Pipistrelle.

Is it an illness/disease thing?

One thing's for sure - these wee bats fly too slowly not to get SEVERE trouble from predators such as hawks - its a BIG risk for it being out this afternoon, and was just trying to work out why....

TBR

[Gill Catton]

Hmmm I'm not sure though your guestimations sound reasonable, I don't see too many out in the day - though I know quite a few bat bones have been found in Hobby pellets so it presumably isn't too rare an occurance - I expect it could well be youngsters finding their wings - particularly if the maternity roost has no space for excersise?

[The Black Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

Hmmm I'm not sure though your guestimations sound reasonable, I don't see too many out in the day - though I know quite a few bat bones have been found in Hobby pellets so it presumably isn't too rare an occurance - I expect it could well be youngsters finding their wings - particularly if the maternity roost has no space for excersise?

Yes.
Cheers Gill.
Pretty sure this was a very young individual - getting pretty confused by the look of it too - flying into windows, landing on the ground etc...
Its crawled into the shrubbery now - hope it will be ok - though I fear if it doesn't re-airborne itself (you know what I mean), the local office Hedgehog will polish it off...
Doug

[Gill Catton]

Hmmmmm doesn't sound good at all. Sounds like a sick bat.
Might be worth a call on the bat line 0845 1360228 (bat conservation trust) for some advice - there will be someone local who can look after it and they will put you on to them.

[The Black Rabbit]

We had considered that Gill but haven't got 'round to it yet.
Thanks for the number - one of us will give 'em a call this avo.
Doug

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by The Black Rabbit

We had considered that Gill but haven't got 'round to it yet.
Thanks for the number - one of us will give 'em a call this avo.
Doug

Shouldn't have thought anyone could give you better advice than them!

I doubt anyone will trun up in a cape though which could be a touch disappointing