Bat in a burdock

colincurry · #1 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 03:57 PM

When we were out yesterday, we were called to have a look at a vey unusual sight. Another couple had spotted a bat caught in a burdock. Despite its best struggles, it could not free itself. We all assumed that it had been there several hours as the time was just past noon

Clearly, something had to be done. We were miles from anywhere and had no knowledge of the bat site mentioned in the thread about baby bats; or of bats in general other than that they bite and are not the cleanest of beasts - hence the use of the tissue.

With very great care, we managed to release hands wings and hooks from the clutches of the burdock heads

Our colleague placed the bat on the ground where it made several short flying hops

The view was then taken that a bat drops into flight rather than taking off. Accordingly, our colleague enticed the bat onto a stick

and gently launched it into the air ........... thankfully, it flew off and disappeared from view.

Rightly or wrongly, hopefully we did the right thing between us. The bat would have died otherwise.

Looking at our books, I wonder if it was a whiskered bat?

Colin

Kayleigh · #2 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 04:01 PM

awww, how cute and thankfully you came the rescue hopefully he will be OK now..

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 04:23 PM

What about a pipistrelle?

Jim Ford · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 04:28 PM

I think there was a similar incidence a few months ago. IIRC unfortunately the bat had died.

Jim

Kayleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I think there was a similar incidence a few months ago. IIRC unfortunately the bat had died.

Jim

I think it was ellen's pic..

dmclean2 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 04:37 PM

Well done Colin
I'm glad it got away safely
Duncan

ellen h · #7 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 06:18 PM

Good to see this one was rescued successfully-the one I found had unfortunately died,as seen in photos

ellen

colincurry · #8 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 06:42 PM

Ellen - how distressing for you (and, of course, the bat).

Colin

tameblackbirds · #9 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 06:44 PM

That is so weird as yesterday I was out and admiring this plant (id for me today) as so many insects were being attracted to it. I wanted to try and grow it in my garden.

That is an uplifting report as it looks like some bats are not so lucky.

As it is so rich in nectar I was wondering if the bat was attracted to it, rather than flew into it as their radar is so good?

ellen h · #10 (**permalink**) 01-08-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colincurry

Ellen - how distressing for you (and, of course, the bat).

Colin

Yes Colin I could not believe it when I came across it,poor thing ....
I think the bat I saw must have been hunting insects,possibly moths as the track it was found beside is a highway for all manner of insects day and night.It runs between open fields and has bramble/hawthorn one side and a ditch hidden by undergrowth the other
ellen