I noticed their tell-tale sign on Saturday; a calling-card of sorts to herald their return to the neighborhood.
Like the return of the famous swallows to San Juan Capistrano, it seems these flying friends have also settled into a similar annual pattern. And I must say, it’s nice to know they’re back.
Today, we’re celebrating the return of the chauve-souris!
I first told you about our big brown bats and how they had taken up residence near the roof of our house in 2012. When they scattered, after baby bats were born, we worked with a local animal control company to “exclude” them from returning to the recessed area near the eaves on the east end of our house at some point in the future.
Though the presence of bats in the area can be a good thing, you don’t really want them taking residence inside your attic. Our bats didn’t make it inside but they were too close for comfort. After we were able to take the step to block their entrance, we were happy to know that, even if they weren’t tenants they were, in fact, going to be good neighbors.
They stayed in the area that summer and returned the following year. We figured they must roost in the woods behind our house and we’d notice them flying at dusk. We also noticed that the mosquito population – which was once quite robust on our street – was nearly decimated.
We didn’t mind. In fact, if are new to the blog and would like to read my previous bat posts, I’ll include the links at the bottom of this page.
It’s fun to be outside just before darkness falls and notice them darting in and out and knowing they’re helping us out.
During this year’s return, their pattern seems to be to roost near the front porch. There is a lamp just to the right of our front door and the aforementioned “calling cards” (bat poop) were plentiful on the bricks under that lamp. We figure the bats must swoop down and nab some flying insects drawn to the warmth of the light.
I cleaned up the mess yesterday but I didn’t mind.
We may add a bucket of water near-by. Two years ago, we noticed they seemed to enjoy it. We’ll do anything to promote their lengthy stay in the neighborhood.
Like the Batman, himself, it is nice to know we have these flying friends patrolling the sky, working to do their part to keep us pest-free when we work or play outside this summer.
JG
2012 Coach Jeff’s Blog Bat-related Posts:
- http://jeffdgary.tumblr.com/post/22299477314/driving-us-batty
- http://jeffdgary.tumblr.com/post/24910963121/to-the-batpoles
- http://jeffdgary.tumblr.com/post/25973105218/au-revoir-mes-chauve-souris
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