[va-richmond-general] Red Bat

This report isn't about a bird, but I thought it interesting, anyway.  And it 
does involve flying.

On Friday, I was pulling honeysuckle out of a large azalea bush in my front 
yard, and when I pulled on the vine, it came out with a large bat clinging to 
it, which flew off to another bush.  I knew right away that it was not a 
species of bat I had ever seen before.  I was concerned that it was sick, 
being in the bush like that, and I naturally thought rabies.  Yikes!

When I looked in the field guide, I discovered it was a Red Bat.  The field 
guide notes that it is "The most beautiful of all American bats."  And I have 
to agree, it was quite beautiful.  Beautiful bat might be an oxymoron to 
many, but this bat was impressive.  It was the largest bat I have ever seen, 
even though the guide book said it was only medium-sized.  It was covered 
with beautiful fur.

And, the guide says, the Red Bat "hangs from vegetation, often low."  So not 
sick, just doing what it was supposed to do. It migrates in April and May.  

I was very happy to have seen it.  It was a "Wow" experience. Score one for 
my tangled, messy yard!

I am really curious to know if it was migrating, or if it has taken up summer 
residence in my yard.  Does anyone know anything about bats?

Margaret O'Bryan
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