All about flying bats

All about bats: Nature’s night flyers

Bats are some of the most amazing creatures on Earth! They’re the only mammals that can truly fly, and they’re super important for the environment. Let’s dive into the world of bats and learn more about where they live, what they eat, and other interesting facts.

Where do bats live?

Bats live in lots of different places all around the world. They can be found in forests, caves, deserts, and even cities! During the day, bats sleep in safe spots called roosts, which might be in caves, trees, under bridges, or in old buildings. At night, they wake up to hunt for food. The largest bat habitat in the world is right here in the United States! It is called Bracken Cave, and it is near San Antonio, Texas. This cave is home to 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats!

Another very large bat habitat can be found in the caves of Gomantong in Borneo, which house millions of bats. These caves are like bat skyscrapers, with room for huge colonies!

What do bats eat?

Bats have different diets depending on their species. Most bats are insectivores, which means they eat insects like mosquitoes, moths, and beetles. A single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in just one hour - talk about pest control!

Some bats, like fruit bats, love munching on fruit, nectar, and flowers. These bats help spread seeds and pollinate plants, just like bees! There are also vampire bats, but don’t worry - they mainly drink the blood of animals like cows and birds, not people.



Who hunts bats?

Even though bats are skilled flyers, they still have predators. Some of their biggest enemies include:

• Owls
• Hawks
• Snakes
• Cats

When bats are roosting during the day, predators like raccoons and snakes might sneak in to catch them.

Cool facts about bats

• Bats use echolocation to "see" in the dark! They make high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, helping them find food and avoid obstacles.
• There are over 1,400 species of bats! That’s nearly one-fourth of all mammal species on Earth!
• The smallest bat is the bumblebee bat, which is only about the size of a thumbnail. The largest bat, the flying fox, has a wingspan of up to five feet!
• Bats are great for the environment. They eat pests, pollinate plants like bananas and mangoes, and spread seeds to grow new trees.
• Contrary to myths, bats are not blind. They actually have good eyesight, but they rely more on echolocation to navigate.

Bats might seem a little spooky at first, but they’re fascinating creatures that help keep our planet healthy. The next time you see a bat flying at dusk, remember - they’re out there working hard, eating bugs, and doing their part to help nature thrive!

That Quail, Robert summary

Synopsis of That Quail, Robert by Margaret Stanger

That Quail, Robert is a heartwarming and true story first published in 1966 that chronicles the adventures of a tiny quail who becomes an unexpected but beloved member of a Cape Cod family. Written by Margaret Stanger, with illustrations by Cathy Baldwin, the book captures the charm, intelligence, and personality of a small bird who defies expectations and leaves a lasting impact on everyone who encounters him.

The story begins when, in July 1962, the Kienzles, a retired couple living in Orleans, Massachusetts, discover a quail egg on their property. With no mother bird in sight, they decide to incubate the egg themselves. To their delight, the egg hatches, and a tiny Northern Bobwhite quail emerges. The bird, affectionately named Robert, quickly becomes an integral part of their household. Interestingly, despite the name, Robert is later discovered to be a female quail when she lays an egg, but the name sticks.

From the start, Robert proves to be an extraordinary bird with a vibrant personality. Instead of behaving like a wild bird, Robert thrives as a domestic companion. She forms close bonds with the Kienzle family and their friends, including the book's author, Margaret Stanger, who cares for Robert for 96 days while the Kienzles vacation in Europe. Robert demonstrates affection, curiosity, and a remarkable intelligence that surprises everyone. She develops a unique routine, learning to recognize human speech, reacting to daily activities, and even adjusting her habits to fit the rhythm of the household.



One of the most amusing aspects of the book is Robert’s ability to create a place for herself within the family’s home. She sleeps in a basket, helps "supervise" meals, and even participates in social events. Robert becomes somewhat of a local celebrity, as visitors are captivated by her charming antics and unusual companionship with humans. Her independence and occasional mischief, combined with her affection and loyalty, endear her to everyone who crosses her path.

Throughout the narrative, Stanger conveys a deep sense of appreciation for Robert’s intelligence and individuality. The book also offers a glimpse into the natural world, showcasing the beauty and wonder of wildlife. Robert's interactions with the Kienzle family and their neighbors reflect a profound connection between humans and animals, highlighting the special bonds that can form across species.

As Robert grows older, her antics continue to amuse and amaze, but the book gently touches on themes of aging and loss, as well. The ending is bittersweet, as Robert's health eventually declines. She passes away in her sleep in December 1965. Nevertheless, her legacy as a beloved and extraordinary quail lives on, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the family and their community.

Margaret Stanger’s That Quail, Robert is more than just a story about a pet; it’s a celebration of life’s small miracles and the joy that can come from unexpected friendships. Written with warmth, humor, and tenderness, the book has become a classic, loved by readers for its portrayal of the simple yet profound relationship between a bird and a family. Through the eyes of Robert, readers are invited to explore the beauty of nature and the deep connections that can exist between humans and animals, no matter how unlikely the circumstances.