We were surprised to find out how many bats live right here on the Fylde Coast. They’re often seen where we live on the seafront at Cleveleys. The above photo is the best one we’ve managed to take – they fly mighty fast! We know there are other colonies in this area – and you can even take part in bat walks.
Those of us who keep our eyes and ears open see and hear all kinds of things. But it’s quite rare that you manage to catch the event to share with others.
Back in 2013, Poulton woman Lindsay Mason pulled off a double. She caught a bat in flight and a cricket at rest, which you often hear but can very rarely spot. She’s shared them with us.
Lindsay tells us “I’ve been watching the bats flying around low over my garden for the last week. I go outside at around 10.15pm and they come swooping in, but with such erratic flight that it’s been impossible to get a photograph. However, tonight, I sat on my bench, pointed the camera upwards and just kept clicking – oh, the joy of digital photography!
“It wasn’t until I uploaded the pictures that I realised I had actually managed to capture an image of one that wasn’t just a blur! I’m not sure what species it is. I live on Holts Lane in Poulton. There’s a field behind us and the bats seem to emerge from a large tree in the corner.
Not a Bat but a Cricket
Lindsay also told us “I also managed a good photo of a cricket that had jumped into my conservatory. I snapped him before coaxing him onto my hand and placing him in the garden before he went further inside the house.
“A couple of months ago I managed to shoot a good video of a Barn Owl hunting over the field – it came so close to me that I almost fell over with surprise!
“Then, last week, my neighbour was talking to me at the conservatory door and suddenly, by the gate, there appeared a young deer! It trotted off almost immediately, but we felt so thrilled to have seen it.”
We’ve got to agree with Lindsay when she finishes by saying “How lucky we are to live somewhere with such a rich abundance of wildlife right on the doorstep.”
Have you seen Bats flying at night?
The best time to see bats is on those warm, still evenings after a lovely day. After it’s gone dusk, you might spot them darting about, catching flies, insects and moths. They fly incredibly quickly – but come surprisingly close to houses and people. Do you know which species they are? Have you caught them on camera?
Did you know?
Bats are one of only three mammal groups native to the UK which hibernate. They do this as there is very little food available during the winter and so have to save as much energy as possible.
All bats are protected by UK law. This protection covers not only the bats themselves, but also the places where they live. This is because bats return to the same roost year on year and rely on them heavily.
You might also be interested in…
- Beautiful butterfly sightings
- How to save a bees life
- Goldfinches – the Fylde Coast clowns
- Seagulls – the marmite of sea birds!
While you’re here…
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