I’ve seen them fly overhead at dusk, zipping around catching bugs for dinner. But I’ve never been able to see a bat close up.
There have been some close encounters of bats in Costa Rica at Selva Verde Lodge where there are several species that fly in and out of the buildings.
The first time was when Selva Verde was in its infancy 30 years ago and the sinks to wash up in were in an outdoor communal area. In the evening, I was there alone brushing my teeth and the bats began to dive bomb me. I went running out of there fast as I could, but the memory lasted a lifetime.
The second time was on my more recent visit last November when Giovanna Holbrook – the creator and owner of Selva Verde Lodge and I were standing near a support post in the lower dining area. As a vibrant lady in her golden years, her lush white hair was in the direct flight path for a bat going into his hole near the roof. Swooping through several times, Giovanna didn’t even flinch. In fact, she hadn’t even noticed. It was pretty funny actually.
Today at the horse barn, I was in a paddock I’m never in and happened to notice some movement in the grass. Walking over I saw it was a bat. Flying into action I ran to my car and grabbed my 100mm macro lens and iPhone. Returning, I saw that he had moved. I tried to take a few pictures of him on the ground but it was tough going. Using a stick, I got him to grab onto it with his hind feet and I gently placed him on the fencing. A few pictures..click…click…click and I left him to his own devices.
I returned a couple of hours later only to find he had disappeared. At least I did get to have a brief bat encounter.
Categories: wildlife
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Cool post and pics!
Thank you so much ! I’m still giddy from the bat. Super cool. I’m still trying to find out what type it is. It may be a baby Reddish Bat
I have a friend that is really into bats, if he can ID it I will let you know. Lucky you had that macro lens in the car! Great job!
No joke ! I went out on Thursday and never brought the bag back into the house. I think it may be a baby Red Bat. Look forward to hearing what your friend thinks. Thanks!
Baby red bat is what he thinks (though he stresses he is NOT an expert)!
You are so sweet to even have remembered to have asked your friend. Thank you so much and glad to know what it is. Thank you so much!!
Oh wow! Looks like an infant. Hope he made it to safety. Gorgeous photos 🙂
I hope so, at least I got him closer to the tree line. Thanks Sarah.
Well done you!
Found out it’s actually an adult Sarah. Go figure….
Oh my!!! Well that just makes it even more cute 😉
I never thought I’d see one or a photo of one in the daylight 🙂 wow 🙂
I couldn’t believe my lucky stars either Andy. I really should have spent more time with him posing, etc. But it was better that I left it alone. It flew off after I had left.
Probably telling fellow bats about the photo shoot eh lol 🙂
Funny!
😋😆😆
Wow, great shots!!! 🙂 Lucky you got so closer shots!!!
I was so thrilled Rexlin. Tells me my camera kit needs to be with me everywhere I go. 🙂
I too feel the same
Oh what a sweetie! And terrific shots!
Thank you Laura ! I thought he was super cute too.
A super encounter. This makes me want a macro lens.
I had my iPhone with me and it worked perfectly as well. So you never know ! Perhaps one day you’ll be able to get a macro. What camera do you use?