Austin TX has the largest population of bats in North America, with approximately 1.5 millions... yes, I said million!! Where did the bats come from? Mexico!
The Congress Bridge running through downtown Austin was built in 1980, and the bats just came. Almost like, "If you build it, they will come." These, supposedly, are just the female and baby bats, where as the male bats are banished to Round Rock, TX, about 30 minutes away.
The bats are in town every year from around March until November. They're kinda on their own schedule, but the best estimate is always from 7:15-8:15pm each night. When we were there on Friday night, they came out at 8:12pm.
We sat in the grassy section instead of up on the bridge, but next time, we're going to stand on the bridge so we can see more of where they're going.
Here are some pictures, but since they're flying to fast, it was hard to get them in focus.
There are even Bat Tours you can go on where you can watch the bats from the water. Personally, I wouldn't want to be underneath all those things flying over me because, with my luck, several thousand would poop on my head!
**Are You Packed Yet?**
Donna Harris, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Austin Skyline
www.DonnaHomes.com
Donna@DonnaHomes.com
Austin, TX and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Whether you're buying or selling, I'll be with you through the entire process.
Yikes! that is kind of scary!
Hi Donna... when I lived in Austin, one of my favorite "date" things was to go for cocktails at the Four Seasons and watch the bats from the lounge. I miss the bats!
Hi Donna ~ Cool! Have these bats been impacted by the mysterious illness that's felling bats? I think it's White Nose something-or-other and it is bad.
Liz
Debra, I thought it would be a bigger deal than it was, but it wasn't scary at all.
Steve, Nothing better than close up with them right over your head!
Liz, I have not heard of anything, so I'm not sure, but the population is getting bigger and bigger each year, so apparently not.
I know of this, as a former TX resident, but you could not PAY me to stand out there....LOL
Yes, it trully is a sight to behold.......maybe a little scary too!! LOL
Cheryl, My husband was afraid of the smell, but there wasn't a smell. I barely even heard any noise people usually comment about.
Steve, Not scary as they're just going up, not out at you.
Hello Donna, what a sight to see all those critters up in the air! I KNOW I'd be wearing my hat! John
Amazing sight . . .
;-)
I love bats, ours aren't that big here, but I would love to watch an event like that with my family. About how long did the event last?
