Epauletted fruit bat

Still trying to perfect the shot, but getting better!

comments (12)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Perfect the shot? How on earth did you do this? During summer I see small bats flying in my back yard, fast as a bullet and pitch black. I can't think of any way to focus on them in time, let alone see them coming. Tell me your secret, please. Posted 11 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  I just got to know their routine, I know that they circle the feeding table before coming in to eat. The hard part is a) seeing them and b) focusing. Its mostly guesswork, focus a little way beyond the table, listen and...hope! Oh and c) not get hit in the face as they circle round the verandah (we are high up), I nearly got whacked a few times! I certainly wouldn't want to try it on the little European ones flying all over the place! So really, no secret, just lucky! Posted 11 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks for sharing the background info. I guess the difference is indeed in your anticipation and the feeding table, whereas the European ones just strike through the air hunting for insects. Posted 11 years ago
  2. 1. Claire Hamilton
      
      Lion
      
      Indeed. These guys come every night to feed off the fruit left over from the birds..plus of course whatever else I put out. Posted 11 years ago

Mayur Kotlikar

Bull Frog

Thanks for tipping on how you did it !!
Wonderful Posted 11 years ago

Msalicat

Giant Tortoise

Claire this is stunning!! I am going to try something like this as we have loads of bats but I think ours eat insects. Very well captured Posted 11 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you!!! Its much easier with fruit bats as they come into land occasionally, insect eaters I dont think I would ever attempt!! Posted 11 years ago

Vodkaman

Lion

This series of bats in flight is just astounding, well done.

Definitely NOT luck. Like you stated, it is about collecting information and putting it to work. I have just posted my attempt and Ferdy pointed me to your posts. I am now seriously considering deleting mine :)

Dave Posted 9 years ago
1. Claire Hamilton
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Dave! With these bats being quite large and having a food table for them certainly made it easier but you have no idea just how many ended up in the bin. As Ferdy says, please don't delete yours especially as it is a new species!! Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Vodkaman
    
    Lion
    
    Nah, just joking.
    
    The fruit table was a very good idea, even if it was there for the birds. A pity that won't work for the Pipistrelle, which is a bug eater. It has given me an idea though.
    
    I have read of kids catching dragons with cotton and a small stone, swung around the head. Not sure if I could convince wifey to swing the stick for me. Bats are too closely associated with ghosts and the occult, which is deep in Indonesian folk lure.
    
    Dave Posted 9 years ago
  2. 1. Claire Hamilton
      
      Lion
      
      Sounds an interesting concept. Its a shame so many animals have associations with 'bad' things, often to their detriment. Posted 9 years ago
    2. 1. Vodkaman
        
        Lion
        
        I have bat stories, oh yes - remember that John Candy scene, the 2 pounder, I have been through that twice :)
        
        Dave Posted 9 years ago

The Peterss Epauletted Fruit Bat

The Peters's Epauletted Fruit Bat is a species of megabat in the Pteropodidae family. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitat is in riverine or evergreen forest, or moist woodland, where there are fruit-bearing trees.

Info 8 0

Similar species: Bats

Species identified by Claire Hamilton