At Gardenview Estate Bed & Breakfast, we are proud to host a special group of annual visitors—the Townsend's Big-eared bats. These fascinating creatures transform our historic barn into a maternity colony each year.
About Townsend's Big-eared Bats
Townsend's Big-eared bats are medium-sized bats known for their distinct features. Weighing between 0.25 to 0.4 ounces, these bats have a wingspan of about 11 inches. Their total body length is around 4 inches, with their tail measuring about 2 inches.
One of their most striking features is their exceptionally large and flexible ears, which are about half their body length. They also have two noticeable lumps on either side of their snout, which may function as sexual scent glands.
Their Role and Diet
Townsend's Big-eared bats are insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects including moths, flies, wasps, and beetles. Their diet plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations, benefiting our environment. These bats use echolocation to navigate and hunt.
Annual Migration to Our Barn
Each spring, around late May, a maternity colony of Townsend's Big-eared bats migrates to our historic barn to give birth. Each female bat typically has one pup between late June and early July, and the colony stays until October. Our local Fish & Wildlife officials have noted that there is limited information on the migration patterns of Washington bats. I wish I knew where the headed for winter.
Adorable Sky Puppies
Although some might find bats a bit intimidating, we prefer to think of them as “sky puppies.” They are a delightful feature of our property and provide valuable services by controlling the mosquito population. If you’re outside after dusk, you may spot these bats swooping near exterior lights, busy with their nightly activities.
Enjoy the Bat Experience
Their annual return is a testament to the barn’s significance as a roosting site and provides an opportunity to witness nature’s wonders up close. So, next time you see a bat fluttering around at dusk, remember it’s one of our friendly “sky puppies,” playing its part in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem.
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