The Bat House

Some of our post-Christmas entertainment included a trip to the bat house on the University of Florida campus. Every evening at dusk, thousands (estimates range from 60,000 to 100,000) bats fly out of the house to hunt. More than 100 people gathered on the sidewalk to wait for this exciting event--apparently it frequently draws large crowds.

The kids were pretty patient while we waited for the big moment. Less patient people ventured across the street to some kind of lake/swamp where you could apparently see alligators. We didn't look.

Elizabeth and Abbey waited in their stroller. Unlike my kids, they are always happy to smile nicely for the camera.

After about 30 minutes, the bats finally emerged. I was glad we were standing under a tree when they flew over, although the branches didn't block the stench from the flying bats.

I read on an informational sign near the bat house that one bat can eat up to 3,000 insects a night. We're considering building a house for some to move into our backyard.