This post is part of a project in the works; "An Ogemaw County Year". The blog and eventually the book will encompass nature noticing, research and facts over the course of a year with a watercolor painting for each entry. Originals and prints will be available via the website as they are completed and prepped and the book will be available upon completion.
The sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the serene waters of the Rifle River in Ogemaw County. The early October evening carries a mild, pleasant warmth, the air crisp but not yet biting with the chill of impending winter. As twilight descends, the first stars begin to twinkle faintly in the dusky sky.
Standing on the riverbank, I watch as the day transitions into night, the shadows deepening and the sounds of the day giving way to the symphony of nocturnal creatures. Suddenly, movement catches my eye. Silhouetted against the darkening sky, a flurry of small, darting shapes emerges. Brown bats, their wings beating rapidly, swoop and flutter above the river, engaged in a graceful, aerial dance.
These agile fliers, with their erratic, acrobatic maneuvers, are on the hunt for insects, taking advantage of the late season's evening's peak feeding time. Their presence is a testament to the healthy ecosystem of the river, where insects thrive in abundance.
I find myself researching the natural history of these fascinating creatures. Brown bats, particularly the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), are common here in Michigan.
In the spring, female brown bats gather in maternity colonies to give birth. Each female typically gives birth to a single pup, although twins are not unheard of. The pups are born blind and hairless but grow rapidly. By midsummer, they are ready to fly and hunt for insects independently. Brown bats can live up to 10 years in the wild, though many face various threats that can shorten their lifespan.
Insects make up the bulk of a brown bat's diet. They are voracious feeders, consuming beetles, moths, flies, and other small insects. This diet not only sustains the bats but also benefits humans by controlling insect populations, including pests that can damage crops and spread disease.
Brown bats are versatile in their habitat preferences. They are found in forests, fields, and urban areas. During the day, they roost in tree cavities, buildings, and under bridges. But what intrigues me the most is their behavior in winter.
Little brown bats hibernate in caves, abandoned mines, and other locations where the temperature and humidity are stable. Hibernation is crucial for their survival as it allows them to conserve energy when food is scarce. They enter a state of torpor, reducing their metabolic rate significantly. However, this makes them vulnerable to disturbances and diseases like white-nose syndrome, which has devastated bat populations.
Big brown bats are more adaptable in their winter habits. While some hibernate in similar locations to little brown bats, others choose man-made structures such as buildings and attics, where temperatures are slightly higher. This adaptability gives them a better chance of surviving harsh winters but also brings them into closer contact with humans, which can lead to conflicts.
Despite their adaptability, brown bats face significant threats. White-nose syndrome, a fungal disease, has decimated bat populations across North America. The fungus, which thrives in cold, damp environments, affects hibernating bats, leading to high mortality rates. Habitat destruction and disturbance, pesticide use, and climate change also pose serious risks. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these beneficial creatures.
As the night deepens, I watch the bats until they disappear into the darkness. The sight of these incredible animals is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
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