Mexican Freetail Bats

DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
edited September 12, 2011 in Wildlife
These critters spend the summer under a freeway bridge near Sacramento CA raising the young. I have taken quite a few shots on different days. There is always something new as they leave the roost to hunt insects up to 10000ft over the Sacramento valley. They will be leaving soon to migrate south. The estimate up to 250000 bats summer here.
More photos in my gallery and some videos.
http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/Nature/Bats-Yolo-Bypass/18040606_9H3Pk4

Trying out new 28-300mm Nikon VR Lens
Bats at 28mm. At this point they are really in your face as they come out.
CGK8350-L.jpg

Was lucky to have captured a Peregrine falcon hunting bats this night.
CGK8362-L.jpg

He was catching them and eating them on the fly. He had about 3 while I was watching.
CGK8405-L.jpg
Chris K. NANPA Member
http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/

Comments

  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited September 11, 2011
    Wow! Great series, Chris. Getting the bats at sunset and with the moon is impressive enough. But that peregrine falcon hunting them pushes these captures over the top. Well done. clap.gif
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
    edited September 12, 2011
    That is when I first noticed him he flew right into frame while shooting the moon. Then I started watching him. Bats didnt have a chance, well at least he made it look easy. More impressive is when the take a duck on the wing. Peregrines are amazing
    Chris K. NANPA Member
    http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
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