Our guide got really excited when we spotted this yellow-winged bat first thing in the morning, even before we set out on our drive. That tells me they don’t see them often. It’s one of Africa’s most visually interesting and unusual bats, easily recognized by its large, leaf-shaped ears and yellow or orange coloring on its wings and limbs. Unlike most bats, it’s often seen perched upright on branches during the day, resembling a leaf or flower to avoid detection. It’s a member of the false vampire bat family, but it feeds mainly on insects, using its excellent hearing to hunt in open woodland and savanna habitats. I was shooting at a very high ISO given the lack of light, but the pre-dawn sky, just starting to show color, created an interesting juxtaposition with those yellow wings.Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 12800, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.
Hey Ruth, it was the final day in Samburu when only Majorie and I went out. We were with James and hadn’t even left the parking area yet when he spotted the bag in a tree.
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Our guide got really excited when we spotted this yellow-winged bat first thing in the morning, even before we set out on our drive. That tells me they don’t see them often. It’s one of Africa’s most visually interesting and unusual bats, easily recognized by its large, leaf-shaped ears and yellow or orange coloring on its wings and limbs. Unlike most bats, it’s often seen perched upright on branches during the day, resembling a leaf or flower to avoid detection. It’s a member of the false vampire bat family, but it feeds mainly on insects, using its excellent hearing to hunt in open woodland and savanna habitats. I was shooting at a very high ISO given the lack of light, but the pre-dawn sky, just starting to show color, created an interesting juxtaposition with those yellow wings.Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 12800, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.
What a capture, Sean!
Thanks Sue. Always exciting to see something new.
Stunning!!
Thanks Alan.
So cool!
Thanks Donna.
Wow! Amazing capture!
Thanks Rachel. I had never seen a bat with such coloring.
This is cool, curious which location/trek we were venturing on for that early morning?
Hey Ruth, it was the final day in Samburu when only Majorie and I went out. We were with James and hadn’t even left the parking area yet when he spotted the bag in a tree.
Do people know the function of that horn-like protrusion on its nose?
Hi Dan, the “leaf nose” structure has to do with echolocation and helping the bat locate prey.