Brothers

Here is another poetic flight of fancy by guest author Marge Biermann.  While bats and owls would never coexist side by side in the real world, Marge’s tale poses the question….what if?

Once in the still of a dark, cold night,

A single black bat took to his flight.

He was looking for a friend that would fly with him,

And maybe hang out on a Sycamore limb.

Flying solo was a lonely place to be….

What fun to have company, perhaps two or three.

Suddenly Bat saw a strange camouflaged kind of bird,

With the oddest call he had ever heard.

Oliver the Eastern Screech Owl (photo:  Gay Schroer)

Great large round eyes held him in his gaze.

Bat wondered if he worked nights and also slept days.

No harm in asking, though most birds didn’t like bats,

Being often associated with Black Halloween Cats.

But in no time at all these two were fast friends.

They would never, however, make attractive bookends….

One…coal black, small and quite fast,

While Owl was large and stoic in contrast.

Scar, an African Fruit Bat (photo: Gay Schroer)

Both had radar to fly easily in the dark,

But in a tree they had different methods on how to park!

One sitting upright to take in the panoramic view,

While Bat hung by his feet….all the better to look at you!

Talks were filled with Owl wisdom and Bat’s latest escapade,

So between these two a permanent bond was being made.

God created many animals….feathered and furred,

Different voices across the world to be heard.

He also made man the very same way….

All can’t understand what the other has to say.

Maybe we should take a lesson from our little bird friend.

How do Owl and Bat find that comfortable blend?

Understanding of equality comes to mind.

Sometimes of this fact man seems somewhat blind.

Often it helps thinking with one’s heart in gear….

Helps us to see the road ahead quite clear.

Tucking a small bit of love in our every act...,

Will help us make kindness a daily fact.

We can then enjoy what Bat and Owl know….

We are all brothers, why not let it show?           

To see both owls and bats (just not side by side) come out and visit the World Bird Sanctuary.  For more information about our hours and location Click Here.

Submitted by Guest Author, Marge Biermann

Meet Batty and Scar!

Batty and Scar are Straw-colored Fruit Bats (Eidolon helvum).  

They can be found residing in World Bird Sanctuary’s Nature center when they are not traveling to schools and other venues to educate people about the importance of bats and the habitats where they are found.

 Like their wild brethren, Batty and Scar are communal animals and cling together whenever possible

Batty and Scar came to us in August of 2006 from the Milwaukee County Zoo.  They were both born in June of 2005.  Batty and Scar have only recently been moved to our Nature Center.  Before that they were housed in our Educational Training Center, behind the scenes at WBS.  

Contrary to myth, bats are really quite cute.

They are fast becoming a favorite of our visitors.  The first time people see them you can often hear “…bats – didn’t know they were that big…”, etc.  At first some people are put off by the many myths and common misconceptions about bats, but after a few minutes of viewing them, and when they actually see their faces, most people get very excited and you hear comments like “…how cute”.

 Batty & Scar are becoming popular education animals

Batty and Scar are still getting accustomed to being used for programs, and for outdoor programs must remain in their travel cage for safety, but they are doing great and had their first big weekend this past April at our first “Baturday” event. 

Batty and Scar are just two of the animals that can be adopted at WBS.  To adopt Batty or Scar you can make a donation of $75.00 for each, and specify in your payment notes “Adopt –A-Bat: Batty or Scar”.  Every donation helps to feed, house and provide medical care for the animals of your choice!

Adopt-a-Bird Parents receive:

·      A personal visit with the animal you adopt!!!! Call ahead to schedule a time for your personal visit.

·      Certificate of Adoption

·      Color photo of the animals you’ve adopted

·      Sponsorship card

·      One Year’s subscription to Mews News

·      Life History and Natural History of the animal

·      10% Discount off WBS merchandise Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day

·      Discounts on WBS Special Events

·      WBS Decal

Submitted by Cathy Spahn, World Bird Sanctuary Field Studies Coordinator

Exciting News!

What has two legs, fur, wings, and flies--and is now on permanent exhibit at the World Bird Sanctuary's Nature Center?

Batty and Scar clustered together in a typical formation for this species

.....and the answer is....Batty and Scar, our two Straw Colored Fruit bats!

Batty and Scar were given to WBS by the Milwaukee County Zoo at the age of two years.  Up to that point they had not been handled much, except for check-ups.  When they arrived at the World Bird Sanctuary our first goal was to gain their trust so that they would become comfortable in the presence of humans.  With many hours of patient training they have now become accustomed enough to human activity that they will be comfortable in our display area in the Nature Center.

Batty showing off her large ears and alert eyes

Why do we have bats, you may ask?  As the only mammal that truly flies, they are an excellent example of the differences between birds and mammals.  This information is incorporated in many of our education programs--especially for the younger children.

Look for "the boys" the next time you visit us.  Even though most bats look alike, if you are sharp-eyed enough, you may even be able to tell them apart, since Scar gets his name from a small scar on his lip.

Scar  in a typical "bat-like" posture, showing the seldom seen tongue and teeth of a bat

Batty and Scar are both available for adoption.  For more information on adopting one or both of the boys, call 636-861-3225.

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographer