Monday, February 23, 2009

Bats

As you walk through Kelvingrove Park, towards the Gibson Street gates, there's a little offshoot that goes under Gibson St bridge and leads past a dis-used railway tunnel and out towards Kelvinbridge. It seems a bit obvious now I think of it, but this little stretch of walkway has it's share of bat-life. First I knew of it, I was being dive bombed by the little fuckers, but after a few seconds, I was in total awe as their distinct wing shapes silhouetted against the deep blue gloaming. I'd say there were about half a dozen out and about, and they didn't seem too shy. The camera was in my bag, and I tried to get something, but one thing you can never get from nature documentaries is just how ruddy quick the wee buggers are. I almost did my neck permanent damage trying to follow one of them as it buzzed back and forth above me. It's a favourite shortcut for cyclists and joggers, meaning it's hellishly busy until it gets really dark. None of these Lycra clad squat-thrusters and go-getter's paused for a second as they motored their way past me to fitness, well-being and eternal life. Of course, maybe they knew the bats by name and were of the opinion that the last thing these winged nocturnals needed was another tourist gawking like they'd just seen the second coming...... Here's the thing. Never in my life have I seen these creatures in the flesh. It's not something I've ever thought about really, I suppose I think of them as the sort of animal I'm never going to see unless I go looking for them. Let's just say that I wasn't exactly bat hunting this evening, but now I know where they hang out....................

5 comments:

Cocktails said...

Maybe they were deliberately ignoring the bats... wouldn't want to get too friendly with them... Actually, they probably didn't even notice them. I clearly didn't! Unless they are a recent arrival.

Useless fact: I used to know the woman who owned that flat in your picture of Kelvinbridge (assuming it is...). It had a lovely round room in that turret bit. Unfortunately she was a cow.

iLL Man said...

I think they might have been ignoring them. Stand too long in the same place and they start using you to test their radar.

I've lived in that neck of the woods all my life, but it's the first time I've seen bats there.

The photo is of Gibson St Bridge, though I think I know the building at Kelvinbridge you're referring to.

Cocktails said...

Dammit, and I was so sure that I recognised that bridge. Well, it's been a while I suppose...

nmj said...

Gloaming is such a beautiful word. I think I know the bridge, is it right at bottom of Gibson St? I used to live on Gibson St, late 80s, never saw any bats though... but then again I wasn't looking. It is lovely that you have gone to so much trouble to photograph them. I'd be feart!

iLL Man said...

That's the one. Alas, I didn't get any shots. I tried to take some shots, but they were far too fast. I gave up after a while.

I'll get a shot of the wee sods eventually, even if it turns out as just a small blurry blob.