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@almac68
Murcielago
http://www.batcon.org/why-bats/bats-are/bats-are-misunderstood
http://palenque-tours-colombia.com/colombia-second-largest-biodiversity/
It's no surprise when I say that we have large bats living in our neighbourhood of Laureles. After weeks of heavy rain and thunderstorms, last night was hot and still. There must be around a dozen bats living directly outside our front door among the palm and fruit trees searching for flying insects and feeding on nectar from flowers after dark. These enigmatic creatures have adapted well to urban life. Having them silently swooping above our heads in the evening is a wonderful and totally unexpected experience. The city also has a powerful searchlight that wipes high and wide located at one the famous nightclubs on the balcony road across the valley from Laureles, it's beam like a demented lighthouse.
Batman symbolism and merchandise is everywhere but not like in Valencia, Spain where city logos adopt this mammal. But it's good to know that children here are taught about bat life in the city and countryside. Bats are closer related to humans than mice or rats. Bats like birds and bees are essential pollinators among the great biodiversity this city has. Through education less concerns about rabies (very rare in bats) and vampires only found away from the city, little threat to humans.
I've now seen all phases of the moon since being here, and its very different to back home. I can only assume that because we are close to the equator, the moon orientation appears almost horizontal at half full and path during the night travels directly over head, unlike in London where waxing and waning phases are angled and moon path arcs across the London skyline. Alas there is too much light pollution in this valley to see many stars, so the surrounding yellow street lights will have to do.
Obviously none of this affects bats as they see very clearly using echolocation, the only thing they can't see is colour. There are some bugs that have combated this search and eat strategy by emitting their own sounds to confuse the bats. But being the tropics, no doubt evolution has a knack and sense of order.
Taking care of a dying man and spending long nights on his balcony, as the city either sleeps, parties or works. I appreciate discovering these small incidental details. However we need to be vigilant as medical complications have and will continue to occur, these are his last days on earth as the cancer is out of control now and spreading across his body. Only morphine can ease his suffering, before his spirit is released and he is one with the celestial beings or bats.