Listen: Corky Quirk, Program Coordinator, Yolo Basin Foundation
Bats of the Yolo Causeway
Summer is here, and the bats are back! The Mexican free-tailed bat colony under the I-80 Yolo Causeway is growing daily as they return from wherever they spent the winter. Although many of the bats over-winter in the bridge, most seem to leave. As the weather warms, crops grow, and insect populations explode, the bats return to the Causeway.
These amazing, winged wonders are the only mammals capable of true flight. In late June, the females give birth to one pup. She nurses that pup for about 5 to 6 weeks, and then it joins her as she flies throughout the Central Valley to consume crop pests and mosquitos. There also are males that live in the Yolo Causeway bridge, but their groupings are smaller, so they are less noticeable.
Throughout the summer, Yolo Basin Foundation offers many Bat Talk and Walks, as well as a number of special events. The Bat Talk and Walk is an opportunity to learn about these amazing animals from a local bat expert, meet live bats, and watch the bat flyout from the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Registration is now open on our website, www.yolobasin.org.
Children who are interested in bats are encouraged to join Yolo Basin Foundation for a morning of Bats and Crafts on August 13th and September 17th. Meet live bats from our local area, then have fun creating crafts and playing bat games. This special event is aimed at young children, especially those that are too young to stay up late to watch the bats fly.
Adults can visit the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters for Bats and Brews on August 19th to taste a variety of local beers and meet ambassador bats from a rehabilitation program, followed by a visit to the Bypass to see the evening bat flyout.
We are also hosting a Bat House Building Workshop on August 26th! This is a great opportunity for small groups or families. Registration includes supplies and instructions to build a Bat House which can be put up to invite bats to your yard or farm.
Additionally, we are seeking Bat Program Volunteers to help educate the public, guide tours, and host our special events. Our Bat Program Training will take place on June 7th. Visit our website, www.yolobasin.org, for more information about volunteer opportunities!
Yolo Basin Foundation: Expanding public appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and wildlife in the Yolo Basin through education and innovative partnerships.