Common Kat 



I marvel at the silent, graceful flight of a common bat as 

 I see it on wing early in the morning and again in the eve- 

 ning after sundown. Flying at terrific speed he swoops, soars 

 and banks around the old apple tree. An aviator who watches 

 this flight pattern must surely envy the bat his ability. 



Around and around in a circular pattern the bat flies, 

 ridding the air of harmful insects as he goes. Some he plucks 

 out of the air with his mouth; others are caught in the leathery 

 covering that encloses the space between his wings and tail. 

 These will be enjoyed later in a dark nook, when the bat 

 settles down to pick the trapped insects from the folds of his 

 pleated wings. 



No matter what the weather, the hour, or his speed, the 

 bat seems never to strike such obstructions as tree limbs or 

 telephone wires. Apparently he has an efficient sonic system 

 for flight; as he flies, he emits extremely high-pitched squeaks. 

 The echoes of these squeaks when he approaches an ob- 

 stacle warn him to change course. 



The bat is unusual in other respects. Although a true 

 mammal, he flies better than a bird. His four legs are not fit 

 for walking; instead, they serve with their long toes and with 

 his tail as a supporting framework for his powerful wings. 

 Grounded, the bat is almost helpless, walking in a flopping, 

 slow shuffle, an easy prey for enemies. 



When winter approaches the bat goes into hibernation. 

 His sleeping quarters may be a rocky cave, an opening in a 

 stone wall, an unused building, or a corner of a barn, where 

 the creature is protected from wind and weather. 



