You’ve probably heard that the worldwide population of bats has been in serious decline, owing to disease and habitat destruction. Bats hold a significant place in a healthy ecosystem, and the loss of them holds consequences yet to unfold. So Bill took on the task of furnishing a home for bats on Dickinson Island, just in case.

From an approved bat-friendly pattern on the internet, he designed the bat house, cut the parts, and added a finish according to specifications. On the island, he put it together and placed the Bat Mansion in a superb location under a southern eave of the cottage. Now…we have only to wait for the bats to arrive in the spring when they are seeking their summer homes.

There are a lot of “ifs.”
…if there are any vagrant bats in the vicinity
…if any of them happen to be passing by a small island in the middle of a small lake
…if they happen to notice a likely accommodation
…if the bat house meets with their approval

We have our own interests in mind. Bats are known to eat their weight in mosquitoes every night. Have we got a feast for them! The dragonflies can’t do it all. Perhaps a little bat guano would be good for an herb garden? We hope to welcome such helpful neighbors.

INVOCATION FOR THE INSTALLATION
OF A BAT HOUSE

1
Built to specs we hope you will approve,
the bat house sheltered underneath an eave
on the south side of the cottage near the peak
awaits you on the island at the lake.

We lift this invitation on the wind
that you, our furry flying cousins find
a home here in the spring, your ample food
mosquitoes surfeited on human blood.

2
O Bats
flying fur
brothers and sisters,
come by here.

Here’s home and haven
under the eave,
warm room for you and
your children to come.

Come by here.
Some April
sometime to come.

 

Barbara Loots