Batman Returns

[AndyMackie]

Whoever said they are blind didn't know what he was talking about - at least not about the fruit bats in Queensland!
Found this guy today in a wild colony living in trees beside the road in the absolutely beautiful hinterland just inland from the Gold Coast - an amazing place
Andy

5D3, 70-200 f2.8L ii IS @ 200mm, Case 1, 1/1000 @ f3.5/ISO 800

20130210-BNE_1076.jpg by AndyMackie1, on Flickr

20130210-BNE_1076-2.jpg by AndyMackie1, on Flickr

[colin C]

Re: Batman Returns

Quite amazing Andy.

His wings have a few battle scars, suspiciously like shotgun pellets.

[AndyMackie]

Re: Batman Returns

Thanks Colin
Yes, he looks like a mean little critter and the holes in his wings are probably from bats who pushed back.
Andy

[Stan]

Re: Batman Returns

thats amazing Andy

they look like they are quite big

Stan

[AndyMackie]

Re: Batman Returns

Thanks very much, Stan
They're about the size of a small cat but once they open their wings they are obviously much larger.
Andy

[Stan]

Re: Batman Returns

CheersAndy - I thought they would be quite large as you were using just a 200mm

They're about the size of a small cat

wonder if i could replicate it by strapping a couple of wings on our cat

Stan

[Chris_R]

Re: Batman Returns

That is a beauty Andy, lovely colour and detail

Chris

[BobaPhil]

Re: Batman Returns

That is such an impressive shot to catch...well done.

[jimsphotography]

Re: Batman Returns

Hi Andy,
Great set of shots - lots of fine detail in them.
Had a strange experience with one of these critters. I was in a bar on Praslin Island in the Indian Ocean and a fruit bat flew in and landed on the head of a lady sitting near to me. She screamed her head off - I jumped to the rescue and peeled the bat off her head. I was just letting the darned thing free to fly off when it bit me ! I believe they can carry rabies and since there were no doctors around my wife had to keep an eye on me for several weeks to see if I was developing any signs of hydrophobia - luckily I didn't.
Later on, I found out that this bat was a tame one and had been hand reared by somebody on the island - it's main trick was to land on its owners head and wrap its wings over her face in a gentle, friendly gesture. I guess it was a case of mistaken identity - took this woman to be her surrogate Mom !
James

[tesarver]

Re: Batman Returns

A stunning set Andy. They are amazing looking creatures.

Tom

[Muscat]

Re: Batman Returns

Fabulous shot Andy

[AndyMackie]

Re: Batman Returns

Thanks very much, Jim/Tom/Muscat. I must say that I like the full frame one vey much for its werewolf snarl - I just got lucky.

Jim, that's a good anecdotal tale but personally I would't have waited to have seen if I'd developed rabies before treating it - I think you were very lucky!

Andy