In early 2020, AWWEE’s Sacramento regional team was already getting excited to host a summertime Bat Talk and Walk event with the Yolo Basin Foundation to view the largest colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that live under the Yolo Causeway as they “flyout” right around sunset to hunt for insects in the night.
Although the in-person program is now on hold, Yolo Basin Foundation came up with a creative solution to bring the flyout experience straight to your home by hosting a series of Facebook Live streaming events over the next few weeks.
We’re planning to sign on to watch the flyout on Wednesday, August 5 at 8 p.m. and invite you to meet us there!
No registration is required. Just mark your calendar, gather your family and tune into the Yolo Basin Foundation Facebook page to watch the sunset fly out of 250,000+ bats as they leave their daytime roost to search for food.
Other dates the Yolo Basin Foundation flyout will be live at sunset (approx. 8 p.m.). To view the live event, visit the Yolo Basin Foundation Facebook page. If you don’t see the live feed, refresh your browser/page.
Friday, August 7
Tuesday, August 11
Thursday, August 13
Tuesday, August 18
Thursday, August 20
Tuesday, August 25
Wednesday, August 26
Mexican Free-tailed Bat
Description: Body length about 3.4-4.3″, with a 12-14″ wingspan. The fur is uniformly dark brown or dark grey. The tail extends beyond the tail membrane between hind feet. Long narrow wings provide for fast flight.
Range: Migratory. Found from central North America to northern South America.
Habitat: Caves, buildings, under roof tiles and bridges.
Diet: Forage mainly on moths at very high altitude, up to 10,000 feet. Also eat flying ants, weevils, stink-bugs, and ground beetles.
Behavior: Colonial. Emerge at sunset in columns. Mothers give birth to one pup. Pups are able to fly at about 5 weeks. Lifespan is about 15 years.
Risks: Predators include Red-tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, other birds of prey, as well as cats and dogs. Colonies once numbering in the millions have been dramatically reduced in size due to human disturbance and habitat destruction of caves as well as problems with pesticide poisoning and deliberate eradication attempts.
About the Yolo Basin Foundation
Yolo Basin Foundation’s mission is to expand the public appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and wildlife in the Yolo Basin through education and innovative partnerships.
was founded in 1990 as a community based organization to assist in the establishment of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.
has a unique partnership with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife that makes the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area accessible to thousands of people each year.
is a 501c3 non-profit organization.