I don't really want to sound morose but I have a sad story to tell. If you are a bit squeamish you had best not read on. We were driving home late last night and we hit a small brown bat. The poor little dear was just out trying to make a living but it flew right into the truck windshield. There were millions of moths and bugs also smashing onto the windshield I shouldn't have been so surprised to see a bat smacking the windshield. When it appeared that it was wrested onto the windshield wiper it was like a blanket of gloom came over me.
I don't know much about bats. It is either a Little Brown Bat or an Indiana Bat. The Indiana bat is endnagered. I hope it isn't one of them. It is most likely a Little Brown Bat.
You can see how small it is.
The only good thing about this happening is that I got to paint the little guy. It looks like a tiny teddy bear with wings from the back. I couldn't look it in the face to paint its face. Maybe after I get over hitting it I will be able to do that. I took several photos. I know that sounds macabre. I couldn't help myself. It is now resting in the Patriot Hosta garden. Don't you just hate to hit any living thing with a vehicle? I don't even like to hear the smacking of the insects on the windshield. I am glad I don't drive much at night.
22 comments:
Lisa......you warned me, I should not have read it. Really upset me........it is always so sad to see something so beautiful come to the end of it's life.
Your lovely artwork brings the little fellow back to life......
All bats are endangered in the UK. I treasure those that share our loft space in the summer. I watched them fly the borders last night, they were teaching their young to catch the moths......
Oh how sad. A Beautiful Flicker on my lawn was scared by me when I opened our door the Day Lynn was due to visit and took of smack into our front window... with blinds on and all and died. I bawled my head off. I couldnt photograph it or paint it. Wish I could have as it was up close but I felt so responsible. I know it wasnt my fault but still it was so beautiful.
O dear Lisa, that must have been so hard.......
I hit a couple of animals in my life and it made me completely sad and upset.
But eh it happens sometimes.....
Taking pictures and painting him is a tribute to his life in some way.....
Take care!
♥♥♥
>M<
Oh poor thing. I know how you feel but studying him and painting (which is awesome) him makes his life a little more worthwhile.
((((((Lisa))))))
I haven't hit a bat, but I have hit a couple of doves that were courting in the middle of the road at dusk and I thought I would die it hurt so bad.
Chris and I accidentally disturbed the nest of a Carolina Wren in our garden shed. I painted the five sweet little eggs she abandoned because we messed with the nest. We thought it was a rat's nest as we had had them too.
You've honored the life of the bat. That's all you can do. That and know that this too shall pass.
((((((Lisa))))))
oh dear -
awful feeling whether you like them or not (they scare me) but not your fault
These things happen. The poor little dude. Still, your post reminds us that these guys are important and that we need them. The universe unfolds as it should--I keep trying to remember--and this story is a part of it. Thank you.
I'm sorry he had to die, but these things happen. Wildlife and cars and clear windows just don't mix. Your painting is nice though, I think it would be awesome to get to paint such an unusual creature from up close and not have to do it from pics only.
Oh, how sad for the bat! Oh well, these things happen. Glad you got to paint him...your wings are done just perfectly!!!
Oh poor little bat. But it is not your fault. Since it could not detect your vehicle coming, maybe it was already old and sick...
And it is a good thing it was not an Australian one ;-)
Yikes!!
I agree about your painting being a nice tribute to him. Tiny little thing, isn't he?
Cars and wildlife will never mix well.
And it wasn't your fault. I see a hole in the back of him. Perhaps he was running from an attack and he was dying anyway. Poor little munchkin.
I feel your pain. Not long ago a Cardinal flew out in front of my car on the way to work. I felt so bad about that. Luckily, I have never hit a deer. I did hit a raccoon at night once. It just makes you feel sick. So sorry for your bat. I guess his radar wasn't working properly that day. I know how that feels. :)
shows just how warm and tender your heart is dear one. think of all the lovely bats who will welcome him/her in bat heaven.
Very unfortunate. We have bats around our place most nights. I love watching them, my nighttime butterflies. Your painting turned out nice.
That must have been very hard for you. We hit a raccoon a couple summers ago. I thought we'd both cry. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone hitting a bat with their car.I feel badly for you and the bat both!
Yes, I do hate hitting anything with my car. I always ask God to forgive me for killing one of His creatures, even if it was a accident. I just feel that bad about it.
how sad....lovely painting none the less....
Hi Lisa,
We are going to be in Laure's Exploration watercolor class together so that is how I arrived at your blog. You did warn us...I am sitting here crying right now because I know how you felt. It devistates me anytime I hit any living creature but I agree with Cheryl's comment that your painting bestowes the little fella immortality, and what a beautiful place to be buried and by a human who actually cared! You did good by showing the little bat and the cosmos your respect for life! I look forward to getting to know you in class...
Beth
Dear Lisa,
I am so sorry this happened for you and the dear bat. We love bats....I know how much you care for all the creatures...I am happy you honored his life.
Bats are so misunderstood. I think they are amazing! A pair of bats often circle our backyard at dusk.
Sherry
Sorry about this little accident but I think you don't want it to happen right...
Sometimes, accident just can't be avoided.
I couldn't believe this baby bat is super small in size. You are so good in observation and recorded this cute bat in high spirit.
Thanks for showing your passion in art. I really adore your true passion!
Sad little story:( I always feel awful when a bird flies hard into a window - sometimes there's absolutely nothing you can do, but still it hurts. I took pictures of a dead mouse once - seems weird, but it was for painting reference!
That is almost certainly an eastern red bat. It is definitely not a little brown bat or Indiana bat. I just ran across this in a google image search. Very glad that you cared about this bat!
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