During our first week in Austin, as we were driving on a busy freeway just before dusk, we noticed thousands and thousands of birds flying out from underneath an underpass. As we got closer, we quickly realized that these were not birds, they were bats, a lot of bats.
We later learned that Austin has the largest urban bat colony with an estimated 1.5 million bats. Most of them live underneath a bridge downtown. They all come out together each night at dusk. Last night, we decided to join the crowds and witness if for ourselves.
While waiting for the bats to emerge, a nice deaf man approached us to give what I thought were free samples of something. After I read the card, I realized why Cara was hesitant to accept them. In the end, he came out a little richer, and we had 2 bat buttons.
The crowd waiting
Cara waiting . . . in style
After waiting about 20 minutes, the show began.
They came out in a steady stream for about 15 minutes.
The bats go out on the town to feast at night, just like Cara is feasting on this delicious "Italian Pucchi"
Thanks to Yelp, we found this great sandwich place downtown. One of the best sandwiches I have ever had.
On a completely unrelated note, we always see this family of deer by our place.
This one is watching you.
And so is Hobbes
Aren't the bats the coolest/creepiest thing ever? I loved seeing them when we were there. And Austin has the best food places. Oh man, good thing it's nice weather there all the time so you can get out and move to burn off all the calories of the delicious things you're bound to eat.
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