UF Bat Houses — Attraction in Gainesville

Arrived about an hour early. Walked down to see the beautiful chapel on the other side of the road. Architectural lines reminded me of Frank Lloyd Wright. Unusual spot so close to the water in back. After pondering the usual location walked back to the bats then took a look at the student garden next door. Was somewhat jealous my garden isn’t doing as well as theirs. A few benches are set up as a small public viewing area in front of the bat houses. As I sat down to wait I noticed a couple of hawks waiting on the fence enclosure to the bat houses. Looked like the hawks were waiting for a tasty bat snack. Apparently they didn’t get the memo not to hunt the bats because as soon as the early bird bats came out the hawks were on them like white on rice. Make note, hawks are faster than bats. After their snack they got back on the fence to await the second course. Bats swarm at dusk, the time between twilight and complete darkness or the time you better have your butt in the house for the night when you were a kid. They start coming out a few at a time then suddenly they are coming out in steady waves following each other in two directions headed for the same place. Thousands upon thousands. It’s nothing short of amazing to watch. Then it’s over. They are gone. And you’re left sitting there in awe of what you...

A very unique experience! The approximately half a million bats emerged @15 minutes before sundown. At this time of year (April 2021) that's @8:00 pm eastern time but arrive earlier to park (which is nearby and free). They're so quiet when they come out:) They leave 3 house barns. Do not look for them against the trees in the background. The trees, like the bats, are dark so you'll miss them. You need to focus your eyes on the bat barns or the sky. The outer 2 barns (houses) left about the same time; then the middle house. Some left in groups for directly across the street to a nearby lake to drink. Many other groups flew high in the air to begin feeding. One hawk sat on the outer barn next to the fruit garden so he could grab one of the bats when they flew out. That was interesting to witness. There are 2 billboards on the sidewalk where the observers stand that give you the full history of this particular colony on the UF campus. They will come out every night of the year expect when it's cold, windy or rainy so plan your trip accordingly (and remember to be there @30 minutes before sundown based on different times of the...

The UF bat house is one of a kind. Read up a little on the history and how it is unique compared to others when you get a chance. Quite fascinating. And it houses one of the largest colonies in the area.

While you can hear the bats any time of day, you will see them only at very specific times of the evening, so be sure to check the bat schedule. They are quite prompt.

UF also has an amazing garden here that varies what flowers and food it is growing at any given time. None is for the general public to really pick and eat, but you can walk through the rows of banana trees and giant sunflowers without complaint.

Bonus. If you take the road east toward the UF police station, just before you reach there is one of the few seeds that were flown to the moon and back, then planted into a tree that grew up. It isn't marked in any way sadly. It is on the north side of the road. Google for pictures and a more precise location if you wish to pay respects to an amazing piece of history while it...