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For the Water bat or Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentoni) the mating period is still on. Looking at them in their winter quarters, hanging from the roof, little movement is to be seen, yet the females are fertilized during the winter period.

 

Water bats can be easily observed at Piusa that has one of the largest suitable artificial caves for bats (chiropterans). But why disturb them there? Woken up, they use up energy needed for managing the cold. In addition they are a protected species and there are few places left for them for peaceful hibernation, - so keep to admiring them in photos. But near a pond or a lake in the summer it pays to observe the surface of the water at dusk – as their name tells the water bats love water and they can be seen low down near the water surface catching insects.

 

It is good to know that this small – only 15 grams – animal manages the winters here quite well. Insects do not appear until in March-April, then the bats also wake up. But for now, they are still asleep.