Good morning all! Last Sunday, March 22nd 2009, while on the topic of bananas I made a quick mention of the 'flying fox' of the islands.
Well this Sunday morning, 05:51hrs, as the sun rises, in the sky high above our island 'fying foxes' or the fruit bat, circles above, making their way back to their resting places after a long evening of dining out and tropical mischief.
Fruits mostly, as their name suggests, in the tree at night you can hear them feeding on the mango or some other tropical delight. Or just above the roof top in the night sky, hear them as they fly by. Be warned sometimes you will hear a crash on a nearby roof. No not a falling bat but rather some fruit or a mango falling from the clutches of one of these beautiful mammals.
Another warning as well for you. For on the rare occasion a local or a visitor has been 'annointed' or 'blessed' with what drops from the bat. And what drops is not from the mouth but rather from the opposite end! A rare occurence indeed. If it is to happen to you however do consider yourself 'lucky' and do immediately go out and buy that lottery ticket before the 'good luck' wears off!
I have been witness to such an occurence. Many years back indeed, which confirms the rarity of the event, for back on the islands I too had much experience during the night and had this been something frequent I would have fallen 'victim' to one splattering as well!(Another story another blog about my 'night time' adventures)Anyway we were gathered as a family enjoying good talk, tasty wine, and a delicious meal at a restaurant which at the time was called 'Winnie's Wagon Wheel' located at La Louise, on the way to La Misere.
Sitting outside little did we realise that 'luck' was about to call & strike one among us and with a loud 'splash'! And it did right on the person's head did it land. Surprise was soon replaced with laughter I recall by all except that most 'lucky' person among us who received the 'blessings'. After a clean up in the lavatory he too came to the see his 'good fortune' and laughed it off.
All the while sitting outside with thousands of bats above, who would have guessed what was to befall us? Not I and not he apparently.
The Seychelles Flying Fox is indeed a welcome sight in the early evening sky as it glides above, in hundreds, flocked together as they make their way to dine. In the morning time as well with the warming sun, they make their way home to rest for the day.
View the Seychelles Flying Fox at garden's through out the islands. As well take a visit to the Botanical Garden at Mont Fleuri for an upclose encounter.
The Seychelles Islands. So much to do, see and experience. Please do!
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