Glorious Miscellany

allcreatures:

A grey-headed flying fox bat cools off during the heatwave that is affecting Melbourne by skimming along the surface of the Yarra River. Body surfing along the river with their kite-like wings helps them keep their cool. The grey-headed flying-foxes die by the dozens when the mercury hits the high-30s on consecutive days. Expert on threatened species Bram Mason said the Yarra Bend colony used the river to tremendous effect. Skimming the river cools the surface of their wings and droplets of water kicked up as they touchdown helps bring down their body temperature, Dr Mason said.