Q: I was recently on a field trip in Tampa's historic district, and there were several bats flying in and out of the trees. When I pointed them out, some people laughed and said bats don't come out in the daytime. I am sure they were bats, and it's not the first time. I have seen bats on very overcast days. Can you help me identify them? Thank you -- Lynn

A: Many times, birds like swallows and other species are mistaken for bats, which are mainly nocturnal (active at night).

However, if bats are disturbed or their roosting area becomes too hot, they may leave their daytime roost -- but this is rare.

Among Florida bats, Seminole bats come out early, so this is one species you might have seen. Or again, it could have been birds.

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