The Bats of Austin - jersey tee (1980s)

It's one of America's premiere viewing spectacles, right their alongside the Indy 500, the Kentucky Derby and the Hope College Pull. But this attraction features wildlife: the Bats of Austin.

The Congress Avenue bridge across Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America -- an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats that have resided in Austin since the city’s founding in 1839. (There is also a large bat colony under the IH 35 bridge east of Hancock Center.)

Just after sunset, starting in March and continuing through early fall, the bats take flight consuming anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests, such as moths that eat crops and the corn earworm that attacks corn, cotton and tobacco. In the morning, the bats return to the bridge about 30 minutes before sunrise, though they return individually and there is not the same spectacle as when they emerge.

When the Congress Avenue Bridge was expanded in 1982, it was built with concrete box beams, many separated by narrow crevices which were, unintentionally, an ideal home for the bats.

A portion of the proceeds from each sale is being donated to the Austin Bat Refuge.

View our entire AUSTIN IS COOL collection.  (You can find the matching mug, which pairs as a great gift, here.)

Classic unisex jersey short sleeve tee is cool in style and comfort. Soft cotton tee with ribbed knit collars for better shaping and shoulder taping for better fit over time. Dual side seams hold the garment's shape for longer. You'll wear this forever.

.: 100% Airlume combed and ringspun cotton (fiber content may vary for different colors)
.: Light fabric (4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²))
.: Retail fit
.: Tear away label
.: Runs true to size