Hot summer afternoons are the worst time of year for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Unlike many humans, wild creatures have the common sense to escape the heat of the day; in summer, most diurnal mammals and birds tend to be active in the morning and evening hours, retreating to dens or shaded areas at mid day. Only insects and a few high-energy birds (swifts, hummingbirds and wrens) seem unaffected by the hot, humid weather of summer afternoons.
Of course, many creatures, such as raccoons, opossums, bats, armadillos, flying squirrels, fox and owls are primarily nocturnal, remaining in their dens or caves for most of the day. Cold blooded reptiles and amphibians, unable to regulate their own body temperature, are especially vulnerable to the mid day heat and must retreat to ponds, burrows or shady woodlands until the sun's rays are less direct.
Humans are likewise advised not to exercise in the mid day sun, thereby avoiding the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke; the latter can be fatal. And, for those of us who combine our exercise with wildlife viewing, an early morning or late day walk will be far more productive.
