After the heavy rains from the remnants of tropical storm Debby hit the area, it was a good time to venture into the regular wildlife haunts in search of animals on the move and plants in bloom. After the rain, it gradually got sunny and the temperatures reached a high of mid-70s Fahrenheit—in mid-August. It was pleasant for people and animals alike.

Some animals that get more active during moderate temperatures are reptiles and amphibians. Being cold-blooded and unable to regulate their body temperatures, these animals spend more time in burrows or under logs or rock crevices during the heat of the day.

On slightly cooler days, however, reptiles and amphibians are more likely to be out in the open foraging for food or moving on in search of favorable habitat. Frogs can be seen on roadways during a rain event, especially at night.

Birds also benefit from rain and moderate temperatures. Earthworms and other insects might come out of hiding during heavy rains, providing easy prey for robins and other insect-eating birds. Berry-eating birds benefit from the increased yield of fruit from the plants that adequate rain brings. Increased flower production from plants benefits hummingbirds as well as insect pollinators.

Most public lands have some sort of trail system which makes access to these lands relatively easy. Check a map beforehand; maps are usually available online. Off-trail trips might be rewarding, but you could run into rocky terrain, large thickets of mountain laurel or rhododendron, or perhaps areas of hay-scented fern with cobble-sized rocks and rattlesnakes hidden underneath. It is easier and safer to stick to the trails. 

With the sun’s declination slowly decreasing through the coming months, enjoy summer’s fauna and flora without having to sweat so much.