Finding Shade

Summer has come to our part of the world.  It is more moderate than many places but with added humidity the heat index frequently exceeds 100 degrees.  What's interesting is that in the mornings when the temperature is more moderate the humidity is higher and it is often more uncomfortable then than in the afternoons when the heat reaches its peak.

The heat drives people and animals to shade.  People seek air conditioning inside while animals find deep shade and typically sleep.  Lower levels of activity generate less heat and allows their bodies to dissipate that which is a result of simply being warm-blooded and alive.

You will see livestock in the shade of trees or standing in the ponds during the heat.  As long as they have adequate forage, they will be up and eating during the early hours and again in the late hours just before sunset.  If they are eating during peak heat, it is a sign that they are having to hunt for adequate feed or that they are of a breed type that has high heat tolerance.  Typically, Brahman, or Brahman-influenced cattle have higher heat tolerance.

After sweating profusely the other morning, we sought shade to sit and cool down before coming in for lunch.  We have a seating area in a shaded spot beneath a couple of large Red Oak trees that we often will occupy while listening to the birds and enjoying being outdoors.  Maybe it was a sign of some kind that a large, Red-spotted Emperor Butterfly (Limentis arthemis arizonensis) kept lighting on one of the chairs. I hated to disturb him but perhaps he was only pointing out that I should be sitting in the shade rather than sweating out in the sunshine.