Now came the dog days – day after day of hot, still summer, when for hours at a time light seemed the only thing that moved…

~Richard Adams

The last week has provided a nice break from the typical heat and humidity of this time of year, the so-called dog days of August. Historically, the term was associated with the rising of the star system, Sirius (known as the Dog Star), in late July. It is traditionally one of the hottest parts of the summer and nature seems to heed the call and move at a slower pace (as do we all). But, if you look closely, there is still magic to be found. Here are a few of the high points of these past few weeks here in our woods that the cameras captured.

My good friend, Art, has loaned me his mirrorless camera for a few weeks while he is at sea so I am shooting some things using that and the amazing Canon 100-500mm telephoto. Here are some of the first images.

The trail cameras also captured some dog day activity, but we’ll start with some cat capers.

–A Bobcat pauses to check its surroundings on an early morning walk through our woods

The resident Coyotes made several appearances. Most are just brief glimpses as they trot through the field of view at a brisk pace, but sometimes they linger.

–Two Coyotes stop to scent mark in the creek bottom

–A beautiful Coyote strolls by a camera on our south-facing ridge

Let’s hope the dog days quickly transition to the cooler nights that signal an approaching Fall.