Still summer. Still hot, daubing subtropical hues at dawn.
The river banks are green, but that cannot be said of the wider countryside, which is tawny, flat and thirsty. Not unlike the rabbit’s native range in Spain and France, I suppose.
They seem at peace with it, but other mammals are struggling. Moles and badgers need earthworms, which will now be far underground. Foxes, too, feast on them, but they will adapt to alternatives if any are available. It is unclear what the drought will do to the autumn fruiting season for blackberries, cherries and hazel, but this urban fox – photographed by my brother – appears to be dreaming of an upcoming feast.
There is still water: dewdrops at dawn.
And even a little frost, if you let your imagination run through the seedheads.
But mostly, it is dry, hazy and hot. Hopefully next week’s forecast of rain will come true.
A Walk with Wildlife 
Beautiful photos, Adele. The beginnings of fall are in the air.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not much, really. It’s very hot and dry even if some of the berries are out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos, Adele. Thank heaven the critters still have dew to lick. We are equally parched here, the ground even under trees is cracked dry. Unbelievable. I’ve never seen it so dry. And no significant rain in the foreseeable future. Fingers crossed rain comes soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, sorry to hear that. Of course there are many factors at work here but I would be interested to know if that volcanic eruption in Tonga earlier in the year has had any influence – according to NASA, it released a vast amount of water vapour into the stratosphere, equivalent to 10% of what was already there. Either way, let’s hope we both have rainy autumns.
LikeLike
Interesting thought… quite possible. Yes, we could use a long, wet refill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow – fantastic photos. I love the fox photo! Here in the Okanagan, the entire peach harvest has been lost. It was a combination of a cold spring and a hot summer, apparently.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s bad news – hope the farmers get something on insurance. Spring was very cold here too and it was tough on many species.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely photos. I hope you get that much needed rain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Belinda. At this point, I’d welcome an ice age!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I spend a lot of time worrying about our wildlife during this extremely dry and hot summer! Lovely photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sarah. It’s tough out there 😦 It looks like Norfolk might get four days of rain next week. Here’s hoping…
LikeLike
Exactly like in my country.It is very hot and drought as in Africa.
ONE OF THE FIFTH BIGGEST RIVER has DROUGHT AND ONLY SAND WE can SEE INSTEAD THE WATER.Fish and other creatures living in the water or thanks water are almost dying.Changing of climate is visible everywhere.It is sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so sad. 😦 I really hope that we are all refreshed by a proper autumn and winter.
LikeLike
That fox photo is a real treasure. Nice to see there is at least still dew during your dry times. I do hope some rain materializes soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully tomorrow…if the forecast is right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully you did – but not too much or too heavy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was hoping hot weather in Europe would end soon but it seems this year is much different. We are in Haida Gwaii at the moment and even with some rain in recent days, locals say they normally don’t have so many nice and warm days as this year. Anyway, we had rain for last two days and I hope some of it will find its way to Europe…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, sadly this has been a truly extreme summer in Europe and one that I don’t think will be forgotten in a hurry. Interesting to hear that Haida Gwaii is also drier than usual. Hope that you’re enjoying your trip.
LikeLike