A variety of species roam the hills and brushlands of Vista, California, and they all flock to Jennifer George’s garden for a drink.
George set up an outside camera in 2019 to get a closer look at the creatures she’d spotted from her window. She also decided to provide some water for a family of coyote pups she spotted out on a scorching day.
But George had no idea how many animals would appreciate the drink.
“It started with just a metal bowl of water,” George told The Dodo. “We thought that would be a harmless way to get [the animals] in front of the camera. That brought birds at first — mostly scrub jays. Then other animals started showing up, and I wanted to improve the accommodations for them and bought a bigger bowl and a solar fountain.”
George’s impromptu fountain has rapidly become a gathering spot for all kinds of feathery, hairy, and scaly critters.
Visitors include turkey vultures, long-tailed weasels, skunks, coyotes, and bobcats, as well as a snake going for a swim and a family of quail enjoying a bath.
“The birds particularly like the moving water, especially hummingbirds,” George said. “Right now I’m hoping to see this year’s coyote puppies — we saw a pregnant female a few weeks ago.”
@animalthirsttrap #bobcat #wildlife #wildlifephotography ♬ original sound – Animal Thirst Trap
All of the animals in the vicinity of the water fountain appear to get along and are just glad for a safe place to drink.
“In Southern California, it’s usually dry, especially in the summer,” says one resident, “George said. “I’m sure they enjoy it; it must be a pleasant way for them to unwind.”
While the majority of the creatures drinking from the backyard fountain appear to be in good condition, George has recently observed a couple of her frequent coyote visitors that appear to be in need of some TLC. “We’ve seen a few of coyotes with severe mange as a result of secondary poisoning from rats that ate poison in traps,” George said. “We advise folks to think twice about utilizing those traps,” said the group.
George now works with Wildlife Care of Southern California to assist any sick coyote, and she is overjoyed that her small water fountain has saved lives.
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