Jennifer's backyard has become somewhat of a bustling oasis (especially over the years she has been doing this) where animals come to drink, play, and sometimes even splash around. Her setup is simple but effective—a solar-powered fountain that keeps the water flowing and a hidden camera capturing all the action. Each morning, she eagerly checks the footage to see which new visitors have stopped by.

One of George's favorite visitors is a family of coyotes (you can also see them in this post) that first inspired her project. She often sees the coyote pups playing near the water, and their playful antics never fail to bring a smile to her face. But it's not just the coyotes that make her backyard special. Jennifer has also spotted all sorts of animals she had never expected to see, like the elusive long-tailed weasel and the colorful western tanager.

The hidden camera has honestly been a game-changer for the fountain owner, allowing her to observe these animals up close without disturbing them. This peek into their secret lives has given her a newfound appreciation for the local wildlife. Jennifer said she's learned about their habits, their interactions, and even their personalities. For example, she’s noticed that the bobcats are surprisingly cautious, while the raccoons are bold and curious.

That being said, Jennifer’s project has also sparked interest in her community (aside from social media like Instagram and TikTok). Neighbors and friends often ask her about the latest visitors, and she shares her favorite clips online. Her videos have captivated many, showing just how diverse and vibrant the local wildlife can be.

"I live in a semi-rural area in San Diego County on a large property, and used to see animals outside in our yard. On a particularly hot day in 2019, I saw a family of coyote pups looking for water," Jennifer explained, when asked what inspired her to start offering water to wildlife in her backyard. "I thought it would be fun to help them out and put out a bowl of water. I didn't want to make them dependent on us for food, so water seemed like a good idea. That's how it all started, and it quickly turned into a hobby that I absolutely love."

When asked to share one of her most memorable moments captured on the hidden camera, George recounted, "One of my favorite moments was seeing the coyote pups playing around the fountain. They were so playful and carefree, it was just heartwarming to watch. Another memorable moment was spotting a long-tailed weasel for the first time. I've lived in Southern California all my life and had never seen one before. It was a real treat to capture that on camera."

Jennifer has observed changes in the animals' behavior over time since she started this project. "I've noticed that some of the animals, like the raccoons and skunks, have become more regular visitors and seem quite comfortable coming to the fountain," she noted. "The bobcats, on the other hand, are still very cautious and tend to visit late at night when it's quieter. It's interesting to see how different animals adapt and interact with the environment over time."

For those interested in creating a similar sanctuary for local wildlife, Jennifer offered some practical advice. "I'd say start small, like I did, with just a bowl of water. Make sure it's clean and refill it regularly. If you can, set up a simple camera to observe the animals without disturbing them. It's also important to avoid feeding them, as that can make them dependent and potentially cause problems. Just providing water, especially in hot and dry areas, can make a big difference."

Reflecting on how her project has impacted her relationship with her community and their view of local wildlife, Jennifer shared, "It's been really positive! Neighbors and friends often ask about the latest visitors, and they love seeing the videos I share on social media. It's sparked a lot of interest and appreciation for the local wildlife. I think it's helped people see the beauty and diversity of the animals we live alongside, and it's made them more mindful about how they interact with the natural world around them."