Water is essential for birds and other wildlife.  Monterey County, California, especially in the current drought, is no exception.  I recently visited a ranch in the rolling (and very dry) hills of Monterey County where a friend, Bruce Finocchio, has created a small oasis for local wildlife and a wonderful location for wildlife photography.

A small pool as water source, live oak and other shrubs as cover, and a few bird feeders attract a wide variety of visitors.  Add a few blinds for photography and you have an ideal place to spend a couple of days observing and photographing on beautiful fall days.

This modest little creation of water, food, and cover provides a smorgasbord for both wildlife and photographers.  Activity around the pool –- foraging, perching, bathing, drinking  -- was almost constant during my visit.  Sparrows, towhees, finches, quail, jays, thrashers, chipmunks and cottontails… if you build it they will come.

Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica), Monterey County, California

A Western Scrub Jay enjoys a bath.

Merriam's Chipmunk (Neotamias merriami), Monterey County, California

Merriam's Chipmunk gets a drink.

Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus), Monterey County, CaliforniaSpotted Towhee comes in for a drink, Monterey County California

Spotted Towhee pauses for a drink and is reflected in the pool.

Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), Monterey County, California

Desert Cottontail remains wary while drinking.

California Thrasher (Toxostoma redivivum), Monterey County, California

California Thrasher enjoys a dip in the pool.