We have lived in Fountain Hills since 1983 and even though the town has grown up around us we were never close enough to the McDowell Mountains, to our west, to have a visit from the local mule deer. We do enjoy viewing the other wildlife that travel up and down the arroyos such as the javelina. Also, the howl of the coyote always brings a smile to our faces.

So last year we were delighted to observe under the shelter of our trees a pair of deer; a stag busy grazing and a watchful doe just standing there. Then, around about the same time, I observed a hungry mountain lion descending down the steps on the island in front of our house. The piercing eyes of this menacing beast seemed to follow us as we approached our garage. Our treat of observing these wild animals is that now we can watch them daily. It’s also intriguing to watch the reaction of pedestrians passing the house for the first time or watching vehicles stop and reverse back for a better view, before continuing on their journey.

The desert fauna is in fact very realistic garden sculptures that we purchased from MJ, the owner of the Aluminum Animal Statues. He is back in town for a couple of weeks; first at the hotel by the fountain and then next week he will be moving to Shea Boulevard. He has a large selection of lifelike metal animals on display. I recommend that you stop by and see whether there is a piece of desert wildlife that will bring added joy to your daily existence here in this wonderful town of Fountain Hills.