One doesn't think of the desert as being a place where water collects. Yet, in Joshua Tree National Park, there are places where we can find water!
One such place is Barker Dam, constructed by 19th century white settlers/cattlemen who wanted to make sure they'd have a year-round water supply.
Of course, other critters besides cattle like having water around. In the painting I've shown (a commission I did a few years ago), the first view shows the entire painting. The second view is a detail, showing a scrub jay, undoubtedly looking for some tasty bugs who enjoy the aqueous environment.
Besides bugs and birds, this little lake attracts coyotes, bighorn sheep and other residents of an otherwise arid region.
Where there is desert water, there are desert critters.
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