Javelina at Water Fountain

We were excited when we got the call in August from Boyce Thompson Arboretum, near Superior Arizona, asking us to volunteer at the newly acquired Picket Post Mansion for the winter (we had applied 8 months prior). We love the desert and being from Canada the winter warmth is certainly a bonus.

Being a resident volunteer at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is wonderful! We live in nature, are part of a great crew and work at a variety of tasks in an effort to make the park experience more enjoyable for visitors. Seriously, how could you ask for anything better than that?

After we were settled at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, other resident volunteers and staff occasionally inquired if we had seen any of the javelinas yet. We had not! In kindness, the staff helpfully told us where the most recent sightings of the javelenas had been, in hopes that we might see one. Although we followed all of their suggestions they were to no avail. We pretty much stopped looking.

I love to walk, and certain gardens of the arboretum have become favorites of mine. I often stroll the paths in the Demonstration Garden because I admire the tasteful use of trellises, benches and fountains. This demonstration garden features low water-use plants from around the world selected for urban landscaping.

It was not unusual for me on a quiet day after hiking the Arboretum trails to pause on the bench next to the fountain in the Demonstration Garden.

What was unusual, as I enjoyed the serenity of nature and the sound of running water from the fountain, was to look up and see a javelina enter the garden. I had seen enough pictures to know exactly who was joining me.

I wondered briefly whether I was actually safe with a 40 pound wild javelina only 30 feet away, but decided to stay very quiet, and wait to see what would happen next.

The javelina ambled about 10 feet closer to me and approached the fountain. Without hesitation he stuck his snout in the fresh clean water.

He drank...quite fearlessly I might add, only glancing in my direction when he paused for breath. It felt like a divine moment to me---a chance encounter when time and space are wrapped in wonder. I sat very very still and the only sound in the garden emanated from the shutter of my camera.

The javelina finished drinking, stepped back from the fountain, and casually walked away. As I watched him leave, I was pleased when he stopped, and swung his head around as if to say goodbye before continuing on.

I sat back on the bench, still amazed and once more alone in the garden. I then remembered to check the pictures on my camera to see what I had gotten. I was thrilled to find a close-up shot of the javelina drinking from the water fountain and yes, what a bonus, it was even in focus. I couldn't wait to show the pictures and tell the park crew about my awesome encounter. What laughter it brought.
As I hiked the trail home to the Picketpost Mansion grounds that afternoon, I felt excited and thankful for such an extraordinary first sighting of a javelina. I was also glad that the Demonstration Garden, on that day, happened to be a favorite spot for both the javelina and myself.

Now the park staff and fellow hosts are inquiring whether we have seen the wild turkeys that are back in Arizona and hanging out at the Arboretum
So far, we say no......