Water Sources

I'm currently reading a survival book named "Survive" written by Les Stroud, host of the popular TV show Survivorman.  This is going to be the first of many posts I write about this book because I am so impressed with all the great practical knowledge Les has acquired during his career.  The part that I am reading now and I feel is very important due to Arizona being located in the dry desert southwest, deals with finding water in survival situations.  I want to go into more detail later concerning secondary water collection and how to make ground and vegetation stills, but for now I think it is important to know that even in Arizona there are a lot of places to find primary sources of water.  Primary sources include springs, rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.  A few ways to locate water according to the book include:

1. Walking downhill; water, especially in the desert tends to accumulate in the bottom of valleys and low lying areas
2. Observe changes in vegetation; vegetation that is darker green and denser than the areas surrounding it tends to indicate water...you may have to dig a little to find it
3. Follow animal trails; animals need water as much as we do, animal trails don't always indicate water but if you see multiple trails coming together there is a good chance they lead to water
4. Follow birds; birds tend to hang out near water, the direction of bird flight in the early morning or late afternoon may indicate a water source
5. Track insects; insects tend to congregate near water sources, also keep in mind that bees never live more than a few miles from water

Les Stroud. Survive, HarperCollins. p 69-94.