We've told you about some neat finds that only require that you take a little time to seek them out. This week, we have something of a different animal. Some San Diegans have just driven by this find or quite possibly noticed it, but most have never pulled the car over to take a better look.

Last week, we told you about real animals living on a commercial property. With this "Tip" we aren't exactly changing horses midstream. We have a place to tell you about that has a growing collection of animal sculptures populating three small residential properties.

San Diego's Hillcrest community is known for its diversity. It is an eclectic blend of people, architecture, retail and restaurants, old and new. What you don't expect to see are large metal animals serving as yard ornaments. We're talking about large animals inhabiting very small yards. In Hillcrest, though, you should expect to see anything. But, that could be an under-statement.

The lion's share of sculptures can be found at 3731 First Avenue, just south of Robinson, on the eastern side of the street. Two other houses (3739 and 3745) next door also host these imposing metal creations found in the front yard. The animals are created with a patchwork of metal sheets that have a rusted patina. These animals are horses of a different color. Beautiful artistic horses, elephants, adult and young giraffes, a tortoise, an ape, a hippo and a lion complete the group of 15 animals that emerge from this urban landscape. The details on the horses' and the lion's manes give a special touch to these behemoths. These figures are not your average animals in the Fisher-Price Animal Parade.

This creative display is not monkey business. The metal animals are free-standing art pieces, not lawn furniture. In fact, there's not even room for lawn furniture. The animals, while not life-sized, fill up the space along with minimal, but appropriate landscaping. While the property owner clearly enjoys the artwork, the art actually serves as a gift to the neighborhood. Afterall, Hillcrest is encumbered with a lot of metal in the form of cars and construction. We don't know what the owner has up his/her sleeve, but if by any chance they expect to bring in an ark, there's no room at the inn.

Now, there is an artist who is known for similar artwork. If you like this type of work, we'll lead you to another place.

Now, think Avery labels. Don't think about how many times you've messed up in printing those Avery labels on your trusty home printer. Think about Avery in a new way. The son of the founder of Avery Dennison forked out over $100,000 to commission the artistry of Ricardo Breceda. Breceda was charged with re-creating the prehistoric animals of the Borrego Desert. On three acres of property, Breceda has now created a Jurassic Park out in Borrego at Galleta Meadows Estate. You might want to take a daytrip out to Borrego Desert. If nothing else, you'll feel a lot younger and a lot smaller after looking at these prehistoric giants!

We tried to run down the name of the artist for the First Avenue artwork. We even called Ricardo Breceda . We had hoped that he would tell us that it is his art on First Avenue in San Diego. Surely, that would have made things much easier. Not to be. Breceda couldn't be sure if the sculptures were his, over the phone, as he creates and sells so much of his art.

Breceda could not have been more charming. He says that his work is the best. We're not artists. But, in our opinion, if you can make the desert come alive with the past in scorching hot temperatures, you have to be the best.

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