Date: 10/16/25 12:16 pm From: <lehman.paul...> via groups.io <lehman.paul...> Subject: [SanDiegoRegionBirding] pet Mandarin Ducks (PLEASE STOP); Blackpoll, miscellanea
As the reports of escaped Mandarin Ducks at Rohr Park begin to snowball, it seems like a good time to mention that these birds are clearly escaped aviculturalists' (waterfowl fancier) pets. This species is widespread in private collections and periodically escapes. In San Diego County over the years they have turned up at several sites, with other recent bird(s) at, for example, Santee Lakes. They are clearly escapes and there is essentially almost zero chance these will become eBird "provisional" species in our lifetimes.
This morning, Thursday, there was a Blackpoll Warbler downtown at Pantoja Park. The two clumps of huge ficus/fig trees there have lots of ripe/fermenting fruit which is attracting a fair number of Yellow-rumpeds and a few other warblers.
In other news, in the last 10 days I've had 6 different Plumbeous Vireos at various coastal sites, so a nice recent run of them. Also on private property a couple Tennessees, an adult male American Redstart, and a Black-and-white Warbler. Speaking of Black-and-whites, so far it's been a slow fall for them, as well as for Palm Warblers and Tropical Kingbirds. Conversely, it has been a very good to excellent fall to date for Tennessee, Magnolia, and Blackburnian Warblers. And while Blackpoll Warblers seemed to start off strong in September, they have slacked way off in October, which is normally their best month here locally.
--Paul Lehman, San Diego
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