Barbara sez:

> It is not safe to introduce exotic fish into ponds or other
> waterways that may be physically separate from any other body of
> water. Herons and ducks and other birds using the "isolated"
> pond can get fish eggs stuck on their legs and transport them to
> another body of water, possibly one connected to many others.

Though I agree with your sentiments, the method of transfer you
mention is not a problem with Gambusia species. They're livebearers
(vivaparous, to be technical while probably simultaneously revealing
that I've forgotten how to spell it).

However, herons and kingfishers might well occasionally drop a fish
they've caught, before it dies, and perhaps transfer could take
place in that manner.

Also have to keep in mind that "isolated" ponds, etc, don't necessarily
stay that way. Seen any pictures of Northern California back in, say,
March? I'd guess a lot of previously unconnected bodies of water
became well connected for weeks if not months.

-Don Baccus-