Hi Tweets,

For a while in the late 1980's and early 1990's there were, often
simultaneously, loose in the Vancouver BC checklist area: at least one pair
of Ringed Teal Callonetta leucophrys, three Marbled Duck Marmaronetta
angustirostris, Mandarin Aix galericulata, Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis, Shelduck Tadorna tadorna, and Ruddy Shelduck T.
ferruginea. Usually it was one notorious source from which these wonders
issued (Serpentine Fen in Surrey was their usual first stop before heading
to the bright lights of Vancouver BC), and for years this particular
aviarist was able to enjoy the sight of his charges flying free in and out
of his aviary (not to mention every body of water within 50 km) while the
federal government agency responsible for making sure this type of nonsense
didn't happen stood by for years, apparently impotent.

The word is that he's moved on. Heaven help the rarities committees of
whatever state or province he settles in.

Michael Price A brave world, Sir,
Vancouver BC Canada full of religion, knavery and change;
mprice at mindlink.net we shall shortly see better days.
Aphra Behn (1640-1689)