This has been an interesting discussion and I've enjoyed reading the posts on this topic. I want to believe Bill's position because he has the education and experience that represents the highest level on this board. I'm finding it difficult, however, because I believe that we have a controlled experiment where human activity is not a factor for the following reasons:
1. The 80'x40'pond was completed in October 2003.
2. The property is fenced, located in a remote area and the neighbor's property is fenced.
3. The short time frame reduces the opportunity for illicit transplants or transfers
4. There is a sand road that circles property and another road that encircles this particular pond. We back blade these roads almost daily and would see footprints of any tresspassers.
5. There have not been any tornados
6. There has not been any water shared between ponds for any reason.
Clearly there is some natural method of introduction for these fry. Maybe I should call my alma mater and see if a future grad student would like to complete a thesis on this topic. I'll dig another small pond and they can log the visitors and establishment of species. Put a camera on the pond and record everything. I can't believe that this has never been done. I suppose you would still have to catch the culprit to prove how the fish were transported.
