A rare Mandarin duck was spotted in a Stony Brook community. People across the island are flocking to see it. It has especially sparked a lot of excitement in the birding community.

“I look for birds. It's like I’m out here all the time," said birder Michael Walter "So if I haven’t seen one in 30 years, there’s not a lot of them around”

Walter started birding in 1966, and he says the Mandarin duck is not native to this area. Even non-birders are describing it as one of the most beautiful ducks they've ever seen.

Birders say the duck showed up last week.

Many people in the community are calling it a "lifer" bird, meaning it's the first time they've seen one. For many, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The duck was in a neighborhood pond on the corner of Rhododendron Road in Stony Brook Wednesday night.