Although common through its normal range from Alaska to mid-northern states, it has seldom been seen this far south. This specimen was seen at the bird feeder station maintained by The Bird Watcher, a bird supply store in Julian, California.
From the San Diego Union:
"The thing is, redpolls are indeed common in the Arctic and Canada and Alaska, but never before, ever, has one been seen as far south in California as San Diego County, experts say. In fact, since 1899 only 11 had ever been seen in the state and none closer than Fresno. "