Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2002-04


Common name:

 Chestnut-sided Warbler

Scientific name: Dendroica pensylvanica
Date: September 17, 2001 
Time: 1:30 PM 
Length of time observed:

10 - 15 seconds

Number: 1
Age: Adult
Sex:

Male

Location: Garr Ranch 
County:

Davis

Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird:  ~ 50 feet  
Optical equipment:  
Weather: Clouds present, but clear with sunshine at time of sighting   
Light Conditions: Direct sunlight   
Detailed description of bird:

Small, typical warbler size

Fast moving, flew in landed on a tree branch about 10 feet above the ground, active movement in same spot, flew of east

Reddish-brown stripe on side and flank, clear under belly and throat, light colored, no other marks on belly

Very dominant and distinctive complete white eye-ring - no break it stood out as much as the eye of a Nashville

The upper part of the birds body appeared a general yellowish.  WHite wing bars above the stripe

The reddish brown stripe and white eye-ring were so forceful that in the few seconds I had to look I did not observe the bill or tail

Song or call & method of delivery:  No sound 
Behavior: flew in fast, flew out fast to the east.  The bird was active on the branch w/out moving its foot position
Habitat: Grass and trees at picnic area of Garr Ranch
Similar species and
how were they eliminated:
No common Utah species to be confused with.  Most similar bird is Bay-breasted warbler wich is eliminated due to the distinct unbroken eye-rim of the observed bird.  Also observed bird did not have eye line of any kind. 
Previous experience with this & similar species: I have limited experience but I have seen the Chestnut sided in Cape May and Bay-breasted in Alabama.
References consulted: N.G. 3rd edition - Peterson Western Birds - Master Guide to Birding Vol III however only Sibley illustrates what I observed pg 433 adult non-breeding
Description from: Memory
Observer: Bob Atwood
Observer's address: 780 Stewart Hill Drive, River Heights, Utah  84321
 
Observer's e-mail address: atwoodb@mstar2.net 
Other observers who independently identified
this bird:
I was alone. 
Date prepared: Sept 17, 2001 
Additional material: Original Document