Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2008-11
| Common name: |
Black-throated Blue Warbler |
| Scientific name: | Dendroica caerulescens |
| Date: | June 3, 2008 |
| Time: | 10-11 AM |
| Length of time observed: | 10 minutes |
| Number: | 2 |
| Age: | ? |
| Sex: | one male, one female |
| Location: | Uinta NF, Timpanogos Trail |
| County: | Provo [Utah] |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 5000+, I am unsure |
| Distance to bird: | 20 ft. |
| Optical equipment: | Binoculars |
| Weather: | Sunny |
| Light Conditions: | clear and clean |
| Description: Size of bird: | small |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | songbird style |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | Blue, Black, White underside and wing marks |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | short/narrow, insectivorous |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
The distinctive male showed a dark blue and black topside with clear white markings on wings and underside when in flight. And then I heard it sing which sealed the deal in my mind |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Male sang "zheeeeew zheeeew zheeeeeee" very clearly a few times over. |
| Behavior: | Hopping around and gleaning on a few tall trees, male with female tagging along. Male sang a few times from the mid level conifer branches. |
| Habitat: | It was on the few conifers (Abies sp.) that were arising from an otherwise avalanche flattened aspen grove, not far from a riparian vein of snow melt |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The only other thing that came to mind were bluebirds, but its habits, its song, and it distinctive plumage helped to eliminate those possibilities. I thoroughly searched my Sibley but nothing has plumage of that style and the song was a dead on match. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have lots of experience birding in California. Warblers are always difficult for me but this one was so distinct. It was my first encounter with this particular species. |
| References consulted: | Sibley's guide to Western Birds |
| Description from: | Notes taken at time of sighting |
| Observer: | John Moran |
| Observer's address: | 2 El Nido Ct., Orinda, CA 94563 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | thinkgreen@riseup.net |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | none |
| Date prepared: | June 10th, 2008 |
| Additional material: | |
| Additional Comments: | This was an awesome and unexpected delight! I hope this is helpful to you all. |