Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Prothonotary Warbler
Scientific name:	Protonotaria citrea
Date:	May 15, 2013
Time:	9:45am
Length of time observed:	10 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Possible female as colors were slightly muted, or duller.
Location:	Back yard in large Mesquite tree over hanging a creek - SunRiver St. George Golf Course.
County:	Washington
Latilong:
Elevation:	2500'
Distance to bird:	20'
Optical equipment:	Swift Ultra lite, 8x42 binocs
Weather:	76F, sunny, calm and clear.
Light Conditions:	Morning sun hitting bird over my left shoulder about 45 degr
Description: Size of bird:	Plumbeous Vireo size... larger than a Yellow Warbler, smaller than a Robin.
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Long like a P. Vireo with rounded head.
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	First thought to be all yellow, then noticed upper sides and tail were blue/gray. Dark eye.
(Description:) Bill Type:	Sharp, pointed.
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	At first thought it to be a Yellow Warbler and thought, "How nice." Then realized there was more. Tail was dark, back and sides were dark. Immediately thought of a Prothonotary Warbler so began observing closer to see what i could distinguish as it moved through the Mesquite tree, in and out of view. Head, chest and belly is a clean, warm yellow (not bright), no markings of any kind - dark eye. But back, wings and tail are dark - gray, but with a bluish tinge. Not black. Did not notice under tail coverts a different color, nor did I see the under tail pattern, which I noticed later in the NG Field Guide should be white. Didn't see that.
Song or call & method of delivery:	N/A
Behavior:	Busily foraging in Mesquite catkins, and in and out of canopy. Flew off south of position, directly away from me across golf course toward pine trees.
Habitat:	Back yard against golf course. Running stream under an overhanging mature Mesquite tree. Also Mimosa tree near by. Much bird activity with 3 different feeders present.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Yellow Warbler was eliminated with it's smaller size and predominantly overall yellow coloring.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	The only other P. Warbler seen in Utah was at Tonaquint Park on October 7, 2011.
References consulted:	National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America All the Birds of North America, American Bird Conservancy NAS The Sibley Guide to Birds
Description from:	[eBird report was filed May 15, 2013.]
Observer:	Bill Hunter
Observer's address:	4438 S. Broadmoor Dr., St. Goerge, UT 84790
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	N/A Wife saw it, but she is not a "birder".
Date prepared:	eBird report was filed May 15, 2013. This report filed at the request of Colby Neuman today, May21, 2013 and referring to notes in eBird file.
Additional material:	Spent the time viewing and not chasing down a camera only to miss the whole event.
Additional_Comments:	Neighbor had a White-winged Dove this afternoon. Different birds out and about this year.