Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2015-35a


Common name:

Northern Parula

Scientific name: Setophaga americana
Date: 27 October 2015
Time: 9:15
Length of time observed: 30 minutes. on and off
Number: 1
Age: 1st year bird.
Sex: Male?
Location: Bountiful Pond, Davis Co.
County: CA
Latilong:  
Elevation: 4250 ft.
Distance to bird: Within 4-5 meters
Optical equipment: Swarovski 8x42
Weather: Cloudy
Light Conditions: excellent
Description:        Size of bird: Small warbler
(Description:)       Basic Shape: Somewhat short-tailed and plump.
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: Yellow, white, bluish grey.
(Description:)            Bill Type: pointed, sharp bill.
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Taken directly from field notes.

"...First year male?. Bright yellow throat extending from the chin to the breast. Subtle wash of rusty blown on the lower breast. Bright white underparts. White undertail coverts and white tail spots. Bluish/grey upperparts. Bright green patch on back. Two bold white wingbars. Bluish/grey head with a wash of green on the crown. face bluish grey with bold whitish eye archs."

Other observations include dark lores and white supraloral and post ocular area not extending above the auriculars. Pale lower mandible.
Song or call & method of delivery: No flight note heard, but the bird called once. A loud "thchip" call.
Behavior: Very active
Habitat: Riparian
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Pretty distinctive warbler.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Very familiar with this species. I have seen many throughout the years both from trips back east, as recently as April in Georgia, and I have found many vagrants on the desert in California.
References consulted:  
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Michael J. San Miguel, Jr.
Observer's address: 2433 3rd Street
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Shylo Robinson, Bryant Olsen, Stephanie Greenwood, Rachel LeBlanc. they all obtained photos.
Date prepared: 10-29-2015
Additional material: Ebird Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S25567120

[nnina]

Additional_Comments: