Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2022-52
| Common name: |
Chestnut-sided Warbler |
| Scientific name: | Setophaga pensylvanica |
| Date: | 10-7-2022 |
| Time: | 9:00 AM |
| Length of time observed: | ~10 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | Hatch-year |
| Sex: | Female? |
| Location: | Confluence Park (La Verkin Creek TH) |
| County: | Washington |
| Latilong: | 37.2088684 -113.2820725 |
| Elevation: | |
| Distance to bird: | ~12-15 meters |
| Optical equipment: | 8x42 binoculars and 500 mm lens |
| Weather: | Clear |
| Light Conditions: | Fairly dim, full shade |
| Description: Size of bird: | |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | White, green, gray |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | Thin, typical warbler |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
First noticed a small bird flitting near the top of a
large cottonwood tree. First impression was a warbler. The extensively
pale, unstreaked underparts combined with 2 whitish wingbars grabbed my
attention as something unusual. I was then able to make out the complete
white eye ring and greenish upperparts. After establishing the ID, I
shifted my attention to getting photos. The photos attached to the
record show additional details (greenish upper wingbar, grayish wings
and upper-side of tail, etc.) (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Not heard |
| Behavior: | Very active; flitting high in 2 large cottonwood trees, often with tail cocked upward. I watched for a few minutes before it flew into another cottonwood about 50 meters away. |
| Habitat: | Cottonwood Trees near La Verkin Creek (riparian habitat typical of lowland areas in Washington County) |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
I believe this species is distinctive if seen well. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
First time observing in this plumage (and first in Utah). Saw several in breeding plumage a few years ago in northern Wisconsin. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Bird App |
| Description from: |
From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Mike Schijf |
| Observer's address: | 109 S 330 W Ivins, UT 84738 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | None |
| Date prepared: | 10/10/2022 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: |