Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2026-76
| Common name: |
Palm Warbler |
| Scientific name: | Setophaga palmarum |
| Date: | October 14th 2026 |
| Time: | 4:45 |
| Length of time observed: | 25 minutes |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | unknown |
| Sex: | unknown |
| Location: | Hyrum Reservoir - shore of the northeast beach |
| County: | Cache |
| Latilong: | 41.6202° N, -111.8574° W |
| Elevation: | 4680 |
| Distance to bird: | 20 feet |
| Optical equipment: | camera and binoculars |
| Weather: | sunny day with clouds in the sky |
| Light Conditions: | sun |
| Description: Size of bird: | 4-5 inches |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | warbler-shaped |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | dark to light brown/tan and yellow |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | small, medium length, and slender |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Distinct eyebrow stripe above eye. Faded streaking on chest. Dark brown
on top, lighter brown underneath. Bright yellow undertail coverts (This
was the first thing that caught my eye, and they were very noticeable). (see photos) |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | Bird did not vocalize while I was observing it. |
| Behavior: | Constant tail bobbing as it foraged among the Russian Olive tree. Quickly moved from branch to branch, rarely holding still, but not seeming to be aware or affected by my observations. |
| Habitat: | Russian Olive trees on the beach. |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
The very distinct eyebrow stripe, along with the bright yellow undertail coverts, with no other noticeable yellow helped to eliminate most other warbler species. The eyebrow stripe was much more distinct than an Orange-crowned and the yellow did not show on the rest of the body like it would on many other warblers. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
I have only seen this specie once before, and not for very long. I do have a lot of experience with Orange-crowned, Yellow-rumped, Virginia's and many other warblers that would be more common in Cache Valley. |
| References consulted: | National Geographic and Sibley field guides |
| Description from: | From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting |
| Observer: | Eric Bingham |
| Observer's address: | Smithfield, UT 84335 |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: |
Ken Watkins (first found the bird) Adam Hess |
| Date prepared: | 10/15/2026 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | This bird was first located by Ken Watkins, and has since been relocated by many other birders including myself. |