Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Palm Warbler
Scientific name:	Dendroica palmarum
Date:	11/25 and 11/26/07
Time:	around 9:00am both days
Length of time observed:	15-20 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	adult
Sex:	n/a
Location:	Lytle Ranch
County:	Washington County
Latilong:
Elevation:	2700'
Distance to bird:	5 feet to 100 feet
Optical equipment:	10x42 binocs and 400mm camera lens
Weather:	Clear Skies
Light Conditions:	sunny
Description: Size of bird:	similar to a Yellow-rumped Warbler
(Description:) Basic Shape:	warbler
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	yellow, gray and rufous
(Description:) Bill Type:	tiny dagger like bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Rufous crown, dark eyeline, yellow undertail with gray over most of the body. The bird appeared to be still molting as the cap was still quite rufous in good light. SOme faint streaking in the flans and breast. The bird was constantly flicking its tail, typical of this species. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	high tseet note when taking flight
Behavior:	foraging mostly on the river bank in 3 foot cottonwood saplings, but it would often flush high into the trees around the river and feed there as well.
Habitat:	Riparian Corridor, mostly Fremont Cottonwood, in a desert wash.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	none, the tail flicking along with the pattern is unmistakable.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Have seen numerous Palm Warbler while living in WI and IN for 5 years. It was one of the most common migrant warblers in both locations.
References consulted:
Description from:
Observer:	Tim Avery
Observer's address:	Salt Lake City, Utah
Observer's e-mail address:	tanager@timaverybirding.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld, Larry Tripp and Rick Fridell
Date prepared:	11/27/07
Additional material:	Photos
Additional Comments: