Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Hermit Warbler
Scientific name:	Setophaga occidentalis
Date:	09-05-2014
Time:	7:00p
Length of time observed:	30 minutes
Number:	4+
Age:
Sex:	immature / female types
Location:	Oak Grove NFS Campground, Pine Valley Mountain
County:	Washington
Latilong:	19
Elevation:	~ 2000 m
Distance to bird:	various
Optical equipment:	8 x 42 binoculars
Weather:	clear
Light Conditions:	calm
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	On the evening of September 05, I located at least four first year / female type Hermit Warblers in the ponderosa pines and oaks north of the Oak Grove Campground. There were likely more present in the large, loose mixed flock. I observed an individual several different times, and was able to confirm four at one time in two ponderosa pines. Description: Hatch-year female types. Head and faces yellow with prominent black eye, slightly darker yellow crown, and indistinct dark smudging on cheeks. Dark wings with two bright white wingbars. Dark olive green back with very faint streaking. Undersides white from breast to undertials with some dark smudgings on sides (but no streaks). Tails with dark upperside and white undersides with dark spots on the outer tips. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:	foraging; gleaning / hover gleaning
Habitat:	Ponderosa/ fir / oak forest
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Townsend s Warblers with distinct face pattern, darker crowns, and distinct streaking on undersides. Hermit x Townsend s Warbler hybrids typically show some combination of a darker auricular pattern, more extensive and distinct streaking on sides and flanks, yellow coloration on lower breast, belly, and/or flanks.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	yes
References consulted:
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Rick Fridell
Observer's address:	Hurricane, UT
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	12-04-2015
Additional material:	Photos
Additional_Comments:	Description copied from field notes. Hermit Warblers are rare but regular migrants through southwestern Utah mountains from late July to early September. They should probably be considered for removal from the review list.