Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2017-47


Common name:

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Scientific name: [Setophaga pensylvanica]
Date: 09/15/2017
Time: 13:15
Length of time observed: 15 minutes
Number: 1
Age: looks to be a first year bird
Sex: ?
Location: Garr Ranch on Antelope Island
County: Davis
Latilong:  
Elevation:  
Distance to bird: 15 to 50 feet
Optical equipment: binoculars, camera
Weather:  partly cloudy
Light Conditions: good
Description:        Size of bird: slightly smaller than a Yellow-rumped Warbler that landed next to it.
(Description:)       Basic Shape: warbler
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: yellow and gray
(Description:)            Bill Type:  small thin like the Yellow-rumped near by.
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Bird was foraging on the ground near the ranch house. Warbler had a complete eye ring, two distinctive wing bars, bright yellow head and back. Bird seemed to keep to itself though a Yellow-rumped Warbler briefly landed next to it giving a size pattern. Bird also tended to hold its tail at a slight upward angle when moving around. I was able to get five ok pictures with two different cameras. In two of the pictures you can see a slight hint of the chestnut color on sides. I believe the pictures have enough details to confirm this sighting.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: none
Behavior:  foraging around on ground, flying briefly to trees and fences
Habitat: grass with large trees near by.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
Knew bird was a warbler due to shape and actions. I could not think of any warbler that was bright yellow backed, with complete eye ring and bars on wings so after getting pictures I looked in the Sibley bird guide app. on my phone. Bird looked like the first winter Chestnut-sided Warbler.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
None
References consulted: Sibley field guide app. on phone
Description from: From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Weston & Louize Smith
Observer's address: 1375N 6800E; Croydon, Utah 84018
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: none
Date prepared: 09/15/2017
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: