Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Hermit Warbler
Scientific name:	Setophaga occidentalis
Date:	8/10/2018
Time:	1:00 PM
Length of time observed:	12-15 minutes
Number:	1
Age:
Sex:	(see additional comments)
Location:	Lava Point, Zion National Park
County:	Washington
Latilong:
Elevation:	7890 ft
Distance to bird:	Varied (20 to 40 feet)
Optical equipment:	Nikon 200-500mm lens, Leupold 10X50 binoculars
Weather:	Partly cloudy, warm
Light Conditions:	Mostly shade (under tree canopy) with dappled sunlight
Description: Size of bird:	Small (appeared average for warblers)
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Small passerine (warbler-shape)
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Head mostly yellow, black throat, gray back and wings, very pale underside
(Description:) Bill Type:	Thin, pointed
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Warbler with mostly yellow face and gray crown and nape. Slight brown tones to auriculars. Large black throat patch that tapers to chin and reaches bottom of bill. Dark gray upper-side of tail and back with two very prominent white wing bars. Very pale, unmarked underside extending to bottom of tail. Dark legs. Sharp, relatively thin and dark warbler bill. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	Actively foraging in mid to upper tree canopy
Habitat:	Ponderosa pines, near a mixed conifer forest. Small Gambel oak and some patches of open (non-wooded) habitat also nearby.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Townsend's warbler: eliminated due to bold facial pattern, yellow breast, and extensively streaked sides/flanks, all of which are lacking on this individual. Hermit x Townsend's hybrid: although this hybrid may show a similar face pattern to hermit warbler, darker facial markings would likely be present. In addition, the underparts would me more similar to Townsend's (including streaking to flanks/sides and yellow breast). Again, the bird observed has a very pale and unstreaked underside with no yellow. Black-throated green warbler: eliminated due to more prominent facial markings, more extensive black throat, streaking on sides, and yellow vent. Golden-cheeked warbler: eliminated due to very limited range and obvious plumage differences in facial pattern and underside. Other Setophaga warblers: all show very obvious plumage differences.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Hermit warbler: no previous experience Townsend's warbler: one or two previous observations No experience with other similar species or Hermit x Townsend's hybrid
References consulted:	Sibley Western Field Guide National Geographic Field Guide Additional online resources (numerous)
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Mike Schijf
Observer's address:	354 Vermillion Ave
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	None
Date prepared:	8/13/2018
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	I was a bit surprised to see that hermit warbler was on the review list since I suspect that it is an annual migrant through Washington County. I would be curious to hear opinions on whether this individual is a male or female, as the plumage appears quite intermediate based upon descriptions and illustrations in my field guides, and various online resources.