Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Blackpoll Warbler
Scientific name:	Setophaga striata
Date:	9/24/2019
Time:	5:30 PM
Length of time observed:	1 to 2 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Hatch-year
Sex:	Female?
Location:	Tonaquint Nature Center
County:	Washington
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	15 to 20 feet
Optical equipment:	8x42 binoculars & 500 mm lens
Weather:	Clear, calm
Light Conditions:	Evening shade
Description: Size of bird:	Small songbird
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	White, gray, drab yellow
(Description:) Bill Type:	Thin, straight
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	While birding around the larger pond at Tonaquint Park, I noticed a warbler that clearly stood out from nearby orange-crowned warblers. The white undertail coverts first stood out to me, then the bold wingbars. It was first observed in a large willow tree, then it flew into a small pine as it flitted actively. I got decent looks for 1 to 2 minutes before it disappeared and I was unable to relocate. Detailed description: The two most obvious features were the white undertail coverts and two distinct white wingbars. Less distinct, but notable, was the drab yellow breast and throat. The sides of the breast appeared to be very faintly streaked (not initially obvious). The head appeared mostly drab grayish, with pale eye arcs and a dark eyeline. The back was grayish-green with some streaking. Not much plumage contrast overall, especially between the head and breast. The bill was a typically thin, straight warbler bill. The leg/foot color was difficult to discern in lighting conditions. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Silent
Behavior:	Actively flitting around (foraging?) low in trees.
Habitat:	A dense patch of small trees, both deciduous and coniferous.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Bay-breasted warbler: Would show buffy (instead of clean white) undertail coverts and flanks. Would lack any hint of streaking on breast. Pine warbler: Would show dark auriculars that contrast with a lighter throat. They also have a more distinct set of "spectacles" than blackpoll, and would lack any streaking on the back. Yellow-rumped warbler: Would have a yellow throat, sides and rump. More plumage contrast overall between head/throat/breast. Hatch year birds would show less distinct wingbars. Adults would have dark streaking on underside. I think all other warblers can be eliminated by my photos and description.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Blackpoll warbler: no past experience Bay-breasted warbler: no past experience Pine warbler: a few observations during a recent trip to Wisconsin in July. Very familiar with all "common" warblers, which is why this bird caught my attention.
References consulted:	Sibley Bird App and Field Guide eBird article describing fall blackpoll vs. bay-breasted: https://ebird.org/wi/news/id-tip-blackpoll-vs-bay-breasted-warbler-in-fall/ Another blackpoll vs. bay-breasted write-up that I read: https://eontbird.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Bay-breasted-vs-Blackpoll-Warbler.pdf
Description from:	From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Mike Schijf
Observer's address:	433 East 1050 South, APT 3
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	None
Date prepared:	10/1/2019
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments: