Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Magnolia Warbler
Scientific name:	Setophaga magnolia
Date:	9/26/2020 (first observed on 9/25 - see other observer notes)
Time:	11:00 AM
Length of time observed:	5 minutes
Number:	1
Age:
Sex:	Female
Location:	Confluence Park (La Verkin) - along Virgin River
County:	Washington
Latilong:	37.2001516, -113.2863452
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	Varied - 15 to 40 feet
Optical equipment:	8x42 binoculars and 500 mm lens
Weather:	Sunny, warm
Light Conditions:	Full sun
Description: Size of bird:	Small passerine
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Warbler
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Gray, yellow
(Description:) Bill Type:	Thin, straight
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	This warbler immediately stood out from nearby orange-crowned warblers due to its brighter yellow underparts and presence of two contrasting white wingbars on dark wings. Closer looks gave us a good glimpse of the gray head, complete white eyering, and extensively yellow underparts with limited but fairly dark flank streaking. I did not see the underside of the tail. However, the undertail coverts were obviously white from my limited view. Its yellowish back contrasted with its gray head/nape and darker wings. Yellow rump was also visible. Wing and tail feathers both appeared dark with contrastingly pale edging. Obtained brief looks and poor photos of unique upper-tail pattern when the bird briefly spread its tail. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	Not heard.
Behavior:	Gleaning tiny insects off of phragmites
Habitat:	Riparian along Virgin River (observed in mesquite and phragmites)
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	Nashville Warbler: Probably the most likely, vaguely similar species. However, easily ruled out since this species lacks wingbars and streaking on flanks, and has yellow (not white) undertail coverts. Canada Warbler: This species does not have wingbars and shows no dark streaking on flanks. Upper-side would be uniformly gray (lacking yellow). Loral area would show obvious yellow. Northern Parula: Would show very white belly and flanks with no dark flank streaking. Always shows eye arcs and never a complete eye-ring. Also, would show dark lores and eyeline. Prairie Warbler: Would show more extensive yellow upperparts, and yellowish (rather than white) wingbars. Would also show a more markings on the face, and a dark spot on the sides of the neck. Undertail coverts would be more yellowish instead of clean white.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	None with Magnolia and none or very limited with other similar eastern warblers. Very familiar with Nashville Warbler, which migrates through Utah every fall.
References consulted:	Sibley Bird App
Description from:
Observer:	Mike Schijf
Observer's address:	109 South 330 West
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	9/25/2020: MAWA was found by Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld and was observed later in the day by Maurice DeMille. 9/26/2020: First relocated by Kevin Wheeler. Later that morning, I observed this bird with John Schijf, Marshall Topham, Seth Topham, and Kaylie Topham. Has been subsequently observed by Rick Fridell, Lucy Ormond, Rachel LeBlanc, and perhaps others.
Date prepared:	09/30/2020
Additional material:	Photos
Additional comments:	Still present as of 9/30, according to eBird reports.