Rare Bird Report #9-B-08

IDAHO BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

RARE BIRD REPORT FORM

SPECIES:  Chestnut-sided Warbler

HOW MANY: one

REPORTER:  
Poo Wright-Pulliam

PO Box 581

Sun Valley, ID 83353

208-788-3903

REPORTER EMAIL:  

pwpart@msn.com

OTHER OBSERVERS:

Poo Wright-Pulliam spotted the bird, Jean Seymour confirmed. Also seen by Kathleen Cameron, Gary Stitzinger and several others.

DATE REPORT PREPARED:   

08/18/08

DATE SIGHTING OCCURRED:  

06/12/08

LOCALITY OF OBSERVATION:

Blaine County, Hayspur Fish Hatchery (nearest town-Picabo, ID) Hwy 20. Latilong 19

HABITAT:
pond bordered by riparian, willows and shrubs

CONDITIONS:

The bird hopped about the shrubs for several minutes on the far side of the pond. We used a 45 power Bausch and Lomb spotting scope to varify the bird, then it came out to bathe near us (10 to 15 feet). We moved on aways to work with some kids for about 45 minutes in which time Kathleen arrived to see it and get photos. Jean got photos also. More people from the kids group also got to see the bird. Gary saw it later. A cool,sunny morning, in the 40s or 50s. My binos are Brunton Epoch 7.5x43 Jean's are Nikon Monarchs

DID YOU TAKE NOTES?:  Yes, during the observation

DID YOU CONSULT FIELD GUIDE OR OTHER REFERENCES?:  

Yes, during the observation

WHAT GUIDE(S) OR REFERENCE(S) DID YOU CONSULT?:

We used the Sibley's Guide to the Birds of the West and the 5th Edition of National Geographic.

DESCRIPTION:  
Warbler Species, flitting about, gleaning bugs in the shrubs. The first thing I noticed from a distance was the large bright yellow spot on top of the head. Once it sat still I noticed the deep chestnut color on the sides. With the scope we could see the black eye strip and malar and 2 white wingbars.

BEHAVIOR:  

The bird was gleaning bugs from the leaves, being very active bouncing from branch to branch, small warbler size. At one point it came to the water in front of us and bathed from a stick laying in the water. Imagine our thrill!(Pics by Kathleen)

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU POSITIVELY IDENTIFY THE BIRD, AND WHAT CLINCHED THE IDENTIFICATION FOR YOU?

Once we put the scope on the bird, it was across the pond from us, the yellow crown and chestnut sides were quite obvious. We noted thye two white wingbars and black eyestripe and malar after that.

HOW DID YOU ELIMINATE SIMILAR SPECIES, AND WHAT WERE THEY?

The only other warbler with a chestnut side, the Bay-breasted, has a chestnut crown and chin, the chestnut-sided is white under the chin.

EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SPECIES (AND SIMILAR SPECIES):  

 This bird was actually a lifer for me so I had no previous experience with it. I believe Jean had though.

GENERAL BIRDING EXPERIENCE:  

 I have been birding since June of 1995 and quickly became absolutely addicted. As an artist, I pay attention to detail and therefore am very thorough in identifying field marks.

WERE PHOTO(S), VIDEO, AND/OR AUDIO OBTAINED BY YOU?:  

 Photo