Vermont Rare Bird Reports 2019

Other observer: Amelia Klein ()

clear skies

Nikon Monach 8X32 binoculars

This is my fifth time observing this species. I made a concerted effort to find this species this past fall, reviewing all field marks extensively in several field guides (including Peterson's Warbler guide). I succeeded in observing and photographing one for several minutes back in October.

The bird was first seen associating with a flock of chickadees in a forested area at the edge of a weedy field. The chickadees departed without the OCWA. It descended into the forest, behind a fence, and we spend the next 30 minutes trying to re-locate. I finally found it again about 100 ft north where it teed up in a tree in the middle of a weedy field along the edge of the beltway.

This observation was brief so little behavior was observed, but during the initial observation (~25 seconds) it was very active, hopping among branches low in the trees/shrubs. During the second observation (~5 seconds), it teed up in a tree before flying off with a pretty direct, fast flight.

none

When I first noticed this yellow-colored warbler, "Palm Warbler" was the immediate first thought that passed through my head. As I continued observing, I noted the extensive yellow breast, olive-green back, and lack of wing bars. Within a second of thinking Palm, I was pretty sure I had an Orange-crowned Warbler and being familiar with the field marks from memory, I focused my attention on the eyes and undertail coverts. I was fortunate that the bird gave some great, unobstructed views in good light and I was able to observe both field marks, clinching the ID. Undertail coverts were yellow and the white eye ring was broken by the thin, dark eye line as typical for this species. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera on me, and by the time I ran to the car to get it, the bird was moving on and I wasn't able to get a distinguishing photo. One crappy photo from behind will be added to the eBird checklist.

smaller than nearby chickadees, typical warbler shape.

Dull yellow head, yellow throat, dark eye line with broken eye ring.

I don't recall, my focus was not on feet or bill during this brief encounter

Olive green

This wasn't my focus during the brief encounter, but I recall the entire back being a uniform olive green.

Olive green, lacking wing bars

all yellow with some white close to the feet

I don't recall, my focus was not on tail shape/length during this brief encounter

Common Yellowthroat - habitat wouldn't make sense and I'd expect some contrast between the brighter yellow throat and the rest of the belly/breast. Eye line and broken eye ring also don't fit for COYE.

Palm Warbler (Eastern) - I would have expected more bold streaking on the belly and a more contrasting pattern on the face.

Tennessee Warbler - yellow undertail coverts rule this species out

Yellow Warbler - Contrasting facial markings (eye line and broken eye ring) should rule this species out.

Nashville Warbler - Head was yellow (not gray) and eye ring was broken

Philadelphia Vireo - Broken eye-ring eliminates this possibility.

While brief, I had a great look at this bird and knew exactly what to look for to confirm the ID. I discussed field marks with Amelia while we were observing the bird and we consulted a field guide immediately after the observation, discussing potential look-alikes. I am 100% confident in this ID.