LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE

REPORT FORM

1. English and Scientific names: Townsend’s Warbler (Setophaga townsendi)

2. Number of individuals, sexes, ages, general plumage (e.g., 2 in alternate plumage):

1 male. Although we thought it to be an adult male in the aftermath of the sighting, I suspect that it could be a SY male upon review of the photographs (based mostly on weak back spotting and some green mottling in the crown). That said, I can’t be sure (the median coverts may suggest an older male, but aren’t fully visible) and so will leave it as “age unknown.”

3. Parish: Jefferson Parish

Specific Locality: Lafitte Woods Preserve--Landry-LeBlanc Tract, Grand Isle

4. Date(s) when observed: 15 May 2014

5. Time(s) of day when observed: 8:45 AM and then again about an hour later (9:45 AM)

6. Reporting observer and address: Cameron Rutt, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

7. Other observers accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): Found and identified by Glenn Seeholzer, before being seen by myself, Matt Brady, Mike Harvey, and John Mittermeier

8. Other observers who independently identified the bird(s): Although other birders were in the area later that day and the next, we are not aware of any additional sightings of this species.

9. Light conditions (position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): Excellent. Both times the bird was observed with the sun to our backs, facilitating good views of the bird in proper lighting conditions. It was cool (low 60s), with a light breeze, and mostly sunny.

10. Optical equipment (type, power, condition): Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars

11. Distance to bird(s): As close as 15-20 feet.

12. Duration of observation: Less than one minute in total.

13. Habitat: We observed the bird both times in the western edge of the forest, near the entrance from Nacari Lane. This area is comprised of a rich, mature coastal chenier forest. Although this specific stretch of forest was wet and flooded in previous visits, it was dry at the time of observation, providing a more open forest setting with sparser tall vegetation.

14. Behavior of bird / circumstances of observation (flying, feeding, resting; include and stress habits used in identification; relate events surrounding observation): During both of our brief observations, the bird was loosely associating with a quickly moving flock of roving Neotropical migrants that was comprised almost exclusively of Red-eyed Vireos, although a few American Redstarts were also present. The bird appeared to be actively foraging.

15. Description (include only what was actually seen, not what "should" have been seen; include if possible: total length/relative size compared to other familiar species; body bulk, shape, proportions; bill, eye, leg, and plumage characteristics. Stress features that separate it from similar species, or for species that are known to hybridize frequently, stress features that help eliminate possible hybrids):

Rather than simply describing the details of the bird from the photos, I’ll let the images speak for themselves.

16. Voice: Not heard vocalizing.

17. Similar species (include how they were eliminated by your observation): Black-throated Green Warbler, Hermit Warbler, and Townsend’s x Hermit Warbler can all be eliminated by the combination of the following characteristics: strong, solid, contrasting black auriculars that set off a yellow lower eye-arc; black crown; green back; yellow breast continuing below the lower border of the black throat; and heavy blackish flank streaking.

18. Photographs or tape recordings obtained? (by whom? attached?): Yes, attached. Both photos were taken by John Mittermeier.

19. Previous experience with this species: I’ve seen numerous Townsend’s Warblers throughout the West (as far east as west Texas) – including in the hand on the Farallones – but this was my first one in the East.

20. Identification aids: (list books, illustrations, other birders, etc. used in identification):

a. at time of observation: None

b. after observation: Dunn and Garrett (Peterson Field Guide to Warblers) and Pyle (for ageing)

21. This description is written from:

	notes made during the observation.	Are notes attached?
	notes made after the observation.	At what date?
X	Memory
X	study of images

22. Are you positive of your identification? If not, explain: Yes

23. Date: 17 June 2014

Time: 2:30 PM