Documentation of Hooded Warbler
2004-043

Observer Information

Reporter:  James Beatty  106 Kenosha Court,   DURANGO, CO  81301-7806
E-mail:  jdbeatty@bresnan.net
Other Observers:  Susan Allerton, Peter Derven.; Originally reported by Bob Righter on Cobirds.

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Hooded Warbler
First Date/Time:  8/2/2004
Last Date/Time: 
Duration (total time in view):  2 minutes over an elapsed hour
County:  Archuleta
Specific Location:  Lower Piedra Campground just south of pond on west side of road. Campground is off US 160 about 10 miles east of LaPlata County border.
Number:  1
Age:  Unknown
Sex:  Female
Plumage:  Other/Unknown

Habitat

Riparian area with mixed deciduous and evergreen trees with heavy undergrowth of thick bushes and willows.

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  Elite 10x42
Distance:  About 50 ft
Light:  Clear, but bird was usually in shadows of heavy understory.

Description of the Bird

Bright yellow underparts and olive-brown upperparts were the predominate colors of this warbler. Black eye was prominent on bright yellow face which was bordered in black. The black border extended from above the eye near the forehead back behind the auriculars and then forward below the eye. This black border was very strong and distinct. The lores were grayish behind a black bill. The throat, chest, belly and undertail coverts were bright yellow. The tail showed white on the outer tail feathers. The legs were light-colored, but not seen well.
Behaviors: This female was apparently feeding a young bird(s) which was not observed. It was in very heavy undergrowth near a pond and stream. The bird was very active and difficult to view well. I had to crawl through thick bushes to get a good view of the bird. It frequently flew up and down the small stream and usually stayed in cover.
Call: Not heard
Plumage: Alternate

Similar Species Discussion

The remnant hood which was very distinct on this bird and the white on the tail eliminated all other possibilities.

Resources Used

None.

Previous Experience

Hooded Warblers were uncommon, but regular in SW Ohio where I birded for twenty years.

Notes

Memory

Additional Information

Comments: None.
Time: About 9:30 AM
Elevation: About 6900 ft.
Other Dates: Previously observed and reported on Cobirds by Bob Righter - date reported not recorded by me.
Nearest Town: Pagosa Springs
Independent Observers: Originally reported by Bob Righter on Cobirds.

Materials Available

Photographer:



No files uploaded.

Date Documentation Submitted

3/21/2005 4:46:00 PM