Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), Sabino Canyon, Pima County

This Chestnut-sided Warbler was discovered by Will Russell on 25 November 2008 just above the dam in Sabino Canyon.  It was photographed by Ken Kertell on 10 January 2009 when it was seen foraging alone, and silently, almost exclusively in willows, which continue to retain a good number of leaves, immediately upstream of the dam along Sabino Creek.  It was photographed again by Kathie Brown on 23 January 2009.

Chestnut-sided Warbler is a casual transient and winter visitor to Arizona, but this is the fourth one photographed this winter.

Even when it completely lacks any Chestnut on the sides, nonbreeding Chestnut-sided Warbler is a distinctive bright yellow-green above and unstreaked grayish-white below. It also has wingbars and an eyering. No other warbler has this combination of features.  As can also be seen in these photos, Chestnut-sided Warlber keeps its tail cocked more than any other warbler.   

23 January 2009, photo by Kathie Brown

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10 January 2009, photo by Ken Kertell

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