Blackburnian Warbler (Setophaga fusca), Parker Canyon Lake, Cochise County, AZ, Cochise County

This Blackburnian Warbler was spotted by Erika Wilson, Kanayo Rolle and David Palmer on 21 May 2021 and photographed by David Palmer the same day.

Blackburnian Warbler is one of the least frequently reported vagrant eastern North American warblers in the state, with less than 30 records. The vast majority of the records occur in the fall, with just a few from mid-May and late June.

David writes, "Photo was taken with Samsung phone at 50x magnification since no camera was available at the time. Unfortunately the quality of the photo is poor but it is the best I could do." He returned later with a better setup but was unable to refind the bird, proving the old adage "The best camera is the one you have with you," as the photo is diagnostic and easily recognizable as a male Blackburnian Warbler.

Adult male with fiery orange throat and supercilium, black face, crown and back with white wing bars.

21 May 2021, photo by David Palmer