A western species of warbler that occasionally is found along the east coast in winter, Townsend’s Warbler has been documented four times in Pennsylvania.
Two Pennsylvania records of Townsend’s Warbler are listed in The Birds of Pennsylvania by Brauning & McWilliams (2000). The first was collected by C.D. Wood near Brandywine, Chester Co. on 12 May 1868 (specimen is at the Academy of Natural Sciences). The second appeared in a yard in Drums, Luzerne Co. on 15 December 1997 and remained until 15 March 1998 (photographed & seen by many observers). Since the publishing of The Birds of Pennsylvania, there have been two records of Townsend’s Warbler in PA. First was a bird reported by Tony Croasdale at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Education Center in Delaware County from 20-21 November 2010 (photographed & seen by many observers). The most recent was at the residence of Dr. Green south of Carlisle, PA in Cumberland County that was first reported on January 18, 2012 and seen by many birders as it stayed for several weeks.
Species: Townsend’s Warbler (Dendroica townsendi)
Number of Individuals observed: 1
Date of Sighting: 9/15/2018
County : Lehigh
Location : Bake Oven Knob
GPS Coordinates:
Observer(s): Scott Keys
Date of Submission: 9/17/2018
Submitted by: Scott Keys
Written Description: Yes Photo: Yes Specimen: no Recording: no
eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S48520202
Species: Townsend’s Warbler (Dendoica townsendi)
Number of Individuals observed: 1
Date of Sighting: 1/13/2017
County : Columbia
Location : 500 block of E 3rd Street, Bloomsburg (private)
GPS Coordinates:
Observer(s): Kathryn Yelinek
Date of Submission: 1/13/2017
Submitted by: Kathryn Yelinek
Written Description: Yes Photo: Yes Specimen: no Recording: no
eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S33692133
Video: P9170176
This Townsend’s Warbler was seen by many birders after being reported by Dr. Green when he saw it at his feeders. This is the 4th record for Pennsylvania and the first for Cumberland County.
This bird was found by Wendy Willis, Dan Efroymson, and Tony Croasdale. Note the dark ear patch on the yellow face, dark crown, dark streaking on the sides, and white wingbars. The second photo also shows the dark streaking on the back. This bird represents the 3rd record for Pennsylvania!
You must be logged in to post a comment.