Provo City Cemetery - Northern Parula

Provo City Cemetery - December 22, 2012

Northern Parula

We arrived at the cemetery at about 9:00 A.M. and immediately we saw another birder down the road. We stopped and asked him if he had any luck on the Parula. He said it was last seen about 30 minutes before with a group of Yellow-rumped Warblers, Chickadees, and Kinglets. We drove a little farther down and parked. As soon as we got out we heard a few Chickadees doing their alarm call. We went over to the spot and started scanning birds for the Parula. In this flock there were 2 Mountain Chickadees, Numerous Black-capped, a few American Robin, 5 Red-breasted Nuthatch, and 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, but no warblers. Also a Northern Flicker flew over and landed in a pine above.

American Robin

Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

 By then we were joined by two other birders that were also looking for the Parula. We split up and searched the cemetery. Through the rest of the searching we found a few more Flickers, Nuthatches, Rock Doves, and an American Kestrel.

I was just about to give up when I heard a whistle from one of the other two birders we had met up with. I hurried over and sure enough the Parula was right there. Bright yellow chest and throat, two white wing bars, and a grayish-blue head. This was a Utah first for me having seen a few in other states before. If accepted, this will be the 19th record for Utah. A very pretty bird and well worth the time.  (see pictures below)

Northern Parula

Northern Parula

Northern Parula

 After watching the Parula, I noticed a bird up in a tall pine. I put my binoculars up and to my surprise I saw a pair of Evening Grosbeaks. This is only the second group of Evening Grosbeaks I have seen this year. They're pretty uncommon in Utah and their numbers are steadily declining. (Also a very pretty bird)

Evening Grosbeak Pair

Female Red Crossbill

 Another highlight from the same area was a flock of 12-15 Red Crossbills. These flew in just after we lost the Parula. They stayed out for a while providing great views before flying off.

 While heading back to the car we heard a flock of Waxwings. We looked up and sure enough about 25 Waxwings were flying over. I put my binoculars up and was sure glad I did. There were at least 3 Bohemian Waxwings with the flock of Cedars. This was another first of year for me, the 2nd of the day.

All in all it was a great day at the cemetery with a Utah first.

Highlights:

• Red Crossbills
• Evening Grosbeaks
• Mountain Chickadee
• Bohemian Waxwings
• *Northern Parula*