Dendroica occidentalis

This Hermit Warbler was at Mobile from November 11 – December 1, 2016 … just the second record of this western warbler for Newfoundland. (Photo: Jared Clarke)

Status: Very Rare (< 5 records)

Origins: Breeds primarily along the Pacific coast of the United States, wintering in Mexico. It is a rare visitor east of the Rockies, especially so to the Atlantic coast.

Record Details: Four records for Newfoundland. (1) The first was November 11-13, 1989 in Blackhead (near Cape Spear). (2) Interestingly, the second was discovered at Mobile exactly 27 years later on November 11, 2016, staying until at least December 1, 2016. (3) An immature female was photographed at Cape Broyle on October 23, 2018. (4) A very cooperative individual was present in St. John’s from December 7, 2019 – January 16, 2020. It was maintained through some tough winter weather by helpful birders and lots of suet, but apparently did not survive a record-breaking blizzard on January 17.

A probable hybrid Hermit X Townsend’s Warbler was photographed at Plum Point, Great Northern Peninsula in May 1995.

* NOTE – This website is not an official account and “may” contain incorrect information and/or details of unconfirmed records. *