Documents • Iowa State University • Avian Archives of Iowa Online

Title	Genres	Topics	Date (Start)	Date (End)	Type	Description	Creator/Author	Birds	Locations	Locality	Habitat	Remarks

Rare bird documentation form for Merlin between Algona and Burt, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-06-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin along highway 169 between Algona and Burt in Kossuth County, IA on June 4, 1989.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Merlin	Algona Burt	along highway 169 between Algona + Burt, Kossuth Co. Ia	open farm country	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was darker than a Kestrel with no rust or blue on upper surfaces, darker below. It didn't bounce, flutter, or glide (or wander) as a Kestrel does, especially in a light breeze. The dark back half of the tail was different than the Kestrel's light one, and it was thicker + shorter. Kestrels always remind me of a Killdeer, this bird didn't remotely bring one to mind. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 19:15:00	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Swainson's Hawk at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-03-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Swainson's Hawk at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on March 27, 1988.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Swainson's Hawk	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	1 mi E of Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth Co., Ia. south of Titonka Blacktop	Pasture dotted with trees, stream in bottom.	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Other dark buteos have paler areas underneath, but this bird was as dark under wing as chest, belly, and back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	28
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-08-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on August 28, 1990.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Red-necked Grebe	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough Nat. Wild. Refuge middle of the largest pool		The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Not highly contrasted black & white like Western. Smaller bird with thicker neck. Head wasn't pointed or peaked like Western. Bigger than Pied-billed with longer neck, different beak. Shorter-bodied than loon, longer necked, different facial markings. Bigger bird than Horned Grebe. longer lighter color bill (later, after looking at field guide). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/07:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Short-billed Dowitcher at Algona, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-06-26	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Short-billed Dowitcher at Algona in Kossuth County, IA on June 26, 1988.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Short-billed Dowitcher	Algona	behind Hy-Vee Store Algona, Ia. Kossuth Co.	almost - dry ponds / large mudflats	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Long-billed Dowitcher is (supposed to be) rustier below through the belly, with bars not spots on the side of the breast, and more spots on the throat. The call is completely different than what I heard. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Smith's Longspur at Maynard Reese Waterfowl Production Area, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1998-10-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two to three Smith's Longspurs at Maynard Reese Waterfowl Production Area in Kossuth County, IA on October 7, 1998.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Smith's Longspur	Maynard Reese Area	Maynard Reese WPA, Kossuth Co. SW of north side parking	Open area sparsely covered with grass (1 season restored prairie and mowed Pigweed) surrounding wetland potholes	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: American Pipits were eliminated by their totally different voice, the pattern of the underparts, and bill & tail proportions. Lapland Longspurs have obvious white (not buff) underneath which would have been especially visible on several close flybys and passes overhead. Male Laplands should show some black streaking on the upper chest in sharp contrast with the white below. There wasn't any chestnut visible on the nape or upper wing. Although I don't have enough experience with Smith's to say I heard any difference in the sound of the "tics", I didn't hear any of the "tew" notes that Laplands (but not Smith's) mix in with their tic-tic-tics. Any regular sparrow that is not eliminated by white outer tail feathers is eliminated by the unique longspur calls. The buffy/tan color underneath and the calls also rule out Horned Lark. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 08:00:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	67
Rare bird documentation form for Sandhill Crane at Lylah's Marsh, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-07-23	1988-07-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Sandhill Cranes at Lylah's Marsh in Howard County, IA on July 23, 1988.	Hartogh, Mary Jo	Sandhill Crane	Lylahs Marsh County Park	Lylah's Marsh - 3 1/2mi. NW of Elma, Ia. - Howard Co.	Marsh and prairies wetland - arrowhead and mud flats	The documentation form by Mary Jo Hartogh is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Pat Heidenreich. \| Elimination of similar species: We had all kinds of blue heron to compare with right there on the spot; the markings and coloration and outstretched necks could only be sandhills. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	1
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Lake Hendricks, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-03-13	1988-03-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Lake Hendricks in Howard County, IA on March 13, 1988.	Hartogh, Mary Jo	Northern Goshawk	Lake Hendricks Park	Lake Hendricks-Howard County Conservation Park	woods, low hills, and a small lake	The documentation form by Mary Jo Hartogh is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Annjean Hartogh. \| Elimination of similar species: The Petersen guide on p. 170 gives the shape from below and we matched that of an accipiter, not a buteo, and especially not a gyrfalcon. Cooper's and sharp-shinned would be smaller and should show darker tail bands and possibly reddish striations horizontally on the upper abdomen. Also, sharpie usually looks brown-colored. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler northwest of Carroll, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-04-29	1995-05-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler northwest of Carroll in Caroll County, IA on April 29, 1995.	Thelen, Marty	Prairie Warbler	Carroll	3- miles North - 2 - west of Carroll	Rolling Prairie - farmland - Level B - Road	The documentation form by Marty Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rob Thelen. \| Elimination of similar species: Palm Warbler - no chestnut cap. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/17:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Grosbeak at Ames, 1980	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-12-23	1981-01-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Grosbeak at Ames in Story County, IA on December 23, 1980.	Ladd, Marlys	Pine Grosbeak	Ames	Backyard - 1408 Coolidge, Ames, Iowa	General: feed box and crab apple tree Specific: Perched on box for short time, did not eat - then flew to crab apple -	The documentation form by Marlys Ladd is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Brian Ladd and George Ladd. \| Elimination of similar species: Purple finch - Pine Grosbeak was too large for this species Cross bills - Wrong beak- \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 09:30:00 for several minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	80
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Little Wall Lake, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-05-01	1986-05-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation for two Red-necked Grebes at Little Wall Lake in Hamilton County, IA on May 1, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	Red-necked Grebe	Little Wall Lake	Little Wall Lake - (Hamilton Co.)	small natural lake	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Horned grebes are much smaller and lack the white throat and cheeks. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:50:00/20:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for House Finches at Corydon, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-07-12	1986-07-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three House Finches at Corydon in Wayne County, IA on July 12, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	House Finch	Corydon	Corydon , (Wayne County)	Residential area - (Apple Tree, Wires, Tube Feeders)	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, Jim Fuller, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Dennis Thompson, and Dorothy Clayton Pohl. \| Elimination of similar species: A female Purple Finch has the distinctive dark ear patch and light eyebrow stripe which these did not. A Pine Siskin has a different look and is smaller, slimmer, and has a thin bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:30:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Dam, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-24	1990-12-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on December 24, 1990.	Proescholdt, Mark	Black-legged Kittiwake	Red Rock Dam	Red Rock Reservoir	Below dam in the river channel	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, Jim Dinsmore, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, Ann Johnson, Beth Proescholdt, Curt Nelson, Jan Walters, Pat Hanson, and Beth Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: A Bonaparte's lacks the black bar across the back of the neck and the black stripes across the inner wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:16:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Ibis species at Union Grove State Park, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-09-29	1985-10-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form an Ibis species at Union Grove State Park in Tama County, IA on September 29, 1985.	Proescholdt, Mark	Glossy Ibises	Union Grove State Park	Union Grove State Park -(Tama Co.)	Shallow end of lake with grassy edges	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, Eric Munson, Russell Hays, Hank Zaletel, Jim Fuller, and Cal Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: Can't think of any similar species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-09	1988-02-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on December 9, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Black-legged Kittiwake	Jester Park	Saylorville Reservoir - N. end of Jester Park	Wide River area - tree branch for perching	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore and Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: An immature Bonaparte's Gull lacks the dark black bar across the nape and the dark lines on its back are lighter than a Kittiwake. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:40:00/13:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Summer Tanager at Big Creek State Park, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-12	1991-05-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Summer Tanager at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on May 12, 1991.	Proescholdt, Mark	Summer Tanager	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park - (Polk Co.) - along 146th St. Road	Hedgerows along gravel road	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russ Widner, Carol Strohmeyer, and Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: A male Western Tanager has wingbars and is yellowish on breast and belly. A male Scarlet Tanager has black wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	44
Rare bird documentation form for Ibis species at east of Jewell and south of Anderson Lake, 1991	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-08	1991-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Ibis species east of Jewell and south of Anderson Lake in Hamilton County, IA on May 8, 1991.	Proescholdt, Mark	Glossy Ibises	Anderson Goose Lake	East of Jewell and south of Anderson Lake - (Hamilton co.)	small pond in a corn field	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ramona Sommerlot, Ann Johnson, Tim Schantz, Beth Brown, and Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: This was a white-faced Ibis or a Glossy Ibis. A first spring white ibis would show lots of white in its plumage colorations. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:20:00/18:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Red Rock Reservoir, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-03-15	1986-03-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Greater Scaup at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on March 15, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	Greater Scaup	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir area - (Marion Co.)	A small farm pond on the south side of Red Rock	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Phyllis J. Harris and Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup shows bold white stripe on secondaries only. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:50:00/14:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Hendrickson Marsh, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-10-10	1984-10-11	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for one or two Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Hendrickson Marsh in Story County, IA on October 10, 1984.	Proescholdt, Mark	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Hendrickson Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Hendrickson's Marsh - Story County	Tall grass, Knee-high weeds, small willow thickets	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Paul Martsching and Joe Schaufenbuel. \| Elimination of similar species: LeConte's Sparrow has white central crown stripe, chestnut streaks on nape, and a much lighter color on wings and back overall than does a Sharp-tailed Sparrow. \| The original documentation form event occurred between 15:15:00/15:25:00 and 15:40:00/15:41:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at George Wyth State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-07	1986-09-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at George Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County, IA on September 7, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	Merlin	George Wyth Memorial State Park	George Wyth State Park - Waterloo	Riverbottom woods along the Cedar River	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Cecil, Beth Proescholdt, Jackie Gardner, Phyllis Harris, Carol McMillen, Ramona Sommerlot, Bernie Knight, and Nick Kubik. \| Elimination of similar species: Sharp-shinned Hawk has rounded wings. A Kestrel is smaller and a Peregrine is considerably larger and neither have the strongly barred tail of a Merlin. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:15:00/11:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Anderson Lake, 1996	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-07-04	1996-07-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Anderson Lake in Hamilton County, IA on July 4, 1996.	Proescholdt, Mark	Red-necked Grebe	Anderson Goose Lake	Anderson Lake - East of Jewell - (Hamilton Co.)	small marshy pond across R.R. tracks from big marsh	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: No other grebes are like this one. Not a duck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:50:00/20:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Colo Ponds, 1998	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-06-28	1998-07-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Colo Ponds in Story County, IA on June 28, 1998.	Proescholdt, Mark	Red-necked Grebe	Colo Bogs Wildlife Management Area	Colo Ponds - Story County	Flooded farm field - south side of highway	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: Hooded Merganser discussed. Not shaped like ducks. Too big for 3 little grebe species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Western Kingbird at southeastern Hardin County, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-06-01	1985-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Kingbird at southeastern Hardin County, IA on June 1, 1985.	Proescholdt, Mark	Western Kingbird	Hardin County	SE 1/4 of Hardin Co.	Rows of corn on one side of fence, fresh cut hay pasture on other side	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Great-crested Flycatcher has a reddish tail, a greenish crown, shouldn't be expected in a pasture area, and usually is very vocal. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 18:00:00/18:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	72
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-27	1997-12-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on December 27, 1997.	Proescholdt, Mark	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Red Rock Dam	Below dam at Red Rock - (Marion County)	Gravel Bar below dam and churning water	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dale Fye, Helen Fye, Pat Miller, and many others. \| Elimination of similar species: The other black mantled gulls (Great Black-backed, Slaty-backed, Western, and Yellow-footed) are all much larger than this gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:20:00/11:10:00 and 13:30:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Pacific Loon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1998	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-10-31	1998-11-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on October 31, 1998.	Proescholdt, Mark	Pacific Loon	Red Rock Dam	Red Rock Reservoir - Marion County	Big reservoir just above the dam on north side	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Chuck Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: A Common Loon is bigger with a big bill, has light areas above and in front of eye, and a jagged heavily patterned side of the neck. Red-throated Loon has upturned bill mandibles and the division between dark and light on the neck is not nearly as defined as in a Pacific Loon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:45:00/15:16:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	9
Rare bird documentation form for White-faced Ibis at Bays Branch, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-05-06	1990-05-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-faced Ibis at Bays Branch in Gurthrie County, IA on May 6, 1990.	Proescholdt, Mark	White-faced Ibis	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bays Branch - (Guthrie County)	Lake area with mud flat edges	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol McMillan, Russ Widner, Beth Proescholdt, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Glossy Ibis does not have a large, noticeable white strip completely about the base of the bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/15:00:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	25