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 Trumpeter Swan at Runnells Area, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-02-29	1992-03-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form two Trumpeter Swans at Runnells Area in Marion County, IA on February 29, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Trumpeter Swan	Red Rock Wildlife Area	Runnells A.; Marion Co., IA	Refuge area at upper end of Red Rock Res.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil, Ann Johnson, and another man. \| Elimination of similar species: The appearance of the adult's bill eliminates Mute Swan. The lack of a yellow bill spot on the adult argues against Tundra Swan, but I understand that this is not an absolute criteria. The straightness of the culmen and shape of the feather extension along the forehead are difficult to judge, especially at a distance. Perhaps most convincing was the amount of darkness on the immature. Tundra Swans are said to be quite white on the back and wings by spring. The size of the bill on the immature was also quite impressive. The date is a bit early for Tundra Swan, but fine for Trumpeter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-28	1991-04-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on April 28, 1991.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Van Buren Co., Iowa	Over forested area of Des Moines River	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: Osprey, Turkey Vulture, and immature Bald Eagle are all eliminated by the distribution of white. The size and profile was typical of Golden Eagle. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1986	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1986-12-03	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Thayer's Gulls at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 3, 1986. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Thayer's Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir	reservoir with ice and open water.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull --see above. [...] The bird is not any larger than some of the ring-bills--some of the ring-bills are smaller. The larger ring-bills are almost as big as this bird, and it is distinctly smaller than a number of Herring Gulls in the same field. The bill is much smaller and thinner; the head is small. [...] The striking thing about this bird is the size, bill shape and head shape compared to the nearby herrings and very distinct smudge through the eye." \| The original documentation form event lasted from around 09:10:00 for several minutes and 15:55:00 for many minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Shrike at Cone Marsh, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-03-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Shrike at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 10, 1985.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Northern Shrike	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone M., Louisa Co., IA	Marsh + farmland with edge	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and James Sandrock. \| Elimination of similar species: Loggerhead Shrike. All features except all dark bill favor Northern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:15:00/09:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	75
Rare bird documentation form for Eared Grebe at Cedar Lake, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-04-08	1994-04-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Eared Grebe at Cedar Lake in Linn County, IA on April 8, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Eared Grebe	Cedar Lake	Cedar L., Linn Co., Iowa	river bottom lake in city	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: The head shape and small bill on this small dark grebe caught my eye. The neck and lower face were too dark for a winter-plumaged Horned Grebe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	14
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur southeast of Hills, 1983	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-03-12	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two hundred Smith's Longspurs southeast of Hills in Johnson County, IA on March 12, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Smith's Longspur	Hills	2 e. 1 s. Hills, Johnson Co. IA	Old soy bean stubble, moist in areas	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Rick Hollis. \| Elimination of similar species: Other longspurs by tail, wing patch, underparts + note. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/13:00:00 and 13:30:00/14:15:00	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur east of Conesville, 1983	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-03-20	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for eight Smith's Longspurs east of Conesville in Muscatine County, IA on March 20, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Smith's Longspur	Conesville	1/2 mi. e. of Conesville, Muscatine Co. IA	Road and roadside, flat land	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Tom Staudt \| Elimination of similar species: Tail, shoulder patch, face pattern, and plain buffy underparts eliminate other longspurs. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Montrose, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Greater Scaups at Montrose in Lee County, IA on November 20, 1983.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Greater Scaup	Montrose	Montrose, Lee Co. - Keokuk pool	Mississippi pool	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: Head with large bill and little angle between bill + forehead. Back of head round. Head shape quite different from lessers seen at times in same field. Bird definitely large + head larger that all lessers.. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Muskrat Slough, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Muskrat Slough in Jones County, IA on May 23, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Muskrat Slough State Game Management Area	Muskrat Slough, Jones Co., Iowa	grassy marsh, catails [sic] - NW end of marsh	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: LeConte's Sparrow - has crown stripe and lacks white lines on back. Also late. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Coralville Reservoir, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-09-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 11, 1983.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res	open part of reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: Pointed wings eliminate sharp-shin. Coloration eliminated Kestrel. Size and marks eliminate Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:40:00/07:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Jolly Rogers Campground at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-16	1990-12-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Franklin's Gull at Jolly Rogers Campground at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on December 16, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Franklin's Gull	Jolly Rogers Campground	Coralville Reservoir (Jolly Roger), Johnson Co., IA	wide part of reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Carol Thompson, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: Bonaparte's [handwritten note - 'neither is Franklins!] not hooded at this time of year and has lighter wing with white leading edge. In the last several years, Franklin's Gulls in alternate plumage have been recorded in the midwest in winter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:45:00 estimate.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Varied Thrush at Waterloo, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-01-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Varied Thrush at Waterloo in Black Hawk County, IA on January 3, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Varied Thrush	Waterloo	Waterloo IA	General: Residential with many tree, [sic] many stands of old large conifers Specific: Waterloo - corner of Persing and Sheridan	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Francis Moore, Robert Myers, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: none \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:17:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	11
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Coralville Dam, 1981	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1981-11-07	1993-08-26	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Coralville Dam in Johnson County, IA on November 7, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence and commentary about the sighting, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Thayer's Gull	Coralville Dam	Coralville Res. Dam, west overlook, Johnson Co. Iowa	Reservoir, just above dam, in water and on swimming beach	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Mike Newlon, and many unidentified other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Photographs taken at the first encounter with a Celestron 750 mm lens demonstrate the size difference, the bill and head shape difference, the lighter overall color, and the window in the wing. An adult Herring was in the photo with the Thayer's on 7 Nov and imm Herring were photographed on 10 Nov for comparison. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:25:00/09:50:00 and 11:00:00/11:20:00 on November 7, 1981 and 07:30:00/08:30:00 on November 8, 1981.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Coralville Reservoir, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 10, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Peregrine Falcon	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res., Johnson Co., IA	Reservoir edge, wet fields, dead trees	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Rick Hollis, Philip Dunne, and Mike Newlon. \| Elimination of similar species: Facial mark eliminates buteos and accipiters. Dark color does not fit with Prairie Falcon. Axillaries not seen - did not fly. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near East Amana, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Photography of birds Rare birds	1981-04-26	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near East Amana in Iowa County, IA on April 26, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	East Amana	near E. Amana, Iowa County, Iowa	General: Pasture with trees and small shrubs. Specific: 1 mi. E. 1 1/2 mi N. 1/8 mi E of East Amana	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Thomas Shires, Rick Hollis, and two couples from Amana. \| Elimination of similar species: none \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:40:00/15:00:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	73
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at Forneys Lake, 1984	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-03-25	1984-03-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ross' Goose at Forneys Lake in Fremont County, IA on March 25, 1984	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Ross' Goose	Forneys Lake	Forney L. Fremont Co.	shallow lake	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Tom Staudt, Ross Silcock, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: Size and bill eliminate Snow Goose. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Wilson's Warbler at Coralville Reservoir, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Wilson's Warbler at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 2, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Wilson's Warbler	Coralville Lake	Johnson Co Iowa, Coralville Res.	General: Old farm stead Specific: 1/2 mi. north of Sandy Beach on Coralville Res.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf. \| Elimination of similar species: At first considered goldfinch because of yellow color, but wings not dark + bill, body, and size that of a warbler. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 11:00:00/11:00:15.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	42
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Green Castle Corner in Johnson County, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-31	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Northern Goshawks at Green Castle Corner in Johnson County, IA on October 31, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Northern Goshawk	Green Castle (historical)	1 1/2 mi w. Green castle corner, NW Johnson Co., IA	mixed open (wet) fields and wooded edge	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf. \| Elimination of similar species: Size and eye stripe exclude Coopers, shape and marking exclude Red-tail, Harrier + other buteos. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Dunbar Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-09-21	1980-09-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Dunbar Slough in Greene County, IA on September 21, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin		Dunbar Slough, Greene Co Iowa	Marsh with mud flats, trees adjacent to marsh, Dunbar Slough	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Newlon, Michael Newlon, and Tom Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Size differed from Peregrine seen early at same location. Marking specific for Merlin. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:15:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at North Liberty, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-12-18	1982-12-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at North Liberty in Johnson County, IA on December 18, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Northern Goshawk	North Liberty	3 mi. N of North Liberty, Johnson Co. Iowa - near Girl Scout Camp	Wooded edge to hilly fields and low brushy areas.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Thompson, Bob Lechner, and Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Accipiter shape, large size, and color with black primaries eliminate other species. Had a better look at one in the same area in November. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Records Committee Review for rare bird sighting of Pacific Loon at Pleasant Creek Lake, 1995	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-10-31	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee of a Pacific Loon at Pleasant Creek Lake in Linn County on October 31, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Pacific Loon	Pleasant Creek State Park	Pleasant Creek L., Linn Co., IA	deep-water, artificial lake	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Chuck Fuller, Jane Fuller, and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: I studied the Common Loons seen earlier in the morning. They presented a wide spectrum of face patterns and size. I based the identification of Pacific Loon subjective evaluation of size, bill shape and size, sharp line of separation of black and white on the neck, and chin strap. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	7
Rare bird documentation form for Snowy Egret at Diamond Lake, 1981	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-04-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Snowy Egret at Diamond Lake in Poweshiek County, IA on April 23, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Snowy Egret	Diamond Lake	Diamond L., Montezuma, Poweshiek Co IA	antipied lake, water level low, N. Cove at Diamond L.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Darwin Koenig. \| Elimination of similar species: Great Egret - size, bill + feet color wrong. Immature Little Blue heron - season, bill and feet color, plumes wrong. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:40:00/18:10:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	19
Rare bird documentation form for Red Crossbill northeast of Iowa City, 1996	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-07-13	1996-07-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for ten Red Crossbills northeast of Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on July 13, 1996.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red Crossbill	Iowa City	farmstead northeast of Iowa City at feeders	Open farm land, multiple feeders, no conifers seen in area.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dave Conrads and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: None. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:40:00/17:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	83
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Tricolored Heron at Cone Marsh, 1989	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Maps (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc Wildlife conservation	1989-04-29	1993-08-05	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Tricolored Heron at Cone Marsh, Louisa County, IA on April 29, 1989. Includes record review documents with votes, articles in Iowa Bird Life and the Loon, maps of Tri-Colored Heron sightings and breeding areas, correspondence about the sighting from Ross Silcock to Carl Bendorf, from to Dick Shaffer to Thomas H. Kent, from Bruce Peterjohn to Thomas H. Kent and committee votes, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Tricolored Heron	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone M., Louise Co., IA	marsh	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Shaffer. \| Elimination of similar species: Size and white belly eliminate other herons. Apparently an immature or non-breeding plumaged adult. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/10:59:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	18
Rare bird documentation form for Hudsonian Godwit at Amana Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-28	1994-11-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hudsonian Godwit at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on October 28, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Hudsonian Godwit	Lily Pond	Amana L., Iowa Co., IA	large shallow lake at low water with extensive mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Marbled Godwit is eliminated by the white rump, wing stripe, and lack of cinnamon or brownish coloration. Black-tailed Godwit is eliminated by the contrasting and dark underwing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	13