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 Greater Scaup at Iowa Power Light Settling Ponds (MidAmerican Energy Ponds), 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-03-12	1981-05-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for eight or more Greater Scaups at Iowa Power Light Settling Ponds (MidAmerican Energy Ponds) in Pottawattamie County, IA on March 12, 1981.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Greater Scaup	MidAmerican Energy Ponds	Iowa Power + Light Settling ponds	Large pond	The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Babs Padelford, Loren Padelford, and BJ Rose. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup has square to slightly crested head. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at MidAmerican Energy Ponds, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-10-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at MidAmerican Energy Ponds in Pottawattamie County, IA on October 29, 1989.	Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren	Black Scoter	MidAmerican Energy Ponds	Iowa Power and Light North Settling pond, Pottawattamie County		The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Larger than Ring-necked ducks which were also present for comparison. It had rounded forehead as opposed to the sloping forehead of the White-winged and Surf Scoters. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:15:00/12:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Baird's Sandpiper at Iowa Public Service Settling Ponds near Sioux City, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-03-30	1985-04-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for around twenty Baird's Sandpipers at Iowa Public Service Settling Ponds near Sioux City in Woodbury County, IA on March 30, 1985.	Huser, Bill F.	Baird's Sandpiper	Sioux City	Iowa Public Service Settling Ponds near Sioux City	mudflats with sparse vegetation, pools of water (mud is fly ash)	The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Wayne Livermore and Bob Livermore. \| Elimination of similar species: Sanderling: no noticeable wing stripe in flight White-rumped: dark rump when in flight Least: dark legs, long tail/wing Western - long tail/wing, no droop in bill tip, no probing Semi-palmated: long tail/wing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	22
Rare bird documentation form for Pied-billed Grebe at City Park, 1983	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-12-17	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pied-billed Grebe at City Park in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on December 17, 1983.	Williams, Ruth	Pied-billed Grebe	Iowa City City Park	Iowa River at City Park, Ia City	open water river	The documentation form by Ruth Williams is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Robert Lechner. \| Elimination of similar species: Horned or Eared Grebe smaller size bill shape - shorter or pied [illegible] white only under chin. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/14:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	11
Rare bird documentation form for American White Pelican at Oakville, 1997	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-23	1998-01-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an American White Pelican at Oakville in Louisa County, IA on December 23, 1997.	Ohde, Bill	American White Pelican	Oakville	Iowa River, 1 mile NW of Oakville, Louisa County, Iowa	large shallow river with sandbars, forested shorelines.	The documentation form by Bill Ohde is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ron Cross. \| Elimination of similar species: Our first thought was swan when we saw the the [sic] large white bird in the water. We first used binoculars and immediately saw the huge orange bill. Then I got out the spotting scope to take a close look. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	16
Rare bird documentation form for Osprey at the Mississippi River near Davenport, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-12-20	1992-12-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Osprey at the Mississippi River near Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 20, 1992.	Sandvick, Doris	Osprey	Davenport	Iowa side of Mississippi River from Rock Island IL.	River edge - in a cottonwood	The documentation form by Doris Sandvick is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Rogers. \| Elimination of similar species: Red-tailed Hawk - this bird too large, back entirely dark brown, top of head white. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:40:00/09:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	19
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Jefferson Township, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-03-15	1983-03-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Jefferson Township in Madison County, IA on March 15, 1983.	Armstrong, Eugene	Merlin	Jefferson Township	Iowa, Madison County, Jefferson 11	Grass, cropland, waste land, tree covered creek. Tree top, cottonwood along small ditch	The documentation form by Eugene Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel, this bird larger, no face pattern, no red on any part of back not large enough for Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for White-rumped Sandpiper at Sandpiper Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-08-07	1988-10-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-rumped Sandpiper at Sandpiper Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on August 7, 1998.	Overton, Michael D.	White-rumped Sandpiper	Sandpiper Recreation Area	Iowa, Polk co., Saylorville Reservoir, Sandpiper Recreation Area	Near lakeshore of large manmade lake in mixed hardwood forest, agricultural cropland. Wet mudflat in deep ditch (outflow channel from small pond along entrance road to parking lot).	The documentation form by Michael D. Overton is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Other Calidris sp. except Baird's eliminated by amount of primary extension beyond tail on standing bird. Eliminate Baird's Sandpiper by white uppertail coverts. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:10:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	21
Rare bird documentation form for Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry in Ames, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-08	1999-05-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry in Ames in Story County, IA on May 8, 1999.	Overton, Michael D.	Pacific Loon	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Iowa, Story co., Ames, Hallett's Quarry	Lake in old quarry at edge of urban residential area	The documentation form by Michael D. Overton is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dixie Overton, Michael Freiberg, Kevin Healy, and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: Red-throated Loon by parallel sided bill, horizontal bill and head position, no white areas above or in front of the eye, distinct straight demarcation between light and dark areas on head and sides of neck, lack of white spots on back. Arctic Loon by presence of "chinstrap", lack of white flank patches, realistic attitude. Common Loon by smaller size, smaller parallel sided bill, rounded crown, no white areas in front of or above eye, nape lighter than back, white auricular area, distinct straight demarcation between light and dark areas on head and sides of neck. Yellow-billed Loon by smaller size, smaller parallel sided bill, rounded crown, no white areas in front of or above eye, white auricular area, distinct straight demarcation between light and dark areas on head and side of neck.\| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/17:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	9
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Iowa State University Beef Farm, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-05-01	1978-05-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Iowa State University Beef Farm in Story County, IA on May 1, 1978.	Heagy, Patricia A.	Prairie Falcon	Story County	Iowa, Story County, T84N, R24W, Sec 30; ISU Beef Farm	wooded pasture, surrounded by grassy pasture, cropland, and woods. Open woodland pasture along Onion Creek	The documentation form by Patricia A. Heagy is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel - smaller and without dark axillar. They also have rusty backs, and do not have complete tail bands. Peregrine Falcon - has a darker face pattern and a slate-colored back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:40:00/09:41:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Western Kingbird near Ames, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-05-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Kingbird near Ames in Story County, IA on May 11, 1978.	Heagy, Patricia A.	Western Kingbird	Ames	Iowa, Story County; T84N, R24W, sec 30; ISU Beef Farm	General: In a wooded pasture with a creek running through. Specific: Along the creek in a single locust, above a brush pile scattered trees nearby, open wooded pasture. Farmland adjacent (plowed).	The documentation form by Patricia A. Heagy is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Cassin's Kingbird - does not occur this far northeast and lacks the white outer tail feathers, has a white chin and dark breast Myiarchas flycatchers do not have black tails. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:40:00/09:42:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	72
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Hanover Township in Allamakee County, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-11-21	1982-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Hanover Township in Allamakee County, IA on November 21, 1982.	Robinson, John C., 1959-	Northern Goshawk	Hanover Township	Iowa; Allamakee County, Hanover Twsp., Sect. 8	Steep flood plain bluffs with mixed (cedar and deciduous) forest vegetation	The documentation form by John C. Robinson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Newlon and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: Cooper's Hawk: Although size overlap is possible, this species lacks the blue-gray underparts and bold facial patterns mentioned above. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/08:46:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Sandhill Crane at MidAmerican Energy Ponds, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-03-02	1985-06-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sandhill Crane at MidAmerican Energy Ponds in Pottawattamie County, IA on March 2, 1985.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Sandhill Crane	MidAmerican Energy Ponds	IPL Settling Pond, Council Bluffs, Iowa		The documentation form by Barbara Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Matt Towne, John Bakehouse, and Jeane-Marie Bakehouse. \| Elimination of similar species: Great Blue Heron has longer bill, neck in S-curve.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	1
Rare bird documentation form for Herring Gull at MidAmerican Energy Ponds near Council Bluffs, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-05-24	1985-06-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Herring Gull at MidAmerican Energy Ponds near Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County, IA on May 24, 1985.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Herring Gull	MidAmerican Energy Ponds	IPL Settling Ponds, Council Bluffs, Iowa		The documentation form by Barb L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Similar to most of the other large immature gulls of the world. Mantle too light for Black-backed group. Wingtips, even in their folded condition, too dark for Glaucous, Glaucous-winged, etc. that leaves a whole mess of light-mouthed large gulls with dark wing tips. Description seems to match young Herring Gull (second summer ?) well enough. Eye color would probably be becoming pale in a Herring of this plumage, but perhaps not, + it might not show at the distance. I have trouble eliminating California Gull, but it is even harder to support that species.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	34
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at ISU golf course, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-04	1984-09-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at ISU golf course in Ames in Story County, IA on September 4, 1984.	Munson, Erik	Merlin	Veenker Memorial Golf Course	ISU golf course, Ames, Story Co., Iowa	wooded edge - a 100 yd wide wooded ravine with a golf fareway 50 yds wide alongside it.	The documentation form by Erik Munson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Peregrine falcon by size. Immature sharp-shin by pointed wings and falcon shape. Prairie falcon by size, habitat, and tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:57:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Vesper Sparrow around Jamaica, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-12-20	1996-12-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Vesper Sparrow around Jamaica in Guthrie County, IA on December 20, 1996.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Vesper Sparrow	Jamaica	Jamaica CBC, Guthrie Co. IA	Roadside	The documentation form by Bob Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Maridel Jackson. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	52
Rare bird documentation form for Red-shouldered Hawk at Clear Creek Township in Jasper County, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-01-22	1984-02-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-shouldered Hawk at Clear Creek Township in Jasper County, IA on January 22, 1984.	Zaletel, Hank	Red-shouldered Hawk	Clear Creek Township	Jasper County, Clear Creek Twnshp T8IN-R21W Section 13 SE	Steep hills, flat valleys, wooded slopes	The documentation form by Hank Zaletel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Red tail does not have barred tail, does not have orange brown breast as well as underside wing linings. Broad wing has fewer bars on tail, does not have orange brown underside wing linings neither have dark, white spacing on top side secondaries. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	26
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Fairfield, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-01-18	1991-03-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Fairfield in Jefferson County, IA on January 18, 1991.	Alexander, Carol Ann	Peregrine Falcon	Fairfield	Jefferson County, Fairfield, IA - Adema St., Jefferson St, & "D" St.	Residential area, 30 degrees, snow on ground.	The documentation form by Carol Ann Alexander is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Richard M. Alexander. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel and Merlin. Both too small (about 6 inches smaller). Also no other bird could dive at that speed. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:35:00/12:35:35.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Jester Park at Saylorville Lake, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-04-09	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at Jester Park at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on April 9, 1989.	Johnson, Ann	Black Scoter	Jester Park	Jester Park area of Saylorville Lake, Polk County, IA	Large impoundment with much open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Andy Fix. \| Elimination of similar species: The coot was eliminated by bill color and general body shape. Other scoters were eliminated by the rounder head shape, lack of any white on the head or body, and by the distinctive bill color and pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull at Jester Park, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-12-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Jester Park in Polk County, IA on December 6, 1999.	Brees, Aaron	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Jester Park	Jester Park, Campground 4		The documentation form by Aaron Brees is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull was eliminated by structure, wing pattern, and tail pattern. California Gull was eliminated by bill coloration and tail pattern. Thayers Gull was eliminated by wing pattern, structure, and over all color.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Jester Park, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Jester Park at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on October 28, 1990.	Johnson, Ann	Red-necked Grebe	Jester Park	Jester Park, Saylorville Lake, Polk Co., Iowa	Open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Loons were eliminated on the basis of thin neck and posture. Cormorants were eliminated because of straight posture, lack of throat patch, and basic plumage configurations. The bird was obviously larger than a Pied-billed Grebe which would, in addition to the yellow bill, eliminate all but Western Grebe. Western Grebe would have looked much larger than the various waterfowl nearby and would not have shown any rust color on the neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/13:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-11-10	1990-11-11	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1990.	Johnson, Ann	Black-legged Kittiwake	Jester Park	Jester Park, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA	Open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engebretsen, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, and Des Moines Audubon. \| Elimination of similar species: Although a number of first year gulls show some type of dark "M", none of the expected, or even unexpected, species have the combination of the wing pattern and neck collar that this bid had. Bonaparte's, Ross', Com. Black-headed, Little and Sabine's gulls could all be eliminated by the presence of the collar. Red-legged Kittiwake, the one gull to share the neck collar, was eliminated by the black carpal bar and black tips to tail feathers. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:10:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Jester Park, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1990-11-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Jester Park in Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1990.	Johnson, Ann	Surf Scoter	Jester Park	Jester Park, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA	Open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engrebretsen, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, and others from the Des Moines Audubon. \| Elimination of similar species: Most ducks were eliminated by the angle/slope of the head and bill and the size of the bill. Although there was a similarity of head profile to the Common Eider, the facial spots eliminated any eider. Black Scoter would have a more rounded head with a uniform lighter cheek area as opposed to the spots on this bird. White-winged Scoter should have shown more rounded angle form the top of the head to the bill, generally would have less distinct facial spots, and definitely would have had white wing patches when the bird raised its wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Hastings, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-26	1983-11-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at the John Wilson farm in Hastings in Mills County, IA on November 26, 1983.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Northern Goshawk	Hastings	John Wilson farm, NE Mills County, Ia.		The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Tail too long + flight too quick + direct for a Red-tail. Wings rounded - not a falcon. Young accipiter (+ many buteos) would be streaked below. Adult accipiters of other kinds would be barred below, but reddish or brown, not gravy. Marsh Hawk would fly with a more leisurely pace + have longer wings. As I saw it, identifications went clicking through my brains one after another. Red tail? No.. Marsh Hawk! - No ... Coopers Hawk! Yes - no - its gray! I certainly did not expect a Goshawk.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
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