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 Red-necked Grebe at Lower Pine Lake, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-09-20	1982-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Lower Pine Lake in Eldora in Hardin County, IA on September 20, 1982.	Harris, Phyllis J.	Red-necked Grebe	Pine Lake State Park	Lower Pine Lake, Eldora, Hardin County	Lower Pine Lake is small, surrounded by trees, marshy habitat in the upper end of the lake. Small island in the middle. Bird was observed between the island and the marshy area.	The documentation form by Phyllis Harris is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Loon, because of the size of the neck and head in comparison to the rest of there body. They have larger body. Western Grebe, has thinner bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Least Sandpiper at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Least Sandpiper at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on December 6, 1998.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Least Sandpiper	Babcock Access	Coralville Reservoir (Babcock Access), Johnson Co., IA	low water in field	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: Only size comparison with Killdeer - about 1/2 as long and 1/3 as big - crude estimate. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	19
Rare bird documentation form for Bell's Vireo at Brookside Park in Ames, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-05	1984-05-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bell's Vireo at Brookside Park in Ames in Story County, IA on May 5, 1984.	Martsching, Paul	Bell's Vireo	Brookside Park	Brookside Park - Ames - Story County - Iowa	low land woods	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Joseph Schaufenbuel. \| Elimination of similar species: Ruby-crowned Kinglet is smaller; more active; wing bars more prominent. Warbling Vireo + Philadelphia Vireos do not have wing bars, + don't have eye rings. Solitary Vireo is bigger; more prominent spectacles, back greenish; wing bars more prominent. Orange Crowned + Tennessee Warblers don't have eye ring or wing bars - are greener. \| The original documentation form event lasted from around 08:30:00/08:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	77
Rare bird documentation form for Chipping Sparrow west of Hiawatha, 1988	Field notes	Bird banding Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds Trapping	1988-02-09	1988-02-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Chipping Sparrow west of Hiawatha in Linn County, IA on February 9, 1988.	Bradley, Rob	Chipping Sparrow	Hiawatha	Home patio feeder - 1 mile west fo [sic] Hiawatha, Iowa (Linn County)	Low bushes and trees around a cement patio	The documentation form by Robert Bradley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Karen Bradley. \| Elimination of similar species: Tree sparrow too large. Cap with only a few rufous feathers. No central breast spot. No black eyeline. Buff supercilliary [sic] line. Breast was gray as compared with buff on clay colored sparrow also gray rump instead of brown. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:50:00 on February 9, 1988 - 07:30:00 on February 10, 1988.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	49
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-10-29	1993-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on October 29, 1993.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Prairie Falcon	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth Co., IA	long narrow slough	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The underwing markings and apparent light coloration argue against Peregrine Falcon. The date and location are appropriate for Prairie Falcon in Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:50:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Dunbar Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1980-09-21	1980-09-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Dunbar Slough in Greene County, IA on September 21, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Peregrine Falcon	Dunbar Slough	Dunbar Slough, Greene Co Iowa	long narrow marsh with a few trees at edge. Dunbar S.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Newlon, Carol S. Newlon, and Tom Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Shaped definitely that of falcon. Size and flight different from Merlin. Face mark heavier than Prairie Falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:10:00/07:15:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at Waubonsie State Park, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, IA on May 24, 1984.	Bray, Tanya	Bewick's Wren	Waubonsie State Park	Waubonsie State Park Fremont County, Iowa	Loess Hills Oak-Hickory Forest The wren was seen in a narrow strip of woodland bordered on one side by the park road, on another side by an open and mowed picnic area, and backed by an area of low shrubby tangles. Across the road was a deep, wooded ravine	The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include B.J. Rose and Babs Padelford. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Nearly size of Carolina Wren, but with a slimmer more elongated 'look'. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bonaparte's Gull at the Mississippi River at Keokuk, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-31	1988-01-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bonaparte's Gull at the Mississippi River at Keokuk in Lee County, IA on December 31, 1987.	Cecil, Robert I.	Bonaparte's Gull	Keokuk	Miss. River at Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa	Lock and Dam 19 Tailwaters	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Black-headed has dark underwings. I would have noticed this. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:05:00/14:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	33
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle north of Cherokee, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-10-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle one mile north of Cherokee in Cherokee County, IA on October 28, 1989.	Bierman, Dick	Golden Eagle	Cherokee	1 mile north of Cherokee, Cherokee County	Little Sioux River Valley. Hilly, woods, pastures	The documentation form by Dick Bierman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Quinn. \| Elimination of similar species: Bald Eagle - an immature bald eagle has some white feathers on the body & wings. This bird was all dark except for the above mentioned places. Dark Phase Rough Leg: This bird was much larger and chunkier. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:45:00/11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon south of Cherokee, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-09-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon south of Cherokee in Cherokee County, IA on September 19, 1992.	Bierman, Dick	Prairie Falcon	Cherokee	6 miles South of Cherokee, Cherokee County	Little Sioux River Valley Timbered hillsides & pastures	The documentation form by Dick Bierman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Sy Runkel and Brian Fulton. \| Elimination of similar species: Peregrine Falcon is much darker on the back. Swainson's Hawk is buteo shaped. I've seen thousands and monitored nests. Merlin is smaller. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:34:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Allamakee County, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-11-21	1982-11-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Golden Eagles on County Road A26 in Allamakee County, IA on November 21, 1982.	Moore, Francis L.	Golden Eagle	Allamakee County	County Road A26 in Allamakee County, Iowa	Limestone bluffs near upper Mississippi River in Iowa	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers, Joe Schaufenbuel, John Robinson, Peter Petersen, Hank Zaletel, and many other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Immature Bald Eagle has a more massive looking bill and are more mottled with white or light colored areas on the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. These birds did not have this characteristic.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Allamakee County, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-14	1981-11-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Golden Eagles along county road A26 in Allamakee County, IA on November 14, 1981.	Moore, Francis L.	Golden Eagle	Allamakee County	Along county road A26 in Allamakee County	Limestone bluffs and hills topped with hardwood and conifer trees	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers and Darwin Koenig. \| Elimination of similar species: Bald Eagle as described above. The bird was not mottled in appearance as an immature Bald Eagle would be but was a rather uniform dark brown overall except for the white in the upper retrices and wing linings which was noted before. As we watched the bird through our binoculars and a 20x telescope another large bird appeared from the East and this too was another Eagle. The second bird was an overall dark brown except for a very small amount of white to whitish color at the base of the retrices. This bird had a lighter brown color to the back of the head and on the nape. There was no mottled effect as would be shown in an immature Bald Eagle. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:30:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Common Flicker hybrid at Iowa City, 1975	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1975-11-01	1975-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Common Flicker hybrid at Iowa CIty in Johnson County, IA on November 1, 1975.	Newlon, Michael C.	Northern Flicker	Iowa City	Iowa City IA	lawn with many large hickory trees, in Hickory Hill Park, Iowa City - park contains second growth woods, pastures, brush old fields surrounded on 3 sides by residential areas, farmland on the other side.	The documentation form by Michael C. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: local 'yellow-shafted' has (1) yellow linings to wing + tail, (2) yellow shafts to primaries -> rectrices, (3) black mustache-mark, (4) brown face + grey crown. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:00:00/10:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	61
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Saylorville Dam, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1982-11-15	1982-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-winged Scoters at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on November 15, 1982.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	White-winged Scoter	Saylorville Dam	Saylorville Dam, Polk Co., Iowa	Larger Reservoir, surrounded by wooded hills.	The documentation form by Joseph P. Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The uniform dark brown, with white eye and orange bill separates the birds from other two scoters. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/13:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Lake Anita State Park in 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1981-11-06	1981-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four White-winged Scoters at Lake Anita State Park in Cass County, IA on November 6, 1981.	Hensley, R. Craig	White-winged Scoter	Lake Anita State Park	Lake Anita State Park, one mile south of Anita, Iowa	Large, open lake	The documentation form by R. Craig Hensley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The surf scoter and black scoter are similar. However, the specimans [sic] that I observed had the white wing patch that these two species do not have. In addition, two of the birds seen had white about their eyes, as neither of the other two have. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:20:00/08:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Eared Grebe at Lake Anita State Park, 1981	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-06	1981-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Eared Grebes at Lake Anita State Park in Anita in Cass County, IA on November 6, 1981.	Hensley, R. Craig	Eared Grebe	Lake Anita State Park	Lake Anita State Park, located one(1) mile south of Anita	Large, open lake	The documentation form by R. Craig Hensley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The pied-billed grebe is the only other relative that is commonly encountered in Cass County. This species was ruled out due to body size and proportions and the different beak. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	14
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-10-28	1987-10-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 28, 1987.	Myers, Robert K.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir (Polk Co.) - from Jester Park	Large, man-made lake	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: The dark bar on nape of neck would eliminate imm. Bonaparte's Gull. (and Little + Ross' for that matter) \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/07:46:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Glaucous Gull at Lake Manawa, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-12-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Glaucous Gull at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on December 6, 1978.	Bray, Tanya Kovanda, Sandra Padelford, Babs	Glaucous Gull	Lake Manawa State Park	Lake Manawa, Iowa	Large, fresh water lake - 3/4 frozen	The documentation form by Tanya Bray, Sandy Kovanda, and Babs Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rushton G. Cortelyou. \| Elimination of similar species: All of us are familiar with herring gulls. The large size, white plumage, and absence of black on wing tips eliminated this species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	37
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Big Creek State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-12	1986-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 12, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	Black Scoter	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park - (Polk Co.)	Large to medium-sized Lake with many bays	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt, Bob Myers, and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: A winter Ruddy Duck is much smaller than a scoter, has a different look than a scoter, is lighter in coloration, and the cheek patch is different color or markings of male and female Ruddy than a scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:20:00/15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Saylorville Reservoir, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-09-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on September 21, 1985.	Myers, Robert K.	Peregrine Falcon	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir	Large timber lined lake. This area seems to be a good migratory path for raptors.	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: Bird was too big for Merlin and too dark above for Prairie Falcon and basic shape, color and head pattern eliminates other possible hawks. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Cape May Warbler at Cedar Rapids, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-12-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Cape May Warbler at Cedar Rapids in Linn County, IA on December 22, 1999.	Dooley, Michael C.	Cape May Warbler	Cedar Rapids	Feeder in Cedar Rapids, Linn County	Large six-foot high, covered platform feeder in open backyard. Perhaps two inches of snow cover on ground. Neighborhood of single-family homes with yards, in city but outside of inner city. Large park nearby.	The documentation form by Mike Dooley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Scheible, John Havilcek, Joyce Havilcek, and Jim Durbin. \| Elimination of similar species: None eliminated on-site. Possible mis-identifications, given the premium conditions and extended period under which this bird was studied, might be as follows (consulting the National Geographic Society field guide): (1) fall adult Blackburnian Warbler: bird in question was strongly streaked on breast and sides, not just flanks; (2) female Townsend's Warbler: streaking on breast and sides of bird in question did not have semi-necklace effect of Townsend's; olive of head and back much grayer; (3) female Praire [sic] Warbler: bird in question had extended yellow post-occular stripe; streaked breast, not just sides and streaks bolder; had white belly; (4) fall Blackpoll Warbler: bird in question was much more boldly streaked on breast and sides; had extended post-occular yellow stripe, clearly defined cheek patch. All of above eliminated due to bird in question having wings similar to back color and not of a contrasting charcoal, as well as having a bold yellow-olive rump. All but Praire [sic] Warbler eliminated due to bird in question's virtual lack of wing bars. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	24
Rare bird documentation form for Little Blue Heron at Cone Marsh, 1978	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-08-13	1978-08-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Little Blue Heron at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on August 13, 1978	Newlon, Michael C.	Little Blue Heron	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone Marsh, Louisa Co, IA	large shallow, algae-filled pond; part of a much larger area of marsh, ponds, river bottom woods and fields.	The documentation form by Michael C. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rich DeCoster. \| Elimination of similar species: Small size, bill & leg color rule out great egret (large, yellow bill, black legs); Snowy egret (smaller black bill, black legs & yellow feet), cattle egret (thicker neck, yellow bill), great white heron (much larger, yellow bill + legs), white phase reddish egret (bulkier neck, pink bill & dk tip, pink legs). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00 - 10:30:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	20
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 Western Sandpiper 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 Western Sandpiper at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on October 28, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Sandpiper	Lily Pond	Amana L., Iowa Co., IA.	large shallow lake with low water and 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: Separation from Semipalmated Sandpiper rests on the bill. The behavior is a bit supportive. Based on records for Iowa, we do not yet know which species is more likely. Having to travel to South America, it would seem that semipalmateds would pass through Iowa earlier, but pectorals go just as far south and some are late migrants. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	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