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

Nicholas S. Halmi letter to Vernon M. Kleen regarding birds sighted around Iowa City during fall 1974, November 30, 1974	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Migration Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology	1974-11-30	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Nicholas S. Halmi letter to Vernon M. Kleen was regarding birds sighted around Iowa City during fall 1974, November 30, 1974. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union Quarterly field report of fall 1974.	Halmi, Nicholas S.		Iowa City				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	17	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Lake Cona-Toma, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-16	1999-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Lake Cona-Toma in Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 16, 1999.	Fischer, Carolyn J.	Red-necked Grebe	Lake Cona Toma	Lake Cona-Toma, Mason City	small lake with homes around it -	The documentation form by Carolyn Fischer is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rita Goranson and Jan Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: Horned Grebe - smaller size bird, no horns. Eared Grebe - smaller size, too dark all over.	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 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 Big Creek Lake, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-05-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Big Creek Lake in Polk County, IA on May 11, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Big Creek Lake	Big Creek L., Polk Co., IA	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engebretsen. \| Elimination of similar species: The shape was obviously that of a grebe. The bird was much too large for a Horned or Eared grebe, both of which were seen within an hour of this sighting. The combination of large size, white throat/cheek patch, and bill size and color eliminates all other grebes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-05-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on May 11, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Res., Polk Co., IA	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engebretsen. \| Elimination of similar species: The large size and bill color and size all eliminate other grebes. Note that we had just seen another Red-necked Grebe on nearby Big Creek L. 2 hours earlier. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:05:00/12:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Silver Lake, 1994	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-05-12	1994-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Silver Lake in Worth County, IA on May 12, 1994.	Goranson, Rita	Red-necked Grebe	Silver Lake	Silver Lake Worth Co Iowa	on the lake	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carolyn Fischer and Pat Hansen. \| Elimination of similar species: Eared grebes also in water so could eliminate species. Western grebe also in water.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-11-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 22, 1993.	Johnson, Ann	Red-necked Grebe	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County, IA	Open deep 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, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: The long, thin neck eliminated ducks and loons and convinced me that the shape of the bird was most certainly a grebe. Western/Clark's shows white rather than gray on the chin, neck, and breast and is larger. Horned Grebes are smaller and also are white on the underparts. Pied-billed could be eliminated by the size and shape of the bill alone. Although fall Eared Grebes are fairly gray, the size equaling Hooded Mergansers and the large bill allowed me to eliminate that species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Four Mile Lake, 1993	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-06-09	1993-06-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Red-necked Grebes at Four Mile Lake in Emmet County, IA on June 9, 1993.	Ehresman, Bruce Flaherty, Molly	Red-necked Grebe	Four Mile Lake Wildlife Management Area	T99N, R34W, Sec 8 SE 1/4 at Four Mile Lake Restored Area. ~150 yds NW of NW corner of furthest east parking lot along County Rd. A22.	Restored wetland w/ emergent vegetation - surrounded by grassland	The documentation form by Bruce Ehresman and Molly Flaherty is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Head similar to Western Grebe, but this grebe's neck is rusty red color. Body also smaller than western grebe, and bill not as long and pointed. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Big Spirit Lake, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-04-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Big Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on April 21, 1993.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Red-necked Grebe	Mini Wakan State Park	North end of Big Spirit Lake, Dickinson Co. Mini Wakan Park Boat Ramp	Open water	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Lavonne Foote. \| Elimination of similar species: Western Grebe - lacked white throat and had dark eye. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:25:00/19:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Zirbel Slough, 1991	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-07	1991-05-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Zirbel Slough in Clear Lake, IA on May 7, 1991.	Pinneke, Kim	Red-necked Grebe	Zirbel Slough	Zirbel Slough, Clear Lake, Iowa, Southeast part of southern pond	Slough/marshland with adjoining pond	The documentation form by Kim L. Pinneke is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Horned Grebe eliminated by size, lack of white face patch in breeding plumage. Eared Grebe eliminated by size, lack of white face patch in breeding plumage, overall color. Pied-billed Grebe eliminated by overall color, size, lack of "bump" on back of head and lack of face pattern. Western Grebe eliminated by lack of reddish-brown neck and breast color. Canada Goose eliminated by neck coloration and lack of "bump" on back of head. Mallard, Canvasback, Pintail, Oldsquaw, Redhead, Bufflehead and Ruddy Duck all eliminated by overall appearance and lack of conformity to the major details of the species in question. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:55:00/17:12:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Pleasant Creek Lake State Park, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-01	1991-05-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Pleasant Creek Lake State Park in Linn County, IA on April 1, 1991.	Fuller, James L	Red-necked Grebe	Pleasant Creek State Park	Pleasant Creek Lake State Park, Linn County		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Keith Carris. \| Elimination of similar species: The red neck and white face patch eliminate any of the other larger or smaller grebes. The ruddy duck has a white face patch (of different shape) but has a much rounder head and very different shaped ducklike bill, and is smaller in general size. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:43:00/18:22:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Melba Wigg letter and report to Vernon M. Kleen regarding spring migration bird sightings near Council Bluffs, June 6, 1974	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Migration Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology	1974-06-06	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Melba Wigg letter and report to Vernon M. Kleen was regarding spring migration bird sightings near Council Bluffs, June 6, 1974. Rare birds sighted were a Red-throated Loon, Snowy Egret, American Golden Plover, Snowy Plover, and Worm-eating Warbler. These items were used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union Quarterly field report of spring 1974.	Wigg, Melba	Red-throated Loon Snowy Egret Snowy Plover Worm-eating Warbler American Golden Plover	Council Bluffs				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	17	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Great Cormorant at Rice Lake, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-09-08	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Cormorant at Rice Lake in Worth County, IA on September 8, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Bangma, Jim	Great Cormorant	Rice Lake	Rice Lake	Lake	The documentation form by Jim Bangma is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ann Johnson was submitted later. \| Elimination of similar species: Double-crested is smaller, with a much thinner neck. There is a noticeable transition from the thin neck to the larger head. In this bird, there was no noticeable widening from the neck to the head. Additionally, Double-crested has a proportionally much smaller and weaker bill. Double-crested's forehead slopes more evenly into the bill. While these differences may be difficult to see in single birds without comparative experience, in direct comparison they are significant. Additionally, the orange facial skin combines with the gular pouch to accentuate the overall orange color of the face. Other extralimital black cormorants can be ruled out on size alone, additionally, most have thinner necks and smaller bills than even Double-crested. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Spirit Lake, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-11-17	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Jaeger species bird at Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on November 17, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Jaegers	Spirit Lake	Spirit L., Dickinson Co., IA	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James J. Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of size, dark coloration, and white in the primary shafts eliminated the possibility of a juvenile gull. Despite the great distance and lack of a good view of the wing pattern, I believe the bird was a Pomarine Jaeger. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/14:43:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Record Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Lake Manawa, 1995	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-09-24	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Jaeger species bird at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, Iowa in September 24, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren	Jaegers	Lake Manawa	Lake Manawa, Pottawattamie County, Iowa		The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] We saw a gull like bird sitting on the water. We identified it as a jaeger by the all brown coloration and black, hooked bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted about a minute at an undisclosed time.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Oak Grove Recreation Area at Saylorville Lake, 1994	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-09-22	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species bird at Oak Grove Recreation Area at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on September 22, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Armstrong, Eugene	Jaegers	Oak Grove Recreation Area	Saylorville Lake- off Oak Grove Beach	Beach and Lake	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: Not a pomarine because it was not large enough Bill too long for a Longtail Bird much smaller and lighter bodied than a Pom. * Had a light weight body - small fairly long bill with a sharp hook on the end with little going angle. All brown - central tail feathers not visible. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger Species at Lake Manawa, 1976	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1976-09-04	1994-02-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species bird at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on September 4, 1976. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation account reviewed by the committee.	Hoffman, Thomas A.	Jaegers	Lake Manawa State Park	Lake Manawa		The documentation form by Thomas A. Hoffman is the only one reviewed and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] I am relatively sure, from its actions, its size and shape (not heavy like a typical Pomarine, nor as small as a Long-tailed - it was close to the size of the Ring-billed Gull), and place (Parasitics are more common inland than the other two), that it was a Parasitic Jaeger. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:00:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Jaeger species at Rice Lake, 1966	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1966-09-04	1994-02-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species at Rice Lake in Winnebago County, IA on September 4, 1966. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation account reviewed by the committee.	Sutter, B.E.; Sutter, Barton	Jaegers	Rice Lake	[...] shore of Rice Lake [...]		The documentation form by Barton E. Sutter is the only account reviewed and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Mark Sutter. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] one characteristic had been very noticeable-the great amount of white color that flashed as the bird flew, both on the upper- and undersides of the wings. At the time I did not realize the importance of this detail, but I recorded it along with my other field notes as I knew from past reading that distinguishing between Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaegers could be tricky. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger Species at Riverview Cemetery in Algona, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-10-29	1993-07-21	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Jaeger species birds at Riverview Cemetery in Algona in Kossuth County, IA on October 29, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Jaegers	Riverview Cemetery	Riverview Cemetery Algona, Ia.	fly-over hill overlooking Des Moines River valley	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Wrong color for a gull, no terminal tail bands, no gray, no white except for the lightness at the base of primaries, no darker primaries (black wingtips). Bill was gull-like, but hooked mail different. May have been exagerated [sic] by a darker color than basal portion. Flight was direct and strong, a "confident" feel I get from birds of prey. \| The original documentation form event occurred around an estimated 11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Saylorville Lake, 1988	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-11-19	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Jaeger species at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on November 19, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation letter submitted to the committee.	Fix, Andrew S.	Jaegers	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Lake		The documentation form by Andrew S. Fix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] I ruled out other gulls, especially A [sic] young Herring Gull (1st yr) because of the location of the white (belly & wings) as well as the deep rowing flight. In addition, I had the opportunity to observe the Pomarine Jaegers earlier this fall at the same location and the markings were similar, except this bird was darker with a white belly. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:40:00/14:40:25.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Saylorville Reservoir, 1988	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-09-28	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Jaeger species at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on September 28, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Armstrong, Eloise	Jaegers	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Lake	Lake	The documentation form by Eloise Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Bigger than a coot that he made 3 passes at and tried to kill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-10-27	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species bird at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 27, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Jaegers	Jester Park	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-off Jester Park	landed with other gulls roosting on reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The body color and wing pattern eliminates all other larids. I was not able to identify the bird to species because of the poor light. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:56:00/17:21:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Virginia Rail at Brown's Lake in Woodbury County, 1998	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-01-01	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Virginia Rail at Brown's Lake in Woodbury County, IA on January 1, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Virginia Rail	Browns Lake	Brown's L., Woodbury Co., IA	marsh with open water	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was much too small to be a King Rail. Bill shape and pattern on the underparts eliminated Sora, the only other likely species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:23:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Tundra Swan at Red Rock Reservoir, 1988	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-12-18	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Tundra Swan at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 18, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Ann	Tundra Swan	Red Rock Dam	Des Moines River below Red Rock Dam - Marion Co., Iowa	river with sandbars	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Steve Dinsmore was submitted later on Jan 6, 1989. Other observers include Erik Munson, Wyman Borts, and Jim Sinclair. \| Elimination of similar species: Mute swan immature eliminated by bill color. Trumpeter swan eliminated by the presence of many white feathers at this date and concave bill shape. Unable to determine size difference. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	13