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 Sharp-tailed Sparrow at North Marshall County, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-10-19	1986-10-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sharp-tailed Sparrow at North Marshall County, IA on October 19, 1986.	Sommerlot, Ramona R.	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Marshall County	North Marshall county, country gravel road (dead end) leading to timber and creek- corn fields and a wet shrubby area.	wet, marshy, weedy low spot by road in a corn field with three shrubby bushes	The documentation form by Ramona R. Sommerlot is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: LE CONTES--too small, striped head Lincon's [sic] Sparrow--facial pattern not right--too little Henslow's--not right coloration in breast and side of head \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/17:30:08.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Cone Marsh, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-05-04	1983-05-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on May 4, 1983.	White, Gerald	Yellow Rail	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Field on East and end of North dike at Cone Marsh	Wet, grassy field (10" grass)	The documentation form by Gerald White is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tim Dwyer. \| Elimination of similar species: No other rail has white on the wing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:00:00/19:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Larson's Marsh, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Larson's Marsh in Story County, IA on September 23, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Yellow Rail	Larson Marsh	Larson's Marsh, Story Co.	wet, grassy area along edge of marsh	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: All other rails eliminated by the white wing patches. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of White-faced Ibis at Northwest Warren County, 1995	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-05-14	2000-11-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a White-faced Ibis at Northwest Warren County, IA on May 14, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Sinclair, Jim	White-faced Ibis	Warren County	north-west Warren Co.	wet spot in corn stubble adjacent to North	The documentation form by Jim Sinclair is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Taylor Sinclair. \| Elimination of similar species: It was definitely an ibis. Glossy eliminated by the bill and leg coloration and the white facial border. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	24
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur northwest of Red Oak, 1982	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-03-28	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for seven Smith's Longspurs northwest of Red Oak in Montgomery County, IA on March 28, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Moore, Francis L.	Smith's Longspur	Red Oak	2 1/2 mi W. of Red Oak, U.S. 34, then 2 mi North on gravel road near stream Montgomery Co.	wet short grass field	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lapland Longspur does not have buffy breast or buffy colored collar around side of throat on to nape. Lapland Longspur does not have as much white in tail (outer tail feathers) as these birds did. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:55:00/15:58:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42
Rare bird documentation form for King Rail at Doolittle Prairie, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-05-06	1983-05-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a King Rail at Doolittle Prairie in Story County, IA on May 6, 1983.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	King Rail	Doolittle Prairie State Preserve	Doolittle Prairie, Ames, Iowa	Wet prairie, pothole fringe.	The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: See above. In size the bird was easily larger than a Virginia Rail and about the size of a halfgrown pheasant. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for King Rail at Doolittle Prairie, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-04-27	1985-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a King Rail at Doolittle Prairie in Story County, IA on April 27, 1985.	Proescholdt, Mark	King Rail	Doolittle Prairie State Preserve	Doolittle Prairie - (Story County)	wet prairie potholes	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt and Ramona Sommerlot. \| Elimination of similar species: Virginia Rails are only 1/2 the size of this rail and Virginia rails have gray cheeks. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:45:00/10:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Doolittle Prairie, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-05-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Doolittle Prairie in Story County, IA on May 7, 1986.	Martsching, Paul	Yellow Rail	Doolittle Prairie State Preserve	Doolittle Prairie, Story County	wet prairie	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John E. Mayfield. \| Elimination of similar species: Sora does not have white patches on top side of wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:20:00/15:20:20.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for Common Snipe at Washington Township, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-06-12	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Common Snipe at Washington Township in Winneshiek County, IA on June 12, 1986.	Dietzenbach, Mark A.	Common Snipe	Washington Township	County: Winneshiek Block: Not in survey block Location in detail: Washington Township, section one, two miles south of Calmar. One hundred yards west of Hwy 150 where it crosses concrete bridge.	Wet meadow, sedgy areas, low woody growth nearby, pasture.	The documentation form by Mark A. Dietzenbach is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: American Woodcock; not quite their normal habitat, Plumper, rounded wings, they produce a whisting [sic] sound when flushed. Upland Sandpiper: shorter bill, no stripes on head or back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 20:42:00/20:42:05.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	27
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit in Missouri Valley, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-04-10	1978-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Marbled Godwits in Missouri Valley in Harrison County, IA on April 10, 1978.	Gochenour, Ruth A.	Marbled Godwit	Missouri Valley	3 miles North of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Harrison County	Wet meadow	The documentation form by Ruth A. Gochenour is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Naomi Svenningsen and Justin Gochenour. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit. Extremely large shore bird - this bird was lacking white rump-and black tail, chestnut under parts - The cinnamon wing linings were easily seen. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-10-14	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 14, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, two articles in Iowa Bird Life, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Sharp-tailed Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	w. of Greencastle corner, Coralville Res., Johnson Co., Iowa	wet marshy area with low vegetation and mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Ann Johnson, Jim Fuller, Carol Thompson, and Randy Pinkston were submitted. Other observers include Jane Huntington, James Huntington, Jim Sandrock, John Cordell, John Daniel, Mary Noble, Ken Lowder, and Tim Schantz. \| Elimination of similar species: The only other species worthy of consideration is Pectoral Sandpiper. The most distinctive feature is the plain, cinnamon-buff breast without bib line or streaking centrally. The soft breast color shaded off evenly to the lower belly and throat. Some pectorals had very week [sic] breast markings, but on close inspection all had streaks and a sharp bib line. The solid rusty cap differed from any pectorals; some pectorals appeared a bit rusty on the cap, but some streaking was seen on such individuals. The eye line appeared white, and it dropped and widened posteriorly. Some pectorals had light eye lines but they were off-white, less distinct, and straighter. The juvenile feathers of the upper parts were edged with rufous; this was especially prominent on the tertials. Some pectorals appeared to have rusty edging on the tertials, but this was dependent on lighting and at least one rufous appearing pectoral had the color more in the center of the feathers with grayer edging. The gray smudging on the undertail coverts I saw once and only had a glance at a nearby pectoral for comparison, so I am not very confident of this mark. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/09:25:00, 09:55:00/10:00:00, and intermittently 16:15:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	4
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Cone Marsh Wildlife Area, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-04-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Cone Marsh Wildlife Area in Louisa County, IA on April 21, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Conesville Marsh Louisa Co. Iowa	wet grassy field and wooded edge. Conesville Marsh between lakes	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include T.K. Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel, Sharp-shinned Hawk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:40:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Snake Creek Marsh, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-04-03	1986-04-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Snake Creek Marsh in Greene County, IA on April 3, 1986.	Myers, Robert K.	Yellow Rail	Snake Creek State Game Management Area	Snake Creek Marsh - Greene County	wet grassy area at edge of cattails	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White patches on wings separate from other rails. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:30:00/18:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Cedar Rapids, 1983	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-04-23	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Mississippi Kite at Cedar Rapids in Linn County, IA on April 23, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, summary of review, correspondence about bird sightings, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Walton, Robert	Mississippi Kite	Cedar Rapids	2.3 miles west of junction 218 on hiway 30 ( approx. 24 miles west of Cedar Rapids)	wet cropland (corn stubble field with water puddles)	The documentation form by Randy Walton is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Sandy Walton. \| Elimination of similar species: Shape and size of bird was similar to prairie and peregrine falcons. The lack of any facial markings, the grayish coloration and presence of the black dorsal wing tips eliminate the falcons. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:15:00/17:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-necked Stilt south of Ainsworth, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-18	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of three Black-necked Stilts south of Ainsworth in Washington County, IA on May 18, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, two photos, an article in Iowa Bird Life, an article in Field Notes, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Proescholdt, Mark	Black-necked Stilt	Ainsworth	Washington County - south of #92 about 1/2 mile on #218	Wet areas in field after flooded creek spilled out into fields	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Thomas H. Kent, Jim Dinsmore, and Chris Edwards were submitted later. Other observers include Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Chuck Fuller, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Richard Tetrault, Peter Petersen, Francis Moore, Ann Johnson, Hank Zalatel, Beth Proescholdt, and Russ Widner. \| Elimination of similar species: There are no similar species that come to mind. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:10:00 on May 18, 1996 and 15:00:00/15:10:00 on May 19th, 1996.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	20
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur at Doolittle Prairie, 1983	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-03-13	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for one to two Smith's Longspurs at Doolittle Prairie in Story County, IA on March 13, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Smith's Longspur	Doolittle Prairie State Preserve	Dolittle [sic] Prairie, (3 mi. S. Story City) Story Co., Iowa	wet area in weedy farm field	The documentation form by Joe P. Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observer was Alan Branhagen. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Des Moines, 1971	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1971-11-04	1999-04-02	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on November 4, 1971. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Brown, Woodward H.	Western Tanager	Des Moines	Des Moines, IA	Well-kept back yard of apartment in the heart of Des Moines	The documentation form by Woodward H. Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Mary Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: Too large for goldfinch, wing bars eliminate Summer or Scarlet Tanagers which would not be here at this time. Bill obviously not oriole or finch. \| The original documentation form event lasted briefly, mid-afternnon [sic].	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Rare bird documentation form for Cattle Egret at Cone Marsh, 1978	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-08-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Cattle Egrets at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on August 21, 1978	Newlon, Michael C.	Cattle Egret	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone Marsh, Louisa Co, IA	Weedy wet pasture at edge of large area of marshes, 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 Richard Hollis and Carl Bendorf. \| Elimination of similar species: yellow bill, dark legs rule out all other species, but great egret. Small size, short bill, rapid wingbeat, habit of following stock, rule out that species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:40:00/08:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	21
Rare bird documentation form for Grasshopper Sparrow at Willow Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-05	1980-12-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Grasshopper Sparrow at Willow Slough in Mills County, IA on November 5, 1980.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Grasshopper Sparrow	Willow Slough State Game Management Area	Willow Slough, Iowa	weedy old field, brush nearby but it was in the weedy grass	The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Le Conte's Sparrow - eliminated by lack of orange, + by lack of streaks on side of breast Henslow's - eliminated by nape streaks, but it's hard to be sure. Perhaps the difference in color between a Henslow's face + Grasshopper's face would be hard to tell in a backlit bird. Looked pale, though. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the afternoon for five minutes or more.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	56
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow near Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1987-06-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Henslow's Sparrows near Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on June 11, 1987.	Fuller, James L	Henslow's Sparrow	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Weedy hayfield near Lacey-Keosauqua S.P. - Van Buren Co.	weedy hayfield	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Proescholdt, Beth Proescholdt, Robert Cecil, James Sandrock, Charles Fuller, Jane Fuller, Bernie Knight, and Cal Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: Grasshopper - song, head + wing color + song Savannah - head + wing color, amount of breast striping + song \| The original documentation form event lasted from 05:45:00/06:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur east of Island View Park at Rathbun Lake, 1990	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-11-01	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Smith's Longspur east of Island View Park at Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, IA on November 1, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Heusinkveld, Marjorie	Smith's Longspur	Island View Park	E. Island View, Rathbun Lake; Gravel rd. w. of Camp Hdqs.	Weedy ditch + field	The documentation form by Marjorie Heusinkveld is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lapland Longspur - no black bib or chestnut collar. No distinctive wing bar on Lapland - this bird had good wing bars. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42
Rare bird documentation form for Field Sparrow north of Keokuk, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Ornithology--Technique Rare birds	1997-12-22	1998-01-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Field Sparrow north of Keokuk in Lee County, IA on December 22, 1997.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Field Sparrow	Keokuk	along River Road about 4 mi north of Keokuk, Lee Co., IA	weedy area	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Sinclair and Gordon Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: The most similar species would be American Tree and Chipping Sparrows. The combination of white eyering, lack of a breast spot, and pink bill eliminates both of these species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:32:00/11:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	51
Rare bird documentation form for Dickcissel at Hallet's Quarry at Ames, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1996-11-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Dickcissel at Hallet's Quarry at Ames in Story County, IA on November 28, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Dickcissel	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Hallett's Quarry, Story Co., IA	weeds along gravel pit	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I immediately recognized the bird by the call note, which is very distinctive. Additionally, the black throat, yellow wash on the breast, and chestnut shoulder patch were diagnostic. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:55:00/09:22:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	72
Rare bird documentation form for Snowy Egret at Lake Rathbun, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-09-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Snowy Egret at Lake Rathbun in Appanoose County, IA on September 29, 1985.	Johnson, Thomas N.	Snowy Egret	Rathbun Lake	Lake Rathbun	Waters edge-sandy swimming beach and adjacent weeds	The documentation form by Thomas H. Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Cattle Egret - There was no yellow bill. Little Blue Heron - this bird did not have yellow legs or any yellow on the bill. There was no blue on the wings sitting or in flight. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:45:00/16:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	19
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-14	1987-05-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form with additional notes for a White-winged Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on March 14, 1987.	Fix, Andrew S.	White-winged Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	Iowa part of DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge	water, along shore until alerted, then swam further out and finally flew off	The documentation form by Andrew S. Fix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Craig Harms. \| Elimination of similar species: By general shape, bill characteristic, and color this bird was identified as a scoter. The white/creamish spot between the cere and eye and lack of pale cheeks and throat ruled out the Black Scoter; the bill was Also too extended up the forward part of head for a Black Scoter. I did not feel comfortable differentiating Surf from White-winged based on the morphology of the head. No white wing patch was evident while this bird was on the water. In my experience (see #14), the white patches on the heads of female and immature scoters are very unreliable and highly variable. Fortunately the two key characteristics were plainly visible when the bird flew; paddling along the water for a short distance (confirmed scoter), and prominent white secondaries (confirmed white-winger scoter) \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12