|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Port Neal, 1991
|
Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-05-04
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Mississippi Kite at Port Neal in Woodbury County, IA on May 4, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Huser, Bill F.
|
Mississippi Kite
|
Sioux City
|
Iowa Public Service Port Neal Woodbury County, IA
|
non climax riparian woodland
|
The documentation form by Bill Huser is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Art Huser, Bill Vust, and Bob Moritz. | Elimination of similar species: N. Harrier Male - broader, more rounded wings. More predominate head. Rather labored wing beats. More buteo-like shape. This bird very un-buteo-like. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
8
|
26
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Chestnut-collared Longspur at Floyd Township in Woodbury County, 1997
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-04-12
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee for a Chestnut-collared Longspur at Floyd Township in Woodbury County, IA on April 12, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Huser, Bill F.
|
Chestnut-collared Longspur
|
Floyd Township
|
220th St & K-42, Woodbury County, IA
|
flat, open ground with short stubble fields, gravel road, snow
|
The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: As described above, the white face and tail and extensive black ventrum eliminated Lapland Longspurs, which were present for direct comparison. The yellow chin, black ventrum and chestnut nape eliminated McCown's Longspur. Extensive white tail and black ventrum also eliminated the Smith's Longspur. No sparrows have white retrices to this extent. | The original documentation form event occurred around 08:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
43
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Marsh Wren at New Lake, 1997
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-12-27
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for three Marsh Wrens at New Lake in Woodbury County, IA on December 27, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Huser, Bill F.
|
Marsh Wren
|
New Lake
|
New Lake, Woodbury County, IA
|
Cattail marsh with open water
|
The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Shawn Pfautsch. | Elimination of similar species: Call note and appearance indicated a wren. White supercilliary eliminated House Wren and Winter Wren. Black cap eliminated those two plus Carolina and Bewick's Wren. The lack of crown streaking eliminated Sedge Wren. Habitat was a strong indicator of Marsh Wren and a detraction from all others except, perhaps, a Sedge Wren. | The original documentation form event occurred around 11:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
2
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-billed Magpie at Sioux Township in Plymouth County, 1995
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1995-11-19
|
2000-11-20
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Black-billed Magpie at Sioux Township in Plymouth County, IA on November 19, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Huser, Bill F.
|
Black-billed Magpie
|
Sioux Township
|
Lineberry's Ranch, Sioux Tnship., Plymouth County, Iowa
|
rolling prairie hills with scattered thickets and trees
|
The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas H. Kent, Dick Tetrault, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. | Elimination of similar species: there are no similar species other than California's Yellow-billed Magpie. | The original documentation form event occurred around 14:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
45
|
|
Rare bird documentation for Merlin at Calamus, 1978
|
Field notes
|
Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds
|
1978-02-06
|
1978-03-09
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Rare bird documentation for a Merlin at Calamus in Clinton County, IA on February 6, 1978.
|
Bryant, Robert R.
|
Merlin
|
Calamus
|
1/3 mi. north of Calamus, Ia.
|
open country-cornfields, grass ditches, one wooded ditch. Sitting on wire over fence line between snowcovered road ditch and cornfield.
|
The documentation form by Bob Bryant is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - eliminated because of size and lack of rufous coloring and black facial pattern. Sharp-shinned Hawk - eliminated because tail not long, not near any large wooded area. | The original documentation form event occurred around 15:45:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
33
|
32
|
|
Record Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Gray's Lake, 1991
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-11-30
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Gray's Lake in Polk County, IA on November 30, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Cecil, Robert I.
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Grays Lake
|
Gray's Lake, Des Moines, Polk County, IA
|
Lake with some open water
|
The documentation form by Bob Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer includes Mary Michelle Cecil. | Elimination of similar species: Herring much more "contrasty", including dark secondary bar, dark tail band, very dark towards ends of primaries. This bird was smaller than 1st wither [sic] Herring, as well as paler brown. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/11:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
3
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Great Black-backed Gull near the Keokuk Wastewater Treatment Plant, 1993
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1993-12-25
|
1995-07-08
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Great Black-backed near the Keokuk Wastewater Treatment Plant in Lee County, IA on December 25, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Cecil, Robert I.
|
Great Black-backed Gull
|
Keokuk Wastewater Plant
|
Near Sewage treatment plant, Mississippi River, Keokuk, Lee Co. IA
|
River
|
The documentation form by Bob Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Cecil. | Elimination of similar species: All other gulls eliminated based upon size alone. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:30:00 and around 16:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
8
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Marsh Wren at Browns Lake, 1994
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1994-01-02
|
1996-04-25
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Marsh Wrens at Browns Lake in Woodbury County, IA on January 2, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Livermore, Bob
|
Marsh Wren
|
Browns Lake
|
Browns Lake - Woodbury County
|
Cattail Marsh - With open flowing water
|
The documentation form by Bob Livermore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was John Van Dyke. | Elimination of similar species: There were several other species in the close vincinty [sic] (Song Sparrow tree Sparrow, Swamp sparrow + red wing black bird. Much too large and rusty and tail too prominet [sic] for winter wren. Carolina wren would be the toughest to eliminate. The way I eliminated was habitat, call, and behavior. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:20:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
2
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Mountain Bluebird at Lake Anita State Park, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-03-07
|
1993-08-05
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for seven Mountain Bluebirds at Lake Anita State Park in Cass County, IA on March 7, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a photograph, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Myers, Robert K.
|
Mountain Bluebird
|
Lake Anita State Park
|
Lake Anita State Park
|
Hilly, grassy lake shore with red cedar
|
The documentation form by Bob Myers forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Steve Dinsmore, Ann Johnson, and Jim Fuller were submitted. Other observers include Beth Brown, James Dinsmore, L. Paul Hertzel, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and many unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: Eastern bluebird would show reddish on throat and breast. Western bluebirds would be darker and also have chestnut on breast. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
5
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smew at Pool #13 in Clinton County, 1990
|
Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1990-04-22
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Smew at Pool #13 in Clinton County, IA and Carrol County, IL on April 22, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Blevins, Brian L.
|
Smew
|
Pool 13
|
Pool 13 on Mississippi River (Gomer's Lake, Potter's Marsh) Clinton County, Ia Carrol County, Ill.
|
The bird was in a big river pool situation with hundreds of other divers mostly comprising of Redheads, Scaup, Buffleheads, and Goldeneyes. This particular area offers large extensive flats adjacent to both sides of the channel.
|
The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Corey Blevins. | Elimination of similar species: About the only thing that is close is the Bufflehead and they were feeding with this bird, thus contrasting them was easy. The head difference was unmistakable with the buffs having an all dark head with a white spot, where as the smew had a white head with a black patch. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:13:00/15:36:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
8
|
22
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Summer Tanager at Pleasant Valley, 1990
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1990-12-02
|
1996-04-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Summer Tanager at Pleasant Valley in Scott County, IA on December 2, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, photographs, a request for reconsideration, letter from Gary H. Rosenberg to Carl J. Bendorf and a documentation form submitted to the committee. The species is recorded as Hepatic Tanager on the documentation, but confirmed as Summer Tanager by the IOU Records Committee.
|
Blevins, Brian L.
|
Summer Tanager
|
Pleasant Valley
|
244-56 Valley Dr. Pleasant Valley, Scott Co., Iowa
|
Feeder situation where it was eating berries, suet and bed water in heated bath
|
The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Lewis Blevins. | Elimination of similar species: Summer, Scarlet, Western Tanager. Scarlet Tanager was eliminated by the lack of dark wing and the orange-green instead of yellow-green. Western Tanager was eliminated by the lack of wing bars. Summer Tanager: this was the closest of the three especially considering the cooperi form found in the southwest. The large bill in common to both species if we consider the cooper form of the summer, however, the color of the mandible overall more dark than light lends the pull towards hepatic. The dark, brown orange-green also pulled me over to the hepatics in respect to the ones I have observed in Arizona. Call note also differs. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/14:20:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
28
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Solitary Vireo northwest of Lost Nation, 1984
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1984-12-20
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Solitary Vireo northwest of Lost Nation in Clinton County, IA on December 20, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Blevins, Brian L.
|
Blue-headed Vireo
|
Lost Nation
|
3 1/4 miles Northwest of Lost Nation
|
General: Small gulley with oaks, osage-orange, shage-bark Hickory, walnut, and a lot of multiflora Rose. Small dried creek. Specific: Leafs were off of the trees except the Bur oaks. Multiflora rose was quite concentrated Very light snow cover, with moderate Breeze.
|
The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Bryant and Julie Hasenmiller. | Elimination of similar species: Warbling and Red-eyed vireo was eliminated by distinct eye-ring and call. Yellow-throated vireo was eliminated by dark blue-gray head and distinct call. All warblers were eliminated by heavy bill. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:38:00/11:41:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
40
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport, 1989
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-12-17
|
1993-08-06
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 17, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Blevins, Brian L.
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Lock and Dam 15
|
Just above the Lock + Dam 15 (Davenport, Ia)
|
Frozen ice above the dam in the Mississippi River
|
The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Corey Blevins and Lewis Blevins. | Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull - eliminated by the dark eye and by the lack of black on the primary tips. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:42:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
3
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 13, 1991
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-12-28
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Lock and Dam 13 in Clinton County, IA on December 28, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Blevins, Brian L.
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Lock and Dam 13
|
Lock + Dam 13 on Mississippi River
|
Mississippi River Flyway just Below the Dam
|
The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Corey Blevins, Lewis Blevins, and Jennifer Anderson. | Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull -> eliminated by the light brown color continuous all the way throughout the wingtips, thus there was not a darkening towards the wing tips. The mantle was also lighter than those of the nearby Herring Gulls. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:50:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
3
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport, 1991
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-12-15
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 15, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Blevins, Brian L.
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Lock and Dam 15
|
Lock + Dam 15 on Mississippi River
|
Mississippi River Flyway just below the Dam
|
The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Corey Blevins, Lewis Blevins, and Peter C. Petersen. | Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull -> Immature - eliminated by the light brown color continuous all the way throughout the wingtips, thus there was not a darkening towards the wing tips. Adult - eliminated by the light mantle getting lighter towards the wingtips, with just a few grey spots on the primaries. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:15:00/15:45:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
3
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black Rail at Cone Marsh, 1991
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-05-08
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Black Rail at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on May 8, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Blevins, Brian L.
|
Black Rail
|
Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area
|
Cone Marsh, Conesville, IA, Louisa Co.
|
Large Marsh in Conjunction with the
|
The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Pete Petersen and Don Moeller. | Elimination of similar species: CALL very distinct. | The original documentation form event lasted from 05:10:00/05:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
12
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-billed Magpie at Loess Hills in northwest Plymouth County, 1998
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1998-01-24
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for three Black-billed Magpies at Loess Hills in northwest Plymouth County, IA on January 24, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Smith, Brian L.
|
Black-billed Magpie
|
Plymouth County
|
Northwest Plymouth County
|
Loess Hills (prairie)
|
The documentation form by Brian L. Smith is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Mike Martin. | Elimination of similar species: nothing similar w/ long tail + white wing patches.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
45
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Prairie Falcon north of Luther, 1982
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1982-07-30
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Prairie Falcon north of Luther in Boone County, IA on July 30, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, summary of review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Ehresman, Bruce
|
Prairie Falcon
|
Luther
|
Along Hwy 17, 1/2 mi. N of jct. with county rd. E (2 1/2 me. N of Luther)
|
Harvested oat-field surrounded by cornfields
|
The documentation form by Bruce Ehresman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marlene Ehresman. | Elimination of similar species: The white patch on the lower back made me think "Harrier," but the black patches on the axillars of the underside of the wing and the pointed wings are falcon characteristics. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/10:51:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
6
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Whooping Crane east of Davenport, 1983
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1983-04-10
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Whooping Crane east of Davenport in Scott County, IA on April 10, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, correspondence about bird sightings from Bruce Peterjohn to Tom Kent, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Lorenzen, Frederick J. Lorenzen, Ted
|
Whooping Crane
|
Davenport
|
just E. of Davenport John Deere Plant. N. of IPO and W of Jersey Ridge Road
|
small lake
|
The documentation form by Bruce Peterjohn is relaying a report by Fred and Ted Lorenzen is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: G. Egret - black wing tips, Am. White Pelican- long legs, Sandhill Crane - white plumage, Swan - long legs. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:45:00/10:50:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
17
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Chestnut-collared Longspur southeast of Hills, 1983
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1983-03-12
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Chestnut-collared Longspur southeast of Hills in Johnson County, IA on March 12, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, typed copies of documents, field notes, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Knight, Calvin A.
|
Chestnut-collared Longspur
|
Hills
|
Johnson Co., Iowa - 2 mi. East of Hills + 5/10 mi So.
|
Soy-Bean Stubble Field
|
The documentation form by Calvin Knight is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Bernadine Knight. | Elimination of similar species: Lapland + Smith's Longspurs were in field of scope - close proximity - at same time making comparison easy | The original documentation form event lasted from 17:40:00/17:50:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
43
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Least Tern at Cone Marsh, 1984
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1984-05-19
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Least Tern at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on May 19, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of a review, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Bendorf, Carl J.
|
Least Tern
|
Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area
|
Cone Marsh
|
State owned marsh of about 700 Acres.
|
The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Thomas J. Staudt was submitted. | Elimination of similar species: The obvious possibilities are both Common or Forsters' Terns. At the very most, this bird was perhaps half the size of the gulls. This would put the body length in the general range of 8" long with a wingspread of 24" (according to size of Ring bills in the Natl. Geo. Guide) The Natl. Geo. Guide gives the general size range of Least Tern as 9" long with a wingspread of 20 ". The sizes of the other terns are given as Common L 14 1/2', W 30", and Forsters' L 14 1/2, W=31". Thus on size alone, Least Tern seems to be the only reasonable choice. The short but deeply forked tail also indicates Least Tern. Harrison's SEABIRDS says, on page 182, "Size and hurried flight,..., usually sufficient to clinch identification in northern hemisphere". The flight of this bird was much quicker and fluttery compared to my experience with the slower, deeper, and more deliberate flight of Common and Forster's Terns. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:32:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
3
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1985
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1985-12-10
|
1993-09-03
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on December 10, 1985. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and six documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Bendorf, Carl J.
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
Red Rock Res. Tailwater
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The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Francis L. Moore, Bob Myers, Beth Proescholdt and Mark Proescholdt, and Dennis Thompson were submitted. Other observers include Joe Schaufenbuel, Darwin Koenig, Steve Dinsmore, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: Thayer's Gull is a difficult bird to identify. In researching this problem, I have found several helpful sources in addition to the standard field guides and I have tried to understand what it takes to know a Thayer's Gull when you see one. Nearly every reference makes it clear that Thayer's cannot be identified on the basis of one or two positive field marks. It takes a combination of characters to come to a conclusion of any certainty. In discussing this particular observation, I will examine each of the fieldmarks and compare and contrast to similar species with liberal reference to the literature, especially Lehman (1980). The most likely similar gulls in this case are 1st winter Herring and 1st winter Iceland (Kumlien's). The Kumlien's form is the darker form of the Iceland Gull and is the form that breeds in the Baffin Island area and winters mainly on the Atlantic coast. Lehman's article deals mainly with Kumlien's. Several similarly sized and possible but unlikely candidates can be eliminated rather quickly. A 1st winter California should not have an all dark bill and would show much darkening in the primaries in flight. Lesser Black-backed Gull could be about the right size, but in flight a 1st winter bird should show darker primary and secondary coverts, more extensively dark primaries, even compared to Herring Gull. A 1st summer Slaty-backed Gull is also light uniform brown with an all dark bill, but it should exhibit extensive darkening in the primaries on the upper wing. A 1st winter Glaucous-winged Gull would be very similar to Thayer's but should be larger, with a larger bill, and less mottling to the body color. Except for the first two, one would probably not consider the likelihood of their occurrence in Iowa to be very great. One hybrid, Glaucous-winged X Western, might be similar but should have a quite heavy bill. [...] Summary: Of the most likely similar species, 1st winter Herring Gull and 1st winter Kumlien's Iceland Gull, each is eliminated by one or more of the features discussed above. The wing pattern is especially damaging to the possibility of Herring, along with the bill shape and size. Iceland is ruled out by the presence of the noticeable tail band and by the darker secondaries on the upper wing. To identify a Thayer's Gull, one must see a combination of field marks. I feel that the bird I saw at Red Rock is consistent on every point.| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:45:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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3
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Whimbrel north of Swan Lake, 1983
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1983-05-24
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1993-09-01
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review of a Whimbrel north of Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on May 24, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a summary of the review, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Bendorf, Carl J.
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Whimbrel
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Swan Lake
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Approx 3/4 mile north of Swan Lake, Johnson Co., IA
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Along muddy shoreline of large flooded area. Some weed stubble.
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The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by James P. Sandrock were submitted later. Other observers include Tom Staudt, James G. Huntington, John L. Cordell, Tom Kent, and Mike Newlon. | Elimination of similar species: According to Robbins, et al., Bristle-thighed Curlew should have a bright rusty tail. This was not observed. Robbins shows Eskimo Curlew with much more barring on flanks, smaller bill. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:30:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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9
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23
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Records Committee Review for rare bird sighting of Pacific Loon at Amana Lake, 1981
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1981-04-28
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1993-08-16
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Pacific Loon at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on April 28, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life article, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee. The bird was initially reported as an Arctic Loon but was found to be a Pacific Loon.
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Bendorf, Carl J.
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Pacific Loon
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Lily Pond
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Amana Lake-- near Amana, IA. in Iowa County
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On water of Amana Lake. Man-made lake and very shallow-less than four feet anywhere.
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The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Michael C. Newlon and Thomas H. Kent were submitted later. Other observers include Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Tom Staudt, James Huntington, Carl Bendorf, James Sandrock, Lanny Haldy, Tom Shires, and Carol Newlon. | Elimination of similar species: Common Loon is eliminated. No neck ring was present. Distinct lighter color on back on head and upper neck is not like solid head color of loon. Red-throated Loon is eliminated by presence of distinctive light patches on back. | The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/19:00:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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7
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7
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black Scoter at Le Claire, 1984
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Forms (documents)
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1984-10-26
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1993-09-01
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review of six Black Scoters at Le Claire in Scott County, IA on October 26, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Bendorf, Carl J.
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Black Scoter
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Le Claire
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1 mi. N. of LeClaire
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In Mississippi River. Few other live birds in area, but many decoys set out by hunters.
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The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Robert K. Myers, Francis L. Moore, and Gerald White were submitted later. Other observers include Peter C. Petersen and Jim Fuller. | Elimination of similar species: Surf Scoter is another all dark bird, but it would have a much larger bill that extends on the same angle as a flattened forehead. The definite gray cheek and throat are not present on Surf Scoter. Female Ruddy ducks should be much browner and again have a flattened forehead in line with a larger bill. Black wings eliminate White-winged Scoter. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:35:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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8
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20
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