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 Lapland Longspur at Babcock Access at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lapland Longspur at Babcock Access at Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on October 1, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Lapland Longspur	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coralville Res., Johnson Co., IA	mudflat	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The face pattern made me think of Smith's Longspur, but the chestnut color and black bib excluded this. Chestnut-colored Longspur has a yellow or buff throat and more extensive black on front. The color and face pattern do not fit Horned Lark or American Pipit. Horned Larks were present on the flats and I saw pipits later at another location. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:21:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	66
Rare bird documentation form for Red-breasted Merganser at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-breasted Merganser at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 1, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red-breasted Merganser	Coralville Lake	Babcock Access, Coralville Res., Johnson Co., IA	Reservoir, shallow water	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bill and general shape identified the bird as a merganser. The bill was much too long and big for a hooded. The head size, shape, and crest; white throat and breast and wing bar; and size are that of red-breasted rather than Common Merganser. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	17
Rare bird documentation form for White-rumped Sandpiper at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-08-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-rumped Sandpiper at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on August 10, 1999.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	White-rumped Sandpiper	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coralville Res., Johnson Co., Iowa	mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Huntington. \| Elimination of similar species: Size, shape, colors, and wings all indicate this species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	21
Rare bird documentation form for Sabine's Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-08-18	1999-08-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sabine's Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on August 18, 1999.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Sabine's Gull	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., IA	upper parts of reservoir with shallow pools and mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller and James Huntington. \| Elimination of similar species: Immature Black-legged Kittiwake and Little Gull may present a W pattern, but not a dark back. The lighter color of the interior triangle on the upper wing was the only field mark that did not seem to fit. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/17:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	39
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Phalarope at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1998	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-10-07	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Red Phalarope at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 7, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red Phalarope	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson County, IA	Field that floods with highwater or heavy rain-good shorebirds there this fall.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Wilson's Phalarope is a larger bird with long bill. Red-necked Phalarope has streaks on the scapulars and coverts and a longer and thinner tappered [sic] bill. I did not see the bird in flight. The dark patch over the eye did not extend down and back as shown in the book. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:05:00/10:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	12
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-10-27	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a California Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 27, 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-	California Gull	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson County, Iowa	shallow, open area of reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Randy Pinkston, Carol Thompson, and Carl J. Bendorf were submitted later. Other observers include Timothy Dwyer, John Cordell, James Huntington, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, and Rick Hollis. \| Elimination of similar species: First-year Ring-billed Gulls were all in first winter plumage with gray mantle and were much lighter overall. The only other species considered is juvenile Herring Gull. The size is small for Herring Gull. The elongated appearance and short legs fit California Gull. Most young Herrings that I see in early fall have mostly dark bills that are larger than that of this bird. The double inner wing bar and lighter tertial tips fit California Gull. The overall relatively uniform and relatively light brown color without windows in the inner primaries also made this bird look different from Herring Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:15:00/16:55:00 on October 27, 1990 and from 19:10:00/22:30:00 and 15:00:00/16:00:00 on October 28, 1990.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	1
Rare bird documentation form for Laughing Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-08-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Laughing Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on August 10, 1999.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Laughing Gull	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coraville Res., Johnson Co., Iowa	Open, wide part of reservoir with mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Huntington and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: 1st year Franklin's Gull has more pattern to wings and more extensive tail band. 2nd year Franklin's would have less black in outer wing and more of a half-[illegible]. This bird was not close enough to see the bill well on details on the tail band. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:05:00/18:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	31
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Babcock Lake, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-10-10	1984-12-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Babcock Lake in Johnson County, IA on October 10, 1984.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Peregrine Falcon	Babcock Access	Babcock L., Johnson Co.	Lake/Marsh	The documentation form by Richard Jule Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Prairie Falcon - The dark brown of the markings + the broad + striking facial markings \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Babcock Access, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1982-10-10	1982-12-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Babcock Access in Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on October 10, 1982.	Newlon, Michael C.	Peregrine Falcon	Babcock Access	Babcock lake Road, Hawkeye Wildlife Area, Johnson Co. IA	area of dead trees at edge of reservoir	The documentation form by Michael Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Dark bar through eye (wide), coloration, falcon shape eliminate Prairie Falcon, Gyrfalcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Babcock Access, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Babcock Access in Johnson County, IA on October 10, 1982.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Peregrine Falcon	Babcock Access	Babcock Lk Road, North Western Jo	perched in tree overlooking flooded fields w shore birds + fencerow	The documentation form by Richard Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas Kent, Carl Bendorf, Philip Dunne, and Michael C. Newlon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:50:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Grosbeak at Ames, 1980	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-12-23	1981-01-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Grosbeak at Ames in Story County, IA on December 23, 1980.	Ladd, Marlys	Pine Grosbeak	Ames	Backyard - 1408 Coolidge, Ames, Iowa	General: feed box and crab apple tree Specific: Perched on box for short time, did not eat - then flew to crab apple -	The documentation form by Marlys Ladd is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Brian Ladd and George Ladd. \| Elimination of similar species: Purple finch - Pine Grosbeak was too large for this species Cross bills - Wrong beak- \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 09:30:00 for several minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	80
Rare bird documentation form for Varied Thrush at Cherokee, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-22	1985-10-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Varied Thrush at Cherokee in Cherokee County, IA on October 22, 1985.	Huber, James E.	Varied Thrush	Cherokee	Backyard - 810 Walnut Street - Cherokee, IA	Residential backyard which joins a city park.	The documentation form by James E. Huber is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Robin \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	11
Rare bird documentation form for Summer Tanager at Union, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-05-09	1983-05-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Summer Tanager at Union in Hardin County, IA on May 9, 1983.	Sommerlot, Ramona R.	Summer Tanager	Union	Backyard in town of Union at - Hardin County	Merle Stenfield residence	The documentation form by Ramona R. Sommerlot is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Harriet Stenfield and Merle Stenfield. \| Elimination of similar species: Other Tangers - \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:15:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	44
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Rufous Hummingbird at Cedar Rapids, 1995	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-11-04	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Rufous Hummingbird at Cedar Rapids in Linn County, IA on November 4, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, an article in the Des Moines Register, photographs, letter from Thomas Kent to James Dinsmore, letter from Thomas Kent to Nancy Newfield, letter from Nancy Newfield to Thomas Kent, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Rufous Hummingbird	Cedar Rapids	Backyard of Barbara Stark, 238 24th Street Dr., Cedar Rapids (Linn County)		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas Kent, Chris Edwards, and Peter Petersen were submitted later. Other observers include Weir Nelson, Pam and Reid Allen, Carol [sic] Thompson, Corey Blevins, Mary Lou Petersen, Chris Caster, Tim Schantz, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Robert and K. Bradley, A. Martin, Ann Barber and Jim Durbin. \| Elimination of similar species: I would identify this bird as a member of the Selasphorus complex. Because of the rufous on the back just above the wing it is most likely a Rufous or Allen's, and of those two, Rufous would be more likely from its range. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:02:00 on November 4, 10:45:00/11:45:00 on November 5, and 12:05:00/12:10:00 on November 9.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	24
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Yellow Grosbeak near Elkhart, 1990	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-12-02	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Yellow Grosbeak south of Elkhart in Polk County, IA on December 2, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Stephen Bailey to Tim Schantz, two notes from Tim Schantz to the Iowa Records Committee, e-mails between Jim Fuller, Paula Saba, John Saba, Chuck Williamson, and Paul DeBenedictis, an article in Bird Watcher's Digest, an article in Des Moines Register, a letter from Gary Rosenberg to Carl Bendorf, a letter from Kenn Kaufman to Carl Bendorf, a letter from Leo Galloway, Dave Eastrela, and Jack Hilsobeck to Dean Mosman, and nine documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Yellow Grosbeak	Elkhart	Backyard of Dean and Diane Mosman; Two and half miles southeast of Elkhart (Polk County Iowa)	Backyard and adjacent wooded ravine	The documentation form by Jim Fuller forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms were submitted by Tim Schantz, Ken Lowder, Ann Johnson, Thomas Kent, Robert Cecil, Ross Silcock, Diane Porter, and Carl Bendorf. Other observers include Dick Tetrault, Jim Scheib, Dean Mosman, Eloise Armstrong, Eugene Armstrong, Diane Mosman, Tom Schantz, Cecile Thompson, Dennis Thompson, and John Daniel. \| Elimination of similar species: Pine grosbeak is not lemon yellow in any plumage, and has a smaller bill with hooked upper mandible. Evening grosbeak has black wings and tail and light colored bill in all plumages. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/11:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	1
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Wood-Pewee near Des Moines, 1991	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-09-08	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for one to two Western Wood-Pewees near Des Moines in Polk County, IA on September 8, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Engebretsen, Bery	Western Wood-Pewee	Des Moines	Backyard of our home	General: Oak hickory. upland. Mature, 1 mile outside of Des Moines. Specific: Flying from tree to tree - hickory, oak, dead limbs	The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: From the moment I heard the call, it was clearly different. The bird was a PeeWee. It called frequently to several types of calls; only one of which seemed similar to our Eastern. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:00:00/11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	31
Rare bird documentation form for Prothonotary Warbler at Bacon Creek Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1986-05-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prothonotary Warbler at Bacon Creek Park in Woodbury County, IA on May 28, 1986.	Huser, Bill F.	Prothonotary Warbler	Bacon Creek Park	Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, Iowa	closed canopy, deciduous woodland enclosing still- stagnant H2O	The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jerry Probst. \| Elimination of similar species: Blue-winged Warbler - has dark eye strip + wing bars; Nape not as yellow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	35
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Badger Creek Lake, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-10-11	1986-10-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Badger Creek Lake in Madison County, IA on October 11, 1986.	Armstrong, Eloise	Surf Scoter	Badger Creek State Recreation Area	Badger Creek Lake - West Arm	Shallow 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 Mark Dixon. \| Elimination of similar species: Other scoters 2 white vertical spots on head- no white on wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Badger Creek State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-10-30	1987-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Badger Creek State Park in Madison County, IA on October 30, 1987.	Myers, Robert K.	Golden Eagle	Badger Creek State Recreation Area	Badger Creek State Park	Timbered area around small 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 Eugene Armstrong and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Imm. Bald Eagle is eliminated by the tail pattern, by the lack of white spots on wing linings, and by the golden sheen seen on the birds neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Badger Creek State Park, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-04-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Badger Creek State Park in Madison County, IA on April 19, 1990.	Fuller, James L	Surf Scoter	Badger Creek State Recreation Area	Badger Creek State Park - Madison County	Man-made Lake	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Male White Winged Scoter has white eye comma and different bill markings + forehead slope, and no large white areas on head and male Black Scoter has different bill, a dark eye and no white markings on head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:38:00/12:51:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Sandhill Crane at Big Creek Barrier Dam, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-22	1986-11-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sandhill Crane at Big Creek Barrier Dam in Polk County, IA on November 22, 1986.	Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren	Sandhill Crane	Big Creek Barrier Dam	Barrier dam, Big Creek, Polk Co.		The documentation form by Babs Padelford and Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include B.J. Rose. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	1
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Bay's Branch Wildlife Management Area, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-20	1989-01-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Bay's Branch Wildlife Management Area in Guthrie County, IA on December 20, 1988.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Merlin	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bay's Branch WMA, Guthrie Co.	grassy field bordered by pine and cedar shelder belts	The documentation form by Ray Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Hoogerheide. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel by tail pattern, heavy breast, and did hover during flight. Eurasian Kestrel female by tail was squared not wedged. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for White-faced Ibis at Bays Branch, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-05-06	1990-05-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-faced Ibis at Bays Branch in Gurthrie County, IA on May 6, 1990.	Proescholdt, Mark	White-faced Ibis	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bays Branch - (Guthrie County)	Lake area with mud flat edges	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol McMillan, Russ Widner, Beth Proescholdt, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Glossy Ibis does not have a large, noticeable white strip completely about the base of the bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/15:00:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	25
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Bays Branch, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-03-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Greater Scaup at Bays Branch in Guthrie County, IA on March 21, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Greater Scaup	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bays Branch Guthrie Co IA	narrow open lake near upper bridge at Bays Branch	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser scaup. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/07:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-06	1988-05-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ross' Goose at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area in Guthrie County, IA on May 6, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Ross' Goose	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bays Branch W.M.A., Guthrie Co.	with other geese in goose pen area	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and Jim Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Goose eliminated by the size, bill shape and size, and by the lack of a "grin" patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:50:00/18:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28