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 Northern Goshawk at East River Valley Park, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-11-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at East River Valley Park at Ames in Story County, IA on November 3, 1982.	Bennett, Richard S.	Northern Goshawk	River Valley Park	East River Valley Park, Ames, Iowa	Floodplain woodlot next to skunk river	The documentation form by Richard S. Bennett is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Only other bird that size with a dark eye band would be an osprey, but the hawk was not that large + the back was definitely a blue-gray color. Also, wrong habitat. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:20:00 .	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
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 Black-legged Kittiwake at Coralville Reservoir, 1976	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-10-28	1976-10-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 28, 1976.	DeCoster, R. J. (Richard Joseph)	Black-legged Kittiwake	Coralville Lake	Coralville Docks, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., Iowa	Large open water area of Coralville Reservoir. There was a flock of adult Bonaparte's gulls about a mile south on the same area of the reservoir.	The documentation form by Richard J. DeCoster is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Lillian Serbousek, Nicholas Halmi, and Michael Newlon. \| Elimination of similar species: Immature Bonaparte's gull lacks transverse mark across nape and has lighter wing coverts. The immature little gull is shown by Robbins et al. to have a dark hood and scaly back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/12:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Grosbeak at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-01-12	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four Pine Grosbeaks at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on January 12, 1978.	DeCoster, R. J. (Richard Joseph)	Pine Grosbeak	Hickory Hill Park	Hickory Hill Park, Iowa City, Johnson Co Iowa	General: on edge of small forested areas, mostly deciduous with some pine plantings. Specific: Hickory Hill is about 100 acres of undeveloped park land with a creek + several branches running through it. Forested and grassy area are interspersed.	The documentation form by Richard J. DeCoster is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Nothing else looks much like the female plumaged pine grosbreaks. Evening grosbeaks have larger beaks + shorter tails. Crossbills have crossed bills. Female purple finches lack wingband and the olive coloration. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:10:00/09:12:00 and 09:40:00/09:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	80
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Shrike at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City, 1976	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-11-06	1976-12-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Shrike at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on November 6, 1976.	DeCoster, R. J. (Richard Joseph)	Northern Shrike	Hickory Hill Park	Hickory Hill park, Iowa City, Iowa	General: grassy-bushy hillside at edge of Iowa City, in city park. Specific: perched in small tree. Bushes on hillside mostly Hawthorns of some type, with several locust trees higher up the slope.	The documentation form by Richard J. DeCoster II is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Newlon and Roger Milkman. \| Elimination of similar species: Loggerhead shrike lacks breast scaling, light base of lower mandible, is a smaller bird, darker above, with mask spreading out in front of the eye so as to meet above the bill. On this bird the mask tapered from the eye so as not to meet over the bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	75
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Hickory Hill Park, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-15	1981-12-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Hickory Hill Park in Johnson County, IA on November 15, 1981.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Northern Goshawk	Hickory Hill Park	Hickory Hill Park, Iowa City, Johnson Co. Iowa	Brushy field w scattered large trees (esp along creeks)	The documentation form by Richard Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent and Mike Newlon. \| Elimination of similar species: Other accipiters 1. size 2. eye stripe 3. Belly coloring. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/16:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
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 Red-necked Grebe at the Mehaffey Bridge area at Coralville Reservoir, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-19	1989-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Mehaffey Bridge area at the Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 19, 1986.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Red-necked Grebe	Mehaffey Bridge	Coralville Reservoir - Mehaffey Br. Area - Johnson Co.	lake	The documentation form by Richard Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller and Carol Thompson. \| Elimination of similar species: After ruling out Horned & Eared Grebes due to bill size & color & shape the only possibilities for this bird are Western Grebe and smaller loons. 1. Red-throated loon seems ruled out by shape of bill. 2. In fact all loons & W. Grebe seem ruled out by bicolored bill. 3. Posture & Build were slimmer than most loons I've seen. 4. Neck which definitely was grey (in past) all the way around in front also seems to rule out there. I am puzzled by 2 things & although I'm sure it is a RN Grebe I wonder if it is in some intermediate plummage [sic]. 1 White patch at waterline in front. I saw this distinctly & sketched it on 11/9 as well as on a brief look at the bird on 11/16. 2 Dark cap seems to extend farther down the head than any of the plates would lead me to expect. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/08:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for House Finch at Iowa City, 1986	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-05-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a House Finch at Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on May 10, 1986.	Hollis, Richard Jule	House Finch	Iowa City	Iowa City, Iowa	Suburbs - Niger [sic] feeder in Sycamore Tree	The documentation form by Richard Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Janet Hollis. \| Elimination of similar species: Purple Finch: lack of strong marking around face the pale mousey [sic] brown Rose b grosbeak: the above and size bill shape Pine Siskin - this bird showed no yellow Bill shaped wrong Pine Siskins' tails are very strongly notched Cassin's Finch. I am not familiar with this species, but from reveiwing [sic] the Field Guides it would appear to be ruled out by Bill Shape - if Cassin's really has bill as long as in Geog guide, I would have noted same. Tail of Cassins appears more notched than this bird Cassin's have more strongly marked head and the spots on Cassins the belly are darker + more distinct \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-03-10	1985-03-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on March 10, 1985.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Golden Eagle	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Hawkeye Wildlife Area, Johnson Co	sky	The documentation form by Richard Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The above description eliminates Bald Eagle imm & Turkey Vul. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Johnson County, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-02-19	1978-03-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Johnson County, IA on February 19, 1978.	DeCoster, R. J. (Richard Joseph)	Golden Eagle	Johnson County	4.9 mi west of jct. of F20 and W48 in Johnson Co. Iowa. The bird was in trees between F20 and the Iowa River bed.	The bird was perched on the north edge of a stand of trees bordering the Iowa River. Snow covered cornfields were n. of trees.	The documentation form by Richard DeCoster is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Michael Newlon. \| Elimination of similar species: Dark phased rough-legged hawk lacks the white wing patches on upper wing surface and is not twice the length of common crow. Also usually has dark upper tail surface. Immature Bald Eagle lacks prominent white wing patches and base of bill not yellow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:45:00/10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Field Sparrow near Tiffin, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1978-12-16	1978-12-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Field Sparrow near Tiffin in Johnson County, IA on December 16, 1978.	DeCoster, R. J. (Richard Joseph)	Field Sparrow	Tiffin	~1/2 mi. s. of Tiffen [sic], Johnson Co., Ia. at Clear Creek Bridge	Creek bed with forested area to north and open field to south. Deep snow covered most of area. South-facing north slope of creek provided open grassy area as snow had mostly melted. Several song sparrows were in same area.	The documentation form by Richard DeCoster is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Huntington. \| Elimination of similar species: The Tree Sparrow, usually abundant in winter around Iowa City, has a dark upper bill and lacks the white eye ring. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:05:00/08:06:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	51
Rare bird documentation form for Hermit Thrush near Tiffin, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-12-16	1978-12-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hermit Thrush near Tiffin in Johnson County, IA on December 16, 1978.	DeCoster, R. J. (Richard Joseph)	Hermit Thrush	Tiffin	1/4 mile south of US Rte 6, 1 mi. west of Tiffen [sic], Johnson Co., Iowa	General: Small forested area on hilly terrain with some underbush. Woods cut by country road and interspersed with a few houses. Specific: Bushes growing at bottom of ditch alongside county road. Several of bushes contained berries that the bird was eating.	The documentation form by Richard DeCoster is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Huntington, Mike Lewis-Beck, and Arline Lewis-Beck. \| Elimination of similar species: Other small brown thrushes do not have reddish-brown tail contrasting with brown back. Tail-pumping and white eye ring also unique to Hermit Thrush. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	9
Rare bird documentation form for Bohemian Waxwing at MacLean Hall at University of Iowa, 1976	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-02-01	1976-02-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bohemian Waxwing at MacLean Hall at University of Iowa in Johnson County, IA on February 1, 1976.	DeCoster, R. J. (Richard Joseph)	Bohemian Waxwing	MacLean Hall	near the southwest corner of the Physics Building on the University of Iowa Campus.		The documentation form by Richard DeCoster is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Its large size and large crest made the bird stand out. \| The original documentation form event lasted around three minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	16
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Grosbeak at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1978-01-24	1978-02-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Pine Grosbeaks at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines in Polk County, IA on January 24, 1978.	Mooney, Richard D., 1905-1997	Pine Grosbeak	Glendale Cemetery	Glendale Cemetary [sic]-50th St. & University Ave. Des Moines	Cemetary [sic] with numerous assorted evergreen trees and various other trees.	The documentation form by Richard D. Mooney is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Pauline Mooney, Ruth Binsfeld, Woodward Brown, and Mary Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: Evening Grosbeak eliminated by coloration. Purple Finch eliminated by size and coloration. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 15:00:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	80
Rare bird documentation form for Sandhill Crane east of New Albin, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-03-30	1986-05-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sandhill Crane east of New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on March 30, 1986.	Zarwell, Ric	Sandhill Crane	New Albin	1/2 mile East of New Albin, Iowa and 1/2 mile south of Minnesota border in extreme northeast Allamakee County, Iowa	Mixed riparian woods and open marsh	The documentation form by Ric Zarwell is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rob Zarwell. \| Elimination of similar species: Eliminated Whooping Crane at once - due to coloration. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	1
Rare bird documentation form for American Avocet southeast of New Albin, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-04-27	1986-05-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for eight American Avocets southeast of New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on April 27, 1986.	Zarwell, Ric	American Avocet	New Albin	3/4 mile southeast of New Albin, Iowa - extreme northeast corner of Allamakee County Iowa	Flooded soybean field	The documentation form by Ric Zarwell is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rob Zarwell. \| Elimination of similar species: Black-necked Stilt does not have brown head/neck and lacks white on upper wing. Ditto oyster catchers. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:45:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	6
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1980	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-25	1980-12-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for five Ross' Geese at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 25, 1980.	Johnson, Rex R.	Ross's Gull	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge Harrison County, Iowa	Habitat - Cornfield within 30m of refuge lake, near road that runs through refuge.	The documentation form by Rex R. Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Robert Frederick. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for King Rail at Lake Township in Clay County, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-12	1982-06-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a King Rail at Lake Township in Clay County, IA on May 12, 1982.	Johnson, Rex R.	King Rail	Lake Township	Sect. 25; Lake Township; Clay Cty, Iowa	Flooded timber adjacent to grass waterway flowing into seasonal massh [sic].	The documentation form by Rex R. Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Virginia rail. Size and call. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:00:00/19:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for Townsend's Solitaire in Pottawattamie County, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-12-15	1995-12-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Townsend's Solitaire in Pottawattamie County, IA on December 16, 1995.	Allen, Pam Allen, Reid I.	Townsend's Solitaire	Pottawattamie County	Pottawattamie County - .85 mile East on Applewood Drive from junction with Highway 235		The documentation form by Reid and Pam Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Loren and Babs Padelford. \| Elimination of similar species: The Northern Mockingbird would be eliminated because of the prominent eyering and larger size. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:50:00/13:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	5
Rare bird documentation form for Sandhill Crane at Cherry Glen Saylorville Lake, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-25	1988-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for one or two Sandhill Cranes at Cherry Glen Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on November 25, 1988.	Allen, Reid I.	Sandhill Crane	Cherry Glen Recreation Area	Saylorville Lake, Cherry Glen boat ramp, Polk County, Iowa	Barren fields, wooded slopes, lake	The documentation form by Reid Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Pam Allen. \| Elimination of similar species: Great Blue Heron have curved necks in flight and swans or geese do not have legs which extend beyond tail. Also, loudness and clarity of call was unmistakable. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:03:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	1
Rare bird documentation form for Lincoln's Sparrow at West Des Moines, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Ornithology--Technique Rare birds	1989-04-15	1989-06-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lincoln's Sparrow at West Des Moines in Polk County, IA on April 15, 22, and 23, 1989.	Allen, Reid I.	Lincoln's Sparrow	West Des Moines	1601 Pleasant Street, West Des Moines, IA	Suburban yard, with wooded area behind home consisting of large trees and brushpiles	The documentation form by Reid Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Pam Allen, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Song sparrow has center dot and no buffy upper breast streaking. Savannah has white dotted breast. Vesper sparrow has white out tail. Mostly distinguished because of its song which was sung two or three times and Reid played a tape and it came right up to us as we were sitting and waiting for the Armstrongs to come to our house. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	61
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Rolling Cove Area, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-10-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Rolling Cove Area at Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, IA on October 15, 1983.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Merlin	Rolling Cove Park	Rolling Cove Area Rathbun Lake Appanoose Co., Iowa	Lakeside - Brushy ravine - open brush with some conifers mixed in.	The documentation form by Raymond L. Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Wallace Jardine. \| Elimination of similar species: Small, only slightly larger than a Sparrow Hawk. True falcon in f[l]ight point wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Cinnamon Teal at Sunken Grove, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-05-08	1981-05-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Cinnamon Teal at Sunken Grove in Pocahontas County, IA on May 8, 1981.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Cinnamon Teal	Sunken Grove State Game Management Area	marsh 1 mile east of Sunken Grove, Varina, Iowa	marsh	The documentation form by Raymond L. Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marion Brewer. \| Elimination of similar species: Coloration eliminated all other ducks and teal I am aware of. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	6
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Riverton Wildlife Management Area, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-04-27	1984-04-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Riverton Wildlife Management Area in Fremont County, IA on April 27, 1984.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Peregrine Falcon	Riverton Wildlife Management Area	Riverton WMA Riverton, Iowa	Open marsh	The documentation form by Raymond L. Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: Merlin because of size and Prairie Falcon because of dark back color - All others because of falcon flight. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:34:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34