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 Black Scoter at Rathbun Lake, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Black Scoters at Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, IA on December 15, 1990.	Egeland, Paul	Black Scoter	Rathbun Lake	Rathbun Lake just off face of Rathbun Dam	Lake on Rock face of Dam	The documentation form by Paul A Egeland is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Deb Egeland and Ray Cummins. \| Elimination of similar species: Consulted "Birds of North America" after by Chander S. Robbins, etc. Field notes were taken. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/07:34:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Western Kingbird near Ames, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-05-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Kingbird near Ames in Story County, IA on May 11, 1978.	Heagy, Patricia A.	Western Kingbird	Ames	Iowa, Story County; T84N, R24W, sec 30; ISU Beef Farm	General: In a wooded pasture with a creek running through. Specific: Along the creek in a single locust, above a brush pile scattered trees nearby, open wooded pasture. Farmland adjacent (plowed).	The documentation form by Patricia A. Heagy is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Cassin's Kingbird - does not occur this far northeast and lacks the white outer tail feathers, has a white chin and dark breast Myiarchas flycatchers do not have black tails. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:40:00/09:42:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	72
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Iowa State University Beef Farm, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-05-01	1978-05-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Iowa State University Beef Farm in Story County, IA on May 1, 1978.	Heagy, Patricia A.	Prairie Falcon	Story County	Iowa, Story County, T84N, R24W, Sec 30; ISU Beef Farm	wooded pasture, surrounded by grassy pasture, cropland, and woods. Open woodland pasture along Onion Creek	The documentation form by Patricia A. Heagy is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel - smaller and without dark axillar. They also have rusty backs, and do not have complete tail bands. Peregrine Falcon - has a darker face pattern and a slate-colored back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:40:00/09:41:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle in Decatur County, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-11-25	1990-11-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle in Decatur County, IA on November 25, 1990.	Schlarbaum, Pat	Golden Eagle	Decatur County	Decatur County, Iowa ... at my parent's farm ... T69N R24W Sec. 17		The documentation form by Pat Schlarbaum is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kathy Schlarbaum, Dale Schlarbaum, and Mildred Schlarbaum. \| Elimination of similar species: Considering the flat flight plane, size of bird, the white tail band, the white on the wings' undersides, we were convinced the bird was an immature golden eagle. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:33:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Mississippi Kite at Olivet Church in Polk County, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-07-14	1996-08-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mississippi Kite at Olivet Church in Polk County, IA on July 14, 1996.	Allen, Pam	Mississippi Kite	Olivet Baptist Church	Polk Co., Windsor Heights, 73rd Street north of University Ave., behind Olivet Church		The documentation form by Pam Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Reid Allen. \| Elimination of similar species: White-tailed Kite has a white tail and black shoulder patches. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	20
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at Mud Creek Park in Henry County, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1997-06-02	1997-08-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at Mud Creek Park in Henry County, IA on June 2, 1997.	Allen, Pam	Prairie Warbler	Mud Creek County Recreation Area	Henry County; just west of entrance to Mud Creek Park.	Area of brushy, overgrown vegetation populated with young sapling trees about 15-20 feet high.	The documentation form by Pam Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Reid Allen. \| Elimination of similar species: Pine Warbler would not have the unique facial pattern of the bird observed nor would it be as small. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 11:45:00/12:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at Mud Creek Park in Henry County, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-19	1988-06-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at Mud Creek Park in Henry County, IA on May 19, 1998.	Allen, Pam	Prairie Warbler	Mud Creek County Recreation Area	Henry County; just west of entrance to Mud Creek Park.	Area of brushy, overgrown vegetation populated with young sapling trees about 15-20 feet high.	The documentation form by Pam Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Reid Allen. \| Elimination of similar species: Pine Warbler would not have the unique facial pattern of the bird observed nor would it be as small. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 11:00:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Mississippi Kite at Ledges State Park, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-07-25	1996-08-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mississippi Kite at Ledges State park in Boone County, IA on July 25, 1996.	Allen, Pam	Mississippi Kite	Ledges State Park	Boone Co., Ledges State Park		The documentation form by Pam Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Reid Allen, Eloise Armstrong, and Eugene Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: White-tailed Kite has a white tail and black shoulder patches. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/12:33:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	20
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Grosbeak at Marshalltown, 1992	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-12-19	1992-12-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Grosbeak at Marshalltown in Marshall County, IA on December 19, 1992.	Grimes, Orville	Pine Grosbeak	Marshalltown	Southwest Marshalltown	wooded yard	The documentation form by Orville Grimes is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: there was no house finches or purple finches in the area. Female Cardinal on feeder at same time. Observed bird seemed a little larger than female Cardinal. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:45:00/10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	80
Rare bird documentation form for Horned Grebe at Tama, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-03-19	1986-03-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Horned Grebe at Tama in Tama County, IA on March 19, 1986.	Kubik, Nicholas A.	Horned Grebe	Tama	TAMA, IOWA. The surfaced road as it turns west from the airport.	flooded roadside ditch	The documentation form by Nick A. Kubik is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The Eared Grebe should have a gray neck in winter or a black neck in summer, but not white. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:50:00 (est.).	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	12
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Coralville Reservoir, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-03-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-winged Scoters at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 23, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	White-winged Scoter	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir about 0.5 mile up from dam	reservoir lake - Coralville Reservoir, deep portion	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Shires, Robert Osmundson, Helen Osmundson, and Rich DeCoster. \| Elimination of similar species: Other Scoters: prominent white speculum. Gadwall: different shape, black coloration of most of plumage. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:25:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Coralville Reservoir, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-10-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three White-winged Scoters at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 22, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	White-winged Scoter	Coralville Lake	Near sandy beach area of Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co.	deep area of reservoir - water level fairly high	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas H. Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Other scoters eliminated by white on speculum; no other duck is usually black all over; many coots nearby - white bill obvious, also trailing edge of white on flapping wings and small size. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:40:00 and 15:20:00-15:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for American Golden-Plover at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area at Coralville Reservoir, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-09-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a American Golden-Plover at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 20, 1978.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	American Golden Plover	Sugar Bottom Campground	Sugar Bottom Recreation Area by Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., Iowa	grainy-sandy uplands - periphery of short span-sand picnic. RV camping area on N shore of Coralville Reservoir, with sandy [illegible] extending into water.	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas H. Kent and Thomas K. Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: gestalt and most details like lesser golden Plover, but very distinct white wingstripe incongruous. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:30:00/09:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	3
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Coralville Reservoir, 1976	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-10-27	1976-10-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 27, 1976.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co. Iowa	Over water. in a small inlet formed by the scalloped SW shore of the reservoir	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Newlon, Carol Newlon, Rich DeCoster, Allan Mueller, Lillian Serbousek, and Weir Nelson. \| Elimination of similar species: Bonaparte's has no nuchal crescent, more white on wings, square on rounded tail; Black-headed - ditto, with even more white on wings; Sabine's: no nuchal spot, wing pattern of black-gray-white triangles, head gray in back; Ross's - no nuchal crescent, wedge-shaped tail, no spot behind eye; Little - much smaller, nuchal crescent (if present) merely an extension of the dark gray back, not demarcated in white, black cap. Of these only the imm. Bonaparte's is more common than the Kittiwake in Iowa. This is the third record for the state (last seen in Davenport Dec. 1967). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Say's Phoebe west of Waubeek, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-06-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Say's Phoebe west of Waubeek in Linn County, IA on June 21, 1978.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Say's Phoebe	Waubeek	Linn Co. Rd. E28 about 1 mile w. of Waubeek	General: farmland. Specific: trees along water-filled creek crossed by concrete bridge	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Fred Thompson. \| Elimination of similar species: E. Phoebe: color of abdomen and crissum, size. E. Kingbird: no white edge to tail, underparts not white. Duller color of back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	70
Rare bird documentation form for White-rumped Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-04-10	1977-04-11	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-rumped Sandpipers at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on April 10, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	White-rumped Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	south shore of Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., IOWA	mudflats S of Sandy Beach area, Coralville Reservoir	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Pectoral: smaller - direct comparison possible. No bib. Dark, not yellowish legs. Voice not 'krip'. Baird's: same size, but lack of scaly back, no buffy wash on breast, wings, not as long as Baird's, [illegible] not so slim, body position not horizontal. Semipalmated - Western: about 1 inch bigger than the small [illegible], one present in flock (Western?) \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	21
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Macbride Recreation Area, 1975	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1975-03-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Macbride Recreation Area northeast of North Liberty in Johnson County, IA on March 19, 1975.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Golden Eagle	Macbride Nature Recreation Area	over Univ. of Iowa Macbride Campus, NE of North Liberty, Iowa	over park with deciduous woods and clumps of planted conifers, between Coralville Reservoir and Lake Macbride	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Much larger than dark-phase Rough-legged Hawk. White on wing the reverse of that in imm. Bald Eagle. Tail larger in relation to body than in Bald Eagle, not mottled but distinctly banded. General plumage lighter than that of imm. Bald Eagle. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:10:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Coralville Reservoir, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-03-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Greater Scaup at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 22, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Greater Scaup	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., about 1/2 mile above dam	fresg\h water - reservoir lake	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaups (several in same scope field): contrast in head shape, bill size, neck thickness clear; some of Lesser Scaups in vicinity had grayish smudged flanks rather than pure white of Greater Scaup. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Co. Rd. W48 in Johnson County, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1979-03-18	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Co. Rd. W48 in Johnson County, IA on March 18, 1979.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Co. Rd. W48, Johnson Co., Iowa	over flooded fields, tailwaters of Coralville Reservoir	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - slimmer, flight less direct and powerful. Sharp-shin: Rounded wings, relatively longer tail, more flapping flights \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:00:15.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at County Road W48 in Johnson County, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-03-20	1977-03-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at County Road W48 in Johnson County, IA on March 20, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Johnson County	Co. Rd W48, Johnson Co., Iowa, N of Iowa River	tall-grass fields with scattered dead or live trees. Flood plain of Coralville Reservoir (west end)	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Kestrel: no rufous on back; facial pattern of Kestrel clearly not present; chunkier bird. Sharp-shinned Hawk: head proportionately large, tail shorter, wings pointed and cuffed, not rounded. Peregrine: too small; lack of heavy black mustache. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:55:00/14:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Western Grebe at Sandy Beach Area at Coralville Reservoir, 1977	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-10-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Grebe at Sandy Beach Area at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 27, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Western Grebe	Sandy Beach Public Use Area	Coralville Reservoir, E of Sandy Beach area, Johnson Co.	deep portion of reservoir	The documentation form by Nicholas Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dr. Carter, Mike Newlon, Carol Newlon, Peter Petersen, and Mary Lou Petersen. \| Elimination of similar species: Red-necked Grebe: smaller, shorter bill, ventral aspects of neck not slate but gray. Horned grebe (one nearby for direct comparison): much smaller, shorter neck and bill. White wing patch, not long stripe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:25:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	15
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Sand Point at Coralville Reservoir, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-05-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Sand Point at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on May 3, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Peregrine Falcon	Sand Point	Coralville Reservoir at Sandy Point, Johnson Co., Iowa	reservoir margin; flying over weedy point, then alighting in tree N of reservoir (very low, almost reduced to river channel)	The documentation form by Nicholas Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Much larger than Merlin or Am. Kestrel; falcon shape; Mustache pattern diagnostic; shape excludes buteos etc. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Coralville Reservoir, 1976	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-03-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Greater Scaup at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 20, 1976.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Greater Scaup	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., Iowa, just NE of Mehaffey Bridge (rd F28)	swimming in water of reservoir, near the shore, in shallow water, then flew off into deeper central water	The documentation form by Nicholas Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup - several pairs nearby; Female in same scope field as gr. scaup: differences evident - L. Scaup showed purplish, not green, head gloss, slightly peaked head, daintier proportions, finer bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:50:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Swan Lake, 1976	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-09-16	1976-09-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on September 16, 1976.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Swan Lake	Swan Lake, Johnson Co., Iowa	Swan L. is 1 mile south from the Coralville Reservoir. The bird was flying over the lake, the bordering mudflats and disappeared within seconds over an adjoining cornfield, continuing its rectilinear, unswerving flight.	The documentation form by Nicholas Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: In spite of the first subconscious "gestalt" impression of a Mourning Dove approaching, the square tail, lacking white, falcon wings and greater size rule this one out. The bird seen was definitely too small to be a Peregrine, and had no mustache. It did not have the distinctive facial pattern of the familiar Kestrel either, nor the rufous back and/or wings and tail; it was a dusky bird, not the way Kestrels look to me; nor have I ever seen a Kestrel flying with such blinding speed and so "purposefully". \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Bohemian Waxwing at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-01-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bohemian Waxwing at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on January 13, 1978.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Bohemian Waxwing	Hickory Hill Park	Hickory Hill Park, Iowa City, Iowa	General: City park Specific: shallow ravine with deciduous and coniferous plantings	The documentation form by Nicholas Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Cedar Waxwing close, good comparison of a) size; b) whitish undertail coverts in C.W.; C) lack of white on wing in C.W. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	16