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

Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Clark's Grebe at Diamond Lake, 1997	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-12-13	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Clark's Grebe at Diamond Lake in Poweshiek County, IA on December 13, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, photos, an Iowa Bird Life article, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Allen, Pam Allen, Reid I.	Clark's Grebe	Diamond Lake	Poweshiek County, Diamond Lake Park		The documentation form by Pam and Reid Allen is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Mark Proescholdt, Thomas H. Kent, Phil Walsh, and Michael D. Overton were submitted later. Other observers include Jim Sinclair, Ann Johnson, Eugene Armstrong, Dixie Overton, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: The Western Grebe (Aechmorphorus occidentalis) has a much duller, greyish-greenish yellow bill and the body and flanks are blacker. Plus, the black cap extends over the eyes and lores, and there is a more solid blackish cast on the bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/14:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	9
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 Western Sandpiper east of Colo, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-05-14	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Sandpiper east of Colo in Story County, IA on May 14, 1986.	Martsching, Paul	Western Sandpiper	Colo	pothole one mile east of Colo, Iowa (on old highway 30)	pothole in plowed field	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sandpiper article in American Birds shows both Semipalm and Western with spooned bills and partial webbing between toes, but Semipalms bill is shorter and doesn't droop at end (except in extreme cases with same Semipalm females) and in any case doesn't have the orangish feathers. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:10:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur east of Larson Marsh, 1983	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-04-17	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for eight or more Smith's Longspurs east of Larson Marsh in Story County, IA on April 17, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Martsching, Paul	Smith's Longspur	Larson Marsh	pothole one eigtth [sic] mile east of Larson Marsh in Story County, Iowa	General: near pothole in cornfield. Specific: grassy areas along waterfilled roadside ditch	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Fred Whitford. \| Elimination of similar species: Lapland longspur - has less white on tail edges, much whiter below; male reddish patch on back of neck & fairly heavy black streaks on sides - most of the males were more or less changed to breeding plumage, altho few had completely changed. Vesper Sparow does not have orange tan breast + belly or white shoulder patch. [...] had more or less black faces \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:40:00/11:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope east of Colo, 1982.	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Red-necked Phalaropes east of Colo in Story County, IA on May 23, 1982.	Martsching, Paul	Red-necked Phalarope	Colo	pothole 2 1/2 miles East of Colo, Story Co, Iowa	agriculture land - with 'trash' + 'stubble.' pothole	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Nolan. \| Elimination of similar species: Wilson's Phalarope - does not have white stripe down wing. head not so dark. Sanderling has white stripe down wing - details seen when swimming rule it out. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Rare bird documentation form for White-faced Ibis at Woodbury County, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-04-26	1990-05-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-faced Ibis at Port Neal - Iowa Public Service in Woodbury County, IA on April 26, 1990.	Huser, Bill F.	White-faced Ibis	Woodbury County	Port Neal - Iowa Public Service, Woodbury County	shallow lake with sandbars & sandy shores	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: decurved bill eliminates all waders, & shorebirds except curlews, limpkin & whimbrel. Dark plumage -blackish wings back ;dark (reddish) head, shoulders, neck - eliminated these. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:00:00/07:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	25
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Port Neal, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-06-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Greater Scaups at Port Neal in Woodbury County, IA on June 6, 1982.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Greater Scaup	New Lake	Port Neal	Oxbow Lake with fringe cattail	The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup: Bird lacked peaked head was clear white on sides head rounded and wide. Speculum extended to wing tip. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:45:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Rough-legged Hawk at Pool Slough, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-08	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Rough-legged Hawk at Pool Slough north of New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on May 8, 1999.	Lesher, Fred	Rough-legged Hawk	Pool Slough	Pool Slough north of Army Road, New Albin, Iowa.		The documentation form by Fred Lesher is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Barrow's Goldeneye near Montrose, 1995	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-12-18	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Barrow's Goldeneye near Montrose in Lee County, IA on December 18, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form (two copies) submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Barrow's Goldeneye	Pool 19	Pool 19, Montrose, Lee Co.	river	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore and John Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: The only possible confusion would be with a male Common Goldeneye, thousands of which were available for direct comparison. The bill and head shapes, shape of the white facial spot, and mantle pattern were all diagnostic of an adult male Barrow's Goldeneye. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	21
Rare bird documentation form for Blue-winged Teal at Pool 19, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-21	1998-12-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Blue-winged Teal at Pool 19 in Montrose in Lee County, IA on December 21, 1998.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Blue-winged Teal	Pool 19	Pool 19 of Montrose, Lee County, Iowa	river	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Aaron Brees. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of bill size, face pattern, and speculum pattern eliminates Green-winged Teal. Cinnamon Teal (very unlikely at this date) was eliminated on the basis of the dark eye, slightly smaller bill, and lack of brighter rufous or buffy color on the body. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:42:00/11:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Pool 19 on the Mississippi River near Montrose, 1988	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-12-31	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Pool 19 on the Mississippi River near Montrose in Lee County, IA on December 31, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Thayer's Gull	Pool 19	Pool 19 of Mississippi R., near Montrose, Lee Co., IA	resting on ice and flying over river with other gulls	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer includes Bart Ballard. \| Elimination of similar species: wing pattern, tail pattern, rounder head, and even color of body eliminates similar Herring Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Rare bird documentation form for Tundra Swan at Pool 19, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-31	1989-01-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for seven Tundra Swans at Pool 19 near Montrose in Lee County, IA on December 31, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Tundra Swan	Pool 19	Pool 19 of Mississippi R. near Montrose, Lee Co., IA	resting on ice on river	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bart Ballard. \| Elimination of similar species: Neck posture and bill shape eliminates Trumpeter and Mute swan. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	1
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
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Pool 19, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-03-31	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at Pool 19 in Lee County, IA on March 31, 1991.	Fuller, James L	Black Scoter	Pool 19	Pool #19 of Mississippi River, Lee County		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The only bird that this bird should be confused with would be ruddy duck, and they were in close proximity so that good comparisons could be made. The white area on ruddy duck's head does not extend onto the neck, they are smaller in size, have a relatively larger bill, and a stiff raised tail, all features which differ from this bird. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:35:00/06:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Long-billed Dowitcher at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-23	1984-09-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for ten Long-billed Dowitchers at Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on September 23, 1984.	Newlon, Michael C.	Long-billed Dowitcher	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	pond E of Dupont Br. Rd, Hawkeye WA Johnson Co IA	muddy pool on reservoir floodplain	The documentation form by Michael Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: scapular pattern, blurry chest markings (rather than 'speckles'), soft edges to side-bars, tail pattern, date, indicate long-bills. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 16:00:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit east of Colo, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-08-15	1982-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit east of Colo in Story County, IA on August 15, 1982.	Moore, Francis L.	Marbled Godwit	Colo	Pond alongside the road about 2 to 3 mi East of Colo, Story County, Iowa	Pond starting to dry up alongside a hard surface road.	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit has a white upper tail area with a dark terminal area on the tail. The Hudsonian also does not have the Cinnamon underwing coverts as this bird had. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Windsor Heights, 1995	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-05-13	2000-11-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Mississippi Kites at Windsor Heights in Polk County, IA on May 13, 1995. Includes one record review document with votes, a photograph, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Allen, Pam	Mississippi Kite	Windsor Heights	Polk Co., Windsor Heights, 73rd Street north of University Ave., behind Olivet Church.		The documentation form by Pam Allen is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Chris Edwards was submitted later. Other observers include Jim Fuller, Tom Kent, Dick Tetrault, Reid Allen, and Jane Clark. \| Elimination of similar species: White-tailed Kite has a white tail and black shoulder patches. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
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
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Cherry Glen Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, 1997	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-12-09	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a California Gull at Cherry Glen Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on December 9, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Overton, Michael D.	California Gull	Cherry Glen Recreation Area	Polk co., Saylorville Reservoir, Cherry Glen Recreation Area	On ice along lakeshore of large manmade lake in mixed hardwood forest agricultural cropland.	The documentation form by Michael D. Overton is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull: Immatures of both species were present so direct comparisons were possible. Bill color, shape, and size reletive [sic] to head. Tail and rump color. Wing color and pattern especially mantle, greater coverts, and secondaries. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:20:00/10:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	1
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull at Saylorville Dam, 1995	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-05-11	2000-11-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Laughing Gull at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on May 11, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, three photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Allen, Pam	Laughing Gull	Saylorville Dam	Polk Co., below Saylorville Dam Spillway		The documentation form by Pam Allen forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Thomas H. Kent was submitted. Other observers include Gordon Brown and Reid Allen. \| Elimination of similar species: Franklin's Gull is smaller and has white edges to its wing tips. The black cap does not extend as far down the back of the neck like the Laughing Gull. The call is much different. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:15:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	18
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Saylorville Reservoir, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 24, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Surf Scoter	Polk City Wildlife Area	Polk City Wildlife Refuge, adjacent to Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County	large backwater area of reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Other ducks eliminated by size, uniform dark color, lack of wing markings, and bill size and shape. White-winged Scoter eliminated by lack of white wing patches. Imm. or female Black Scoter eliminated by white spots on cheek instead of white throat and by bill shape. All male Scoters eliminated by Black, rather than brown, body color. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/09:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-crowned Night-Heron at Polk City, 1997	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-12-21	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-crowned Night-Heron at Polk City Wildlife Area in Polk County, IA on December 21, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Ann	Black-crowned Night Heron	Polk City Wildlife Area	Polk City Wildlife Area, Polk Co., IA		The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore was submitted later. Other observers include Aaron Brees and Phil Walsh. \| Elimination of similar species: Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was eliminated by the boldness of the markings on both the upper and underparts of the body and by the leg extension in flight. \| The documentation form event occurred at approximately 09:30:00	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	20
Rare bird documentation form for Sandhill Crane at Polk City Wildlife Area, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-22	1986-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sandhill Crane at Polk City Wildlife Area in Polk County, IA on November 22, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Sandhill Crane	Polk City Wildlife Area	Polk City Wildlife Area, Polk Co. (part of Saylorville Reservoir)	sitting on ice and wading in small patch of open water	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include B.J. Rose, Loren Padelford, Babs Padelford, James Dinsmore, and Bob Myers. \| Elimination of similar species: The gray color, red crown, and heron profile eliminate Great Blue Heron. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00 and 16:15:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	1
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Polk City Wildlife Area, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-11	1986-11-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Polk City Wildlife Area in Polk County, IA on November 11, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Surf Scoter	Polk City Wildlife Area	Polk City WIldlife Area, Polk Co.	large body of water	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White-winged Scoter eliminated by lack of white wing patch. Black Scoter eliminated by bill shape and lack of a large white cheek patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Townsend's Solitaire at Polk City Cemetery, 1992	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1992-05-17	1994-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Townsend's Solitaire at Polk City Cemetery in Polk County, IA on May 17, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Hertzel, L. Paul	Townsend's Solitaire	Polk City Cemetery	Polk City Cemetary. [sic]	Mowed grass with scattered pines and bushes.	The documentation form by Paul Hertzel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Briefly considered Mockingbird, but posture (upright) and behavior was wrong. On closer look had orange, not white, wing bars. Lacked sleek head and longer bill of Mockingb[...] Eye-ring was very obvious. \| The original documentation form event lasted occurred from approximately 12:00:00/12:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	6