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 Mute Swan at the Mississippi River near Le Claire, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-02-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mute Swan at the Mississippi River near Le Claire in Scott County, IA on February 21, 1982.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Mute Swan	Le Claire	Miss. River between I80 & Le Clair [sic]		The documentation form by Rick Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent and Carl Bendorf. \| Elimination of similar species: The points about (#2-4) eliminate both the Whistling & Trumpeter Swans. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:20:00/08:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	29
Rare bird documentation form for American White Pelican at Bettendorf, 1997	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-21	1998-01-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a American White Pelican at Bettendorf in Scott County, IA on December 21, 1997.	McKay, Kelly	American White Pelican	Bettendorf	Bettendorf, IA. shoreline of Missisippi River, Scott County		The documentation form by Kelly J. McKay is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Kingman, Chris Kingman, Keith Blunt, Donna Blair, and Mary Foulk. \| Elimination of similar species: All swans - dark torsi and they all lack the lark dark punched bill and black primaries and secondaries. Snow Goose - much smaller and lacks the large pale punched bill and black secondaries. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/12:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	16
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Peterson Pits, 1994	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-05-22	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Mississippi Kite at Peterson Pits in Story County, IA on May 22, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Pinkston, Randall, 1956-	Mississippi Kite	Peterson Pits Recreation Area	"Peterson Pits" Mine Reclamation Area, Story County, Iowa		The documentation form by Randall "Randy" Pinkston is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Mark Proescholdt was submitted later. Other observers include Dan Dorrance, Mary Kuhlman, Carlyn Fischer, Jan Walter, Daniel Pinkston, Dorothy Zehr, and Sibyl Sand. \| Elimination of similar species: Falcons also have pointed wingtips but wings typically appear more sickle-shaped, less plank-like. Falcon not expected to sail so effortlessly on fixed wings for so long. Dark slate-gray plumage and white head seen in good light does not fit with any North American falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:50:00/07:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-08-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on August 28, 1990.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Red-necked Grebe	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough Nat. Wild. Refuge middle of the largest pool		The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Not highly contrasted black & white like Western. Smaller bird with thicker neck. Head wasn't pointed or peaked like Western. Bigger than Pied-billed with longer neck, different beak. Shorter-bodied than loon, longer necked, different facial markings. Bigger bird than Horned Grebe. longer lighter color bill (later, after looking at field guide). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/07:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Hallett's Quarry at Ames, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Hallett's Quarry at Ames in Story County, IA on October 19, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Hallett's Quarry, N. of Ames, Story County	a large, very deep gravel pit	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kraig Downs, Jim Dinsmore, Paul Martsching, Erik Munson, and "all of Ames". \| Elimination of similar species: Other grebes or loons eliminated by the combination of a large yellow bill, reddish color on neck and head (1 bird), white crescent on cheek (1 bird), striping on cheek (2 birds), large size, large head, and white wing patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Trumpeter Swan at Clear Lake, 1994	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-17	1994-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Trumpeter Swan at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on October 17, 1994.	Goranson, Rita	Trumpeter Swan	Bluewing Marsh	a marsh on 230th st., 1/4 mi east of Cardinal ave, north of Clear Lake	a marsh approx: 600 ft x 600 ft with 2 ponds	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I really looked at Book & looked at Bird for marks since I'm not that familiar with the bird. It was gone the next day. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Iowa City, 1992	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1992-06-13	1994-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Mississippi Kite at Iowa City on Johnson County, IA on June 13, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Berry, Robert	Mississippi Kite	Iowa City	The north edge of Iowa City, near the Rochester Hy-vee.	Above a wooded residential area.	The documentation form by Robert Berry is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Glorine Berry and Diane Amundson. \| Elimination of similar species: I consulted three books and Jim Fuller. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Saylorville Lake, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-11-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Clear Lake in Polk County, IA on November 6, 1999.	Engebretsen, Bery	Red-throated Loon	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Lake	above dam	The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dennis Thompson and Jim Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Small loon, small head slightly upturned beak and head. White visible on flanks. Faint fleck on dark back at tips of feathers. No chin strap, but from front had faint inverted V. Head, neck brownish/gray. Darker on back of neck, top of hood, much lighter chin, front of neck, sides of neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/08:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at East of Randall, 1991	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-05-22	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Mississippi Kite at east of Randall in Hamilton County, IA on May 22, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Proescholdt, Mark	Mississippi Kite	Randall	Hamilton County just east of Randall	along Skunk River Valley - wooded river - open area near bridge	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Beth Proescholdt were submitted later. \| Elimination of similar species: Harrier - tail was not right and long enough for harrier and bird was not right color underneath. Nighthawk - Our bird was much bigger than Nighhawk and had no white patches in its wings. Turkey Vulture or Eagle - Our bird was much smaller and had long, narrow pointed wings. Accipiters - Body shape was wrong and did not have extra long tail -look like accipiters have. Osprey - Wrong body shape for osprey and no white markings on our bird. Buteos - Wrong body shape again even for Swainson's Hawk which can appear to have pointed wings when seen overhead. Buteos have much broader wings and should show some white contrasting colors underneath. Falcons - Our bird was too big for a Kestrel or Merlin. I don't think Merlins ever have leisurely, slow flapping flight. This bird didn't fly right for a Peregrine and the body proportions were not right for a Peregrine. I've seen Peregrines fly in a slow, leisurely manner and this did not seem to suggest a Peregrine at all. A Peregrine or Prairie Falcon should show some light-colored areas underneath. Also, a Peregrine's tail tapers down to a rounded end and is not squared off and flared at the end. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:35:00/19:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Snowy Egret at Diamond Lake, 1981	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-04-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Snowy Egret at Diamond Lake in Poweshiek County, IA on April 23, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Snowy Egret	Diamond Lake	Diamond L., Montezuma, Poweshiek Co IA	antipied lake, water level low, N. Cove at Diamond L.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Darwin Koenig. \| Elimination of similar species: Great Egret - size, bill + feet color wrong. Immature Little Blue heron - season, bill and feet color, plumes wrong. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:40:00/18:10:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	19
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at Willow Slough, 1984	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-03-30	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ross' Goose at Willow Slough in Mills County, IA on March 30, 1984.	Moore, Francis L.	Ross' Goose	Willow Slough State Game Management Area	Willow Slough, Mills Co., IA	At edge of open water along cattail edge.	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Goose is larger with a black "grin" patch on the bill and a longer looking neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Pacific Loon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1998	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-10-31	1998-11-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on October 31, 1998.	Proescholdt, Mark	Pacific Loon	Red Rock Dam	Red Rock Reservoir - Marion County	Big reservoir just above the dam on north side	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Chuck Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: A Common Loon is bigger with a big bill, has light areas above and in front of eye, and a jagged heavily patterned side of the neck. Red-throated Loon has upturned bill mandibles and the division between dark and light on the neck is not nearly as defined as in a Pacific Loon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:45:00/15:16:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	9
Rare bird documentation form for Turkey Vulture at Toolsboro, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-12-31	1983-01-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Turkey Vultures at Toolsboro in Louisa County, IA on December 31, 1982.	Wiederrecht, Ed	Turkey Vulture	Toolesboro	near Toolsboro [sic], IA	Bottomland forest	The documentation form by Ed Wiederrecht is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Mast. \| Elimination of similar species: Buteo hawks (dark phases) - dark brown plumage, not black, head not small or reddish, no V to wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:33:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	26
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Des Moines, 1995	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-08-22	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of three Mississippi Kites in the Des Moines Area in Polk County, IA on August 22, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Proescholdt, Mark	Mississippi Kite	Des Moines	Olivet Baptist Church - Des Moines area	Church parking lot with large trees and open spaces and creek	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russ Widner and Phil McFadden. \| Elimination of similar species: It's quite distinctive. A white-tailed Kite has black shoulders and a white tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:40:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Snowy Egret at Sweet Marsh, 1980	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-08-30	1980-09-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Snowy Egret at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on August 30, 1980.	Myers, Robert K.	Snowy Egret	Sweet Marsh	approx. 3 mi. south of Sweet Marsh, Iowa	cow pasture with marshy areas, water for marsh comes from natural artesian wells.	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russell Hays, Tom Stone, and Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: An immature little blue was also present & next day a cattle egret was with the snowy and separating all three was easy \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	19
Rare bird documentation form for White-faced Ibis at Churdan, 1978	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-04-21	1978-04-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four White-faced Ibises at Churdan in Greene County, IA on April 21, 1978.	Dinsmore, James J.	White-faced Ibis	Churdan	1 mile North, 2 1/4 miles East of Churdan, Iowa	Creek pasture, non-timbered, no trees for 1/4 mile, creek bayou (old bed); some vegetation along edges	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Stephen Dinsmore and Dan Towers. \| Elimination of similar species: Great Blue Heron; this Great Blue Heron is the only other bird I've ever seen around here that even comes close to resemblance, and it's not even close. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Hallett's Quarry at Ames, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Hallett's Quary at Ames in Story County, IA on October 19, 1985.	Dinsmore, James J.	Red-necked Grebe	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Hallett Quarry, north side of Ames	deep freshwater gravel pit	The documentation form by Jim Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Erik Munson, Paul Martsching, and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: ducks in general-bill shape; Western Grebe (Clark's too) - too small in comparison to Ruddy; Horned and Eared Grebe-bill length and shape. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
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 Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Saylorville Reservoir dam, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Saylorville Reservoir dam in Polk County in October 11, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Yellow-Crowned Night Heron	Saylorville Dam	beaver ponds below the Saylorville Reservoir dam, Polk County.	edge of small pond surrounded by dense Willow thickets	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The black bill, finer spotting on underparts, darker back with som [sic] gray wash on the tail, bright yellow legs, and legs protruding well beyond the tail eliminate immature Black-crowned Night heron. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	23
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Cardinal Marsh, 1978	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1978-05-29	1993-08-27	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Mississippi Kite at Cardinal Marsh in Winneshiek County, IA on May 29, 1978. Includes two record review documents with votes, two documentation forms, an Iowa Bird Life article, additional notes on the bird, and internal correspondence submitted to the committee.	Moore, Francis L.	Mississippi Kite	Cardinal Marsh State Wildlife Area	Cardinal Marsh	Edge of woods near open cattail marsh	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Tom Stone, Jr. and Sr. were submitted later. Other observers include Russell Hays. \| Elimination of similar species: White-tailed Kite does not have as dark a back as this bird ha and is also too light below. This bird definately [sic] did not have a deeply forked tail as a Swallow-tailed Kite would have had. \| The original event lasted from 11:15:00 to 11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose near Cone Marsh, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-03-15	1990-03-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Ross' Geese near Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 15, 1990.	Fuller, James L	Ross' Goose	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Northern Louisa County - 1 mile west of Cone Marsh	Farm field - corn stubble	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Goose is larger with larger head and neck and bill, and has grin patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Elk Lake, 1984	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-21	1984-05-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Elk Lake in Clay County, IA on May 21, 1984.	Brown, Mike	Red-necked Grebe	Elk Lake	Just south of county road, north of Elk Lake Clay Co. IA T95N R35W Sec. 36	Farm Pond	The documentation form by Mike Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Fred Heinz and R.R. Ruthner \| Elimination of similar species: Only other grebe with redneck is Horned Grebe. Horned Grebe is much smaller, has smaller bill, and has ear tufts. Only other long-necked grebe - Western - has white neck and longer, narrower bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Harris's Hawk at South of Blairstown, 1989	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents) Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-09-10	1993-08-05	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Harris's Hawk at South of Blairstown in Benton County, IA on September 10, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Harris's Hawk	Blairstown	2 1/2 miles South of Blairstown (Benton Co.) along I-56	Feedlot and open grazing land (hilly)	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent were submitted later. Other observers include Keith Carris, Carl Bendorf, Jim Fuller, and Ken Lowder. \| Elimination of similar species: Hawk at one time - appeared to be about the same size. White-tailed hawk has similar shoulder patch but breast is light. Dark phase Swainson's or red tail do not have white undertail or this tail pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:45:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	30
Rare bird documentation form for Common Loon at Cardinal Marsh, 1979	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-06-23	1979-08-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Common Loon at Cardinal Marsh in Winneshiek County, IA on June 23, 1979.	Koenig, Darwin	Common Loon	Cardinal Marsh State Wildlife Area	Cardinal Marsh, Winneshiek County, Iowa	Flat to gently rolling farmland with wooded stream valley. 200 acre marsh; good interspersion of cattails and open water.	The documentation form by Darwin Koenig is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Yellow-billed Loon: bill was black not yellow. Other loons: observed bird was larger, big straight bill, green head and checkered back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:10:00/12:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	10
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Colo Ponds, 1998	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-06-28	1998-07-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Colo Ponds in Story County, IA on June 28, 1998.	Proescholdt, Mark	Red-necked Grebe	Colo Bogs Wildlife Management Area	Colo Ponds - Story County	Flooded farm field - south side of highway	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: Hooded Merganser discussed. Not shaped like ducks. Too big for 3 little grebe species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13