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 American Golden-Plover at Sugar Bottom in Coralville Reservoir, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two American Golden-Plover at Sugar Bottom in Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 22, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	American Golden Plover	Sugar Bottom Campground	Sugar Bottom, Coralville Lake, Johnson Co, Iowa	Open grazing area adjacent to reservoir - Sugar Bottom	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Joe Schaufenbuel, Bob Myers, Francis Moore, and Russell Hays. \| Elimination of similar species: Black-bellied Plover. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:30:00/11:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	3
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1979-03-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 11, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Sugar Bottom Campground	Sugar Bottom Recreation area on Coralville Reservoir	wooded valley with adjacent open fields. Small valley 1/4 - 1/2 mile from Coralville Reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sparrow hawk - no red on tail, no facial marking, unlikely habitat. Sharp-shinned Hawk - wing shape and flight pattern different from Sharp-shinned. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
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 Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Sugar Bottom Area, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-09-30	1987-10-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Sugar Bottom Area in Johnson County, IA on September 30, 1987.	Staudt, Thomas J.	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Sugar Bottom Recreation Area	Sugar bottom area Johnson Co.	marsh edge of lake sandy soil	The documentation form by Thomas J. Staudt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller, Thomas Kent, Cal Knight, and Bernie Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: LeConte's Sparrow has lighter upperparts more buff above eye, crown is prominately [sic] streaked. Aricular [sic] area is light gray on sharp-tail this is buffy w/ a dark streak. Nape on LeContes has chestnut streaks. LeConte's has more pronounced side streaks. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:40:00/08:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at suburban Des Moines, 1991	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-06-22	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Mississippi Kites at suburban Des Moines in Polk County, IA on July 22, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, photocopy of an Iowa Bird Life magazine cover page photograph, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Cecil, Robert I.	Mississippi Kite	Des Moines	Suburban Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa	Wooded residential	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim and Jane Fuller, Mark Proescholdt, Ann Johnson, and Barbara L. Wilson were submitted later. Other observers include Tim Schantz, Dennis Thompson, Cecile Thompson, Ross Silcock, Tanya Bray, Beth Proescholdt, Ann Crane, Fred Crane, Jim Dinsmore, Sue Spieker, Eloise Armstrong, Eugene Armstrong, Beth Brown, John Cecil, and many unidentified other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: White-tailed kite has white tail, black shoulder patches. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:50:00/16:10:00 on June 22, 1991.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Nashville Warbler north of Iowa City, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-11-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Nashville Warbler north of Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on November 2, 1991.	Fuller, James L	Nashville Warbler	Iowa City	Suburban backyard north of Iowa City		The documentation form by James Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tim Schantz, Ann Johnson, Beth Brown, Jim Sinclair, Jane Fuller, and Karole Fuller. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 03:10:00/13:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	20
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Grosbeak at Ames, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1981-02-28	1981-03-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Grosbeak at Ames in Story County, IA on February 28, 1981.	Dinsmore, James J. Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Pine Grosbeak	Ames	Story County, Ames, 4024 Arkansas Drive	General: Urban, sat in tree and then Specific: on wire, finally flew toward nearby wooded creek bottom area	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore and James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Purple Finch-too large and had distinct wing bars Redpoll- again too large, no distinct red cap Cardinal-no crest, body too chunky, bill not red, too much red on body for female for all three, the calls were not correct \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:10:00/07:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	80
Rare bird documentation form for Cooper's Hawk at Story County, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-19	1998-12-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Cooper's Hawk at Story County, IA on December 19, 1998.	Ehresman, Bruce	Cooper's Hawk	Story County	Story Co., T-82N, R-22W, Sec 6, NW 1/4	Indian Creek, woods on west	The documentation form by Bruce Ehresman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Liessa Thomas and Marlene Ehresman. \| Elimination of similar species: Was too large for sharp shinned hawk, did not have white rump patch of harrier. Too large to be Merlin and wing shape + flight pattern different than Merlin (this bird had rounded wings and flew in flap-flap glide pattern as it left the area). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	24
Rare bird documentation form for Snowy Owl west of Nevada, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-03-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Snowy Owl west of Nevada in Story County, IA on March 25, 1982.	Roosa, Dean M.	Snowy Owl	Nevada	Story Co. 2 mi W. of Nevada, along Hwy 30	roadside ditch + adjacent agric. fields	The documentation form by Dean M. Roosa is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Short-eared Owl - flight completely different facial disc. short 'ears' Great Horned Owl - Arctic Horned Owl - } distinct 'horns' perching stance vy [sic] different. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	50
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Storm Lake, 1989	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-04-14	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Storm Lake in Buena Vista County, IA on April 14, 1989.	Bierman, Dick	Red-necked Grebe	Storm Lake	Storm Lake, Buena Vista Co. Iowa	on Large Lake	The documentation form by Dick Bierman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: western grebe is much larger. Loon is also much larger. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-necked Stilt at Storm Lake, 1994	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-09-05	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Black-necked Stilts at Storm Lake in Buena Vista County, IA on September 5, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Petersen, Peter C.	Black-necked Stilt	Storm Lake	Storm Lake, Buena Vista Co. IA	Island in lake & flying over lake.	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Brian Blevins, Corey Blevins, and Kelly McKay. \| Elimination of similar species: No other shorebird is at all similar. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:02:00/09:04:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	20
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Lazuli Bunting at Stone State Park, 1997	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-05-18	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Lazuli Bunting at Stone State Park in Woodbury County, IA on May 18, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Ann	Lazuli Bunting	Stone State Park	Stone State Park, Woodbury Co., Iowa		The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Kenn Kaufman was submitted later. Other observers includes Mike Overton and several others. \| Elimination of similar species: The identification is straightforward. The turquoise color, breast band, and wing bars eliminate a molting Indigo Bunting. Bill shape and size eliminate any of the bluebirds. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/07:50:00 and 10:00:00/10:03:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	4
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Warbler at Stone State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-08-18	1986-08-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for one to two Pine Warblers at Stone State Park in Plymouth County, IA on August 18, 1986.	Huser, Bill F.	Pine Warbler	Stone State Park	Stone State Park, Plymouth County	deciduous wood land trees - burr oak + ash	The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: black-throated green. juv. female - has more yellow (triangle) on face. Blackpoll + bay breasted juveniles - streaking on back and less yellow on throat, breast + belly. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:00:00/19:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Lazuli Bunting at Stone State Park, 1980	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-05-24	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Lazuli Bunting at Stone State Park in Woodbury County, IA on May 24, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Holloway, Jack A.	Lazuli Bunting	Stone State Park	Stone State Park Sioux City, Iowa	Deciduous Forest	The documentation form by Jack Holloway is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Eastern Bluebird. Lazuli Bunting was darker in the wings and back than the blue bird and there was a white wingbar visible on the 'shoulder'. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	4
Rare bird documentation form for Cerulean Warbler at Stone State Park, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1983-05-21	1983-05-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Cerulean Warbler at Stone State Park in Woodbury County, IA on May 21, 1983.	Ewert, David N.	Cerulean Warbler	Stone State Park	Stone Park State Park, Sioux City	Wooded; oak, willow, box-elder	The documentation form by David Ewert is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: No similar species. Of blue-backed warblers Parula has yellow underparts and chestnut band (song is different too) and Black-thr. blue has black throat, breast etc., different song and a white wing patch \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/12:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	33
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Northern Goshawk at Stephens State Forest, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-05-20	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Northern Goshawk at Stephens State Forest in Lucas County, IA on May 20, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann	Northern Goshawk	Stephens State Forest - Lucas Unit	Stephen's State Forest, Lucas County		The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The powerful direct flight, the longish tail, and the rounded broad wings identified this bird as an accipter. Bangma's first comment was that the width of the wings reminded him of Hook-billed Kites in So. Texas, a dramatic characteristic that allows experienced hawk watchers to identify Northern Goshawk from a distance - literally a stovepipe with broad wings. Buteos have a much shorter tail that gives them an entirely different look and feel. A gray adult male Northern Harrier would look white below and have longer wings proportionate to the body. Although we were unable to see the bird at an angle to see every characteristic of this species, other accipters would have been rufous or brown from below. Although this is certainly a late date for this species, Northern Goshawk has been seen in the winter in and near this location. In breeding areas it feeds on grouse. We speculated on the reintroduction of Ruffed Grouse in this area and what effect it might have on late migration and even potential breeding. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/13:46:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	28
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black Rail at State Line Marsh, 1994	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-07-12	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Black Rail at State Line Marsh in Kossuth County, IA on July 12, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Eugene	Black Rail	State Line Marsh State Game Management Area	State Line Marsh	Short grass - water clump of rushes	The documentation form by Eugene and Eloise Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: 2 young Virginia rails were close by - they were dark but had fuzzy plumage, light black whereas the Black rail was nearly glossy and fuzzy Both visible at once. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	12
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Grosbeak at State Forest Nursery in Ames, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Ornithology--Technique Rare birds	1986-08-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Grosbeak at State Forest Nursery in Ames in Story County, IA on August 24, 1986.	Munson, Erik	Pine Grosbeak	Iowa State Nursery	State Forest Nursery, Ames IA	extensive mixed conifer belts	The documentation form by Erik Munson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Crossbills, Evening Grosbeak by tail length, size. fem redwing by call, face, wingbars. Juv. towhee by bill, lack of white in wing, tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:01:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	80
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow-rumped Warbler at State Forest Nursery in Ames, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1987-08-23	1987-08-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow-rumped Warbler at State Forest Nursey in Ames in Story County, IA on August 23, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Yellow-rumped Warbler	Iowa State Nursery	State Forest Nursery, Ames	area with many pine plantings	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Paul Martsching. \| Elimination of similar species: The yellow rump, yellow patch under each wing, brownish color, large size, and distinctive chip note eliminates all other warblers. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/12:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	26
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Warbler at State Forest Nursery in Ames, 1986		Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-04	1986-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Warbler at State Forest Nursey in Ames in Story County, IA on September 4, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Pine Warbler	Iowa State Nursery	State Forest Nursery, Ames	large pine planting	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Erik Munson. \| Elimination of similar species: Fall Bay-breasted Warbler eliminated by the larger bill, extensively white undertail, yellowish underparts with faint streaking, the unstreaked back, and by the faint eyering. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	29
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Warbler at State Forest Nursery in Ames, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-15	1986-10-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Warbler at State Forest Nursery in Ames in Story County, IA on September 15, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Pine Warbler	Iowa State Nursery	State Forest Nursery, Ames	large pine planting	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Bay-breasted Warbler was eliminated by the unstreaked back, the pronounced eyering, the large bill, and very brown underparts. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	29
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at State Forest Nursery, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-02-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at State Forest Nursey in Ames in Story County, IA on February 28, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Merlin	Iowa State Nursery	State Forest Nursery, Ames	flushed out of a row of Pine trees	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sharp-shinned Hawk eliminated by lack of narrow pointed wings, heavily streaked underparts. Am. Kestrel eliminated because this bird had no red on back or tail. This bird also had a uniformly dark colored back unlike Am. Kestrel. Am. Kestrel also lacks the strongly barred tail this bird exhibited. This bird also lacked strong facial pattern of Am. Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/16:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for House Finch at State Forest Nursery, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-15	1986-09-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two House Finches at State Forest Nursery in Ames in Story County, IA on September 15, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	House Finch	Iowa State Nursery	State Forest Nursery, Ames	large pine planting	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The lack of a facial pattern eliminated a female Purple Finch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at State Forest Nursery, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-03-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at State Forest Nursery in Ames in Story County, IA on March 2, 1985.	Martsching, Paul	Merlin	Iowa State Nursery	State Forest Nursery in Ames, Story County, Iowa	Tree nursery	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore and Gordon Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - has rusty back. Tail more or less rusty. Has obvious dark markings on lite face. female has rusty wings - male bluish wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:10:00/17:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Semipalmated Sandpiper at Fairport State Fish Hatchery, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-10-21	1983-10-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Semipalmated Sandpiper at Fairport State Fish Hatchery in Muscatine County, IA on October 21, 1983.	Robinson, John C., 1959-	Semipalmated Sandpiper	Fairport State Fish Hatchery	State Fish Hatchery, Fairport, Iowa, Muscatine County	Drained fish hatchery pond along the Mississippi River. Exposed mudflats and shallow water with algae present in a drained fish hatchery pond.	The documentation form by John C. Robinson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White-rumped Sandpiper has a white rump; Least Sandpiper usually has a distinct breast band, yellowish legs and browner body plumage; Western Sandpiper's bill length averages longer, with a droop at the end, and this species also tends to have rufous traces in the scapulars in the late fall. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:40:00/12:52:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	17