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 Cooper's Hawk at Mill Creek State Park, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-09-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Cooper's Hawk at Mill Creek State Park in O'Brien County, IA on September 19, 1985.	Harr, Douglas C.	Cooper's Hawk	Mill Creek State Park	Mill Creek State Park, 1 mi. w. of Paullina, O'Brien Co., IA	along edge of park woods & cornfield	The documentation form by Douglas C. Harr is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sharp-shinned Hawk - smaller, slimmer, squared tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:14:00/11:16:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	24
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Mid-America Power Plant south pond, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-11-13	1998-11-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Mid-America Power Plant south pond in Pottawattamie County on November 13, 1998.	Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren	Red-throated Loon	MidAmerican Energy Ponds	Mid-America Power Plant south pond, Pottawattamie County, Iowa		The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:05:00/15:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Merritt County Park, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-01-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Merritt County Park in Carroll County, IA on January 1, 1998.	Thelen, Rob	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Merritt County Park	Merritt Access Racoon [sic] River Carroll Co.	River bottom scattered dead tree + underbrush	The documentation form by Rob Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ed Thelen and Marty Thelen. \| Elimination of similar species: Golden Crowned Kinglet. This Kinglet had no Golden Crown [sic]. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Mehaffey Bridge at Coralville Reservoir, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form a Red-necked Grebe at Mehaffey Bridge at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 15, 1986.	Staudt, Thomas J.	Red-necked Grebe	Mehaffey Bridge	Mehaffey Bridge area Johnson Co.	large open water area, bend in river	The documentation form by Thomas J. Staudt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: bill and neck longer/thicker than Horned or Eared Grebe larger size overall. Horned has more white in face, Eared legs. Clarks, western grebes have longer white neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:20:00/11:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Hooded Warbler at MacNiders Woods in Mason City, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1994-05-08	1994-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hooded Warbler at MacNiders Woods in Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 8, 1994.	Goranson, Rita	Hooded Warbler	MacNiders Woods	McNider [sic] Woods Mason City IA	Park of cotton wood, willows, ash + under growth	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carolyn Fischer. \| Elimination of similar species: Cap reminded me of Wilson's but the black throat was different. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	41
Rare bird documentation form for Field Sparrow at McLamarrah Park in Bettendorf, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-12-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Field Sparrows at McLamarrah Park in Bettendorf in Scott County, IA on December 21, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Field Sparrow	McLamarrah Park	McLammarrah [sic] Park, N. of Bettendorf, Scott Co, IA	General: as above [...] In brushy area along wood creek [...] Specific: Small creek flowing into Mississippi between low bluffs	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Tree sparrow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	51
Rare bird documentation form for Sharp-tailed Sparrow at McIntosh Wildlife Area near Clear Lake, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-04-22	1982-06-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for six Sharp-tailed Sparrows at McIntosh Wildlife Area near Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 22, 1982.	Heinz, Fred	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	McIntosh Woods State Park	McIntosh Wildlife Area, Clear Lake, Iowa	General: lowspot in Hayfield Specific: Wet area in Brome and alfalfa field, with very little residual cover, due to winters snowfall	The documentation form by Fred Heinz is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ronald D. Andrews and Bill Ohde. \| Elimination of similar species: Le Conte's - No stripes on crown + triangle on face was very evident \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
Rare bird documentation form for King Rail at McIntosh Wildlife Area, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-06-10	1986-06-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a King Rail at McIntosh Wildlife Area in Cerro Gordo County, IA on June 10, 1986.	Hellickson, Mickey	King Rail	McIntosh Woods State Park	McIntosh Wildlife Area, Cerro Gordo Co., IA	Upland - prairie	The documentation form by Mickey Hellickson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Clapper Rail is similar but very uncommon in this area \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at McIntosh Wildlife Area, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-14	1984-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at McIntosh Wildlife Area in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 14, 1984.	Hansen, James L.	Yellow Rail	McIntosh Woods State Park	McIntosh Wildlife Area, 1 mi. E of Ventura, Cerro Gordo County	brome uplands	The documentation form by James L. Hansen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ronald D. Andrews. \| Elimination of similar species: Sora, Virginia rail - Both too dark and lack white wing patches. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at McFarland Park, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at McFarland Park in Story County, IA on September 15, 1984.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Peregrine Falcon	McFarland Lake Park	McFarland Park, Story Co.	flying south with other hawks over woods near a river	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Hank Zaletel and Erik Munson. \| Elimination of similar species: Merlin was eliminated because of smaller size and lack of black hood. Accipiter sp. eliminated because of wing shape and lack of dark color on head or a hood. Prairie Falcon eliminated because of overall brown rather than black appearance and lack of black hood. \| The original documentation form event occurred at approximately 10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Warbler at McFarland Lake Park in Story County, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Warbler at McFarland Lake Park in Story County, IA on September 15, 1984.	Zaletel, Hank	Pine Warbler	McFarland Lake Park	McFarland Park, Story Co.	General: wooded edge Specific: tree on edge	The documentation form by Hank Zaletel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, Erik Munson, and thirty unidentified other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Solitary vireo has eye ring this bird did not \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:00:00/10:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	29
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at MacBride Field Campus, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-12-17	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Northern Goshawks at MacBride Field Campus in Johnson County, IA on December 17, 1983.	Newlon, Carol S.	Northern Goshawk	Macbride Nature Recreation Area	McBride [sic] Field Campus, Johnson Co., IA	mixed conifer groves + deciduous woodland	The documentation form by Carol S. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Michael Newlon and J. Dawson Mohler. \| Elimination of similar species: Coloration eliminates all N. Am raptors except for male N Harrier + the kites - These eliminated by size, proportions, habitat, season. Huge size, grey underpants rules out other accipiters. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Smith's Longspur at Maynard Reese Waterfowl Production Area, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1998-10-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two to three Smith's Longspurs at Maynard Reese Waterfowl Production Area in Kossuth County, IA on October 7, 1998.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Smith's Longspur	Maynard Reese Area	Maynard Reese WPA, Kossuth Co. SW of north side parking	Open area sparsely covered with grass (1 season restored prairie and mowed Pigweed) surrounding wetland potholes	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: American Pipits were eliminated by their totally different voice, the pattern of the underparts, and bill & tail proportions. Lapland Longspurs have obvious white (not buff) underneath which would have been especially visible on several close flybys and passes overhead. Male Laplands should show some black streaking on the upper chest in sharp contrast with the white below. There wasn't any chestnut visible on the nape or upper wing. Although I don't have enough experience with Smith's to say I heard any difference in the sound of the "tics", I didn't hear any of the "tew" notes that Laplands (but not Smith's) mix in with their tic-tic-tics. Any regular sparrow that is not eliminated by white outer tail feathers is eliminated by the unique longspur calls. The buffy/tan color underneath and the calls also rule out Horned Lark. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 08:00:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	67
Rare bird documentation form for Smith's Longspurs at Maynard Reese Waterfowl Production Area, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-19	1999-04-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for eleven Smith's Longspurs at Maynard Reese Waterfowl Production Area in Kossuth County, IA on April 19, 1999.	Goranson, Rita	Smith's Longspur	Maynard Reese Area	Maynard Reece [sic] Wettlands [sic], Koss Co, Iowa near Union Slough	wettlands [sic] + old bean stubble	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jan Walter and Matthew Kenne. \| Elimination of similar species: No other birds in immediate area, other than ducks, I had seen two Savannah Sparrows at beginning of area and knew these were larger than Savannah's and different coloring and marks. I have seen Laplands but they don't have this rich buffy color. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	67
Rare bird documentation form for Mute Swan at Mason City, 1982	Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-04-01	1983-03-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mute Swan at Lake Cona Toma in Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 1982. It also includes an article "Sign of spring" in the Mason City Globe Gazette on March 22, 1983 about the bird sighting.	Powell, John M., 1913-1995	Mute Swan	Lake Cona Toma	Mason City, Iowa - Lake Conatoma [sic]	Man made lake -13 acres-	The documentation form by John M. Powell is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include wife, daughter, grandson, and 47 residents. \| Elimination of similar species: Whistling Swan - Black straight bill - Pictures for proof. Orange bill with black knob at base is Mute Swan. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the morning and evening.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	29
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Mason City, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-02-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA on February 28, 1991.	Walter, Janice L.	Peregrine Falcon	Mason City	Mason City		The documentation form by Jan L. Walter is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim B. Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: Size was much larger than the Kestrels we're used to seeing \| The original documentation form event lasted for twenty minutes in the late afternoon.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Sanderling at Martin Marietta Sand Pits in Waterloo, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-07-26	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sanderling at Martin Marietta Sand Pits in Waterloo in Black Hawk County, IA on July 26, 1980.	Moore, Francis L.	Sanderling	Waterloo	Martin Marietta Sand Pits, Waterloo, Iowa	Sand pit with 1" to 6" standing water. Mud basin sand pit with shallow water with willow trees and weeds around the outside edges.	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: Semipalmated Sandpiper: I have never seen a semipalmated sandpiper in that white a plumage. Western Sandpiper: there was no apparent droop to the end of the beak. Least Sandpiper: I have never seen a Least Sandpiper this light colored. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	16
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Martin Marietta Sand Pits, 1981	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-04-12	1981-04-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Martin Marietta Sand Pits in Waterloo in Black Hawk County, IA on April 12, 1981.	Moore, Francis L.	Red-necked Grebe	East Lake	Martin Marietta Sand Pits, Waterloo, IA (Adjacent to George Wyth S.P.) Black Hawk County	Open water and flooded sand pit	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Stone, Jr. and Bob Myers. \| Elimination of similar species: Stocky appearance, long red neck and large white or gray patch on throat that extended through the auricular and into the nape, distinguished this bird from the Western, Horned, or eared Grebes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Swan Lake, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-04-28	1980-05-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on April 28, 1980.	Glasson, Marilyn Smith	Yellow Rail	Swan Lake	Marshy area about 1/2 mi. NE Swan Lake. N of Swan Lake Road S of Pine Stand	marsh; noted no plant species First flushed from drier grassy area (I didn't see) 2nd time flushed from water edge to dry grass area	The documentation form by Marilyn Smith Glasson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: The Sora is the only other bird that is similar. It has no white on its wings. I've never noticed back striping to be so evident. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:30:00/08:00:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Marshalltown, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-04-04	1990-04-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Marshalltown in Marshall County, IA on April 4, 1990.	Proescholdt, Beth	Prairie Falcon	Marshalltown	Marshalltown, Iowa	Hyvee parking lot !!	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Not a Merlin because it wasn't dark underneath with strongly barred tail - only a Prairie Falcon because of its dark axillars & underwing coverts. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:25:00/11:26:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Marshalltown, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-12-02	1983-12-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Marshalltown in Marshall County, IA on December 2, 1983.	Proescholdt, Beth	Golden Eagle	Marshalltown	Marshall County, Highway #14 along Iowa River at north edge of Marshalltown	thin edge of riverbottom woods + open fields, edge of town on other side of river	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: large buteos - this bird was huge compared to a Red-tail or Rough-legged, or Bald Eagle - no white head + tail for an adult, + this bird had dark wing linings, not white in wing linings as an immature Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture - this much bigger than vulture, + with eagle flight not the rocking flight of a vulture, or a dihedral. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:45:00/10:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Timber Creek Township in Marshall County, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-08-29	1981-12-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Timber Creek Township in Marshall County, IA on August 29, 1981.	Grabenbauer, Philip	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	Timber Creek Township	Marshall County--Timber Creek Township	Perched on a fencepost [sic] next to a cornfield. Also in our backyard on our house serviceline [sic].	The documentation form by Philip Grabenbauer is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Susan Rix and Alice Grabenbauer. \| Elimination of similar species: I've never seen a bird that is similar in appearance. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	73
Rare bird documentation form for Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Marshall County, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-05-22	1983-05-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Marshall County, IA on May 22, 1983.	Sommerlot, Ramona R.	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Marshall County	marsh edge - marshall county	marshy low ground - permenent [sic] small marsh	The documentation form by Ramona Sommerlot is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ron Nelson. \| Elimination of similar species: Le Contes - white stripe on head head pattern not same. Saw Le Contes at forney at IOU conference. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:03:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
Rare bird documentation form for Cinnamon Teal at Sunken Grove, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-05-08	1981-05-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Cinnamon Teal at Sunken Grove in Pocahontas County, IA on May 8, 1981.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Cinnamon Teal	Sunken Grove State Game Management Area	marsh 1 mile east of Sunken Grove, Varina, Iowa	marsh	The documentation form by Raymond L. Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marion Brewer. \| Elimination of similar species: Coloration eliminated all other ducks and teal I am aware of. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	6
Rare bird documentation form for American Avocet at Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-08-17	1999-08-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for twelve American Avocets at Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge in Louisa County, IA on August 17, 1999.	Julison, Tim	American Avocet	Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge - Big Timber Division	Mark Twain NWR, Wapello District, Horseshoe Bend Division	Shallow mud flats on Rush Lakes	The documentation form by Tim Julison is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kathy Maycroft. \| Elimination of similar species: The avocets were very distinct. I had no need to make comparisons. I used Audubon field guide to make a positive identification. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00 to end of day.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	6