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 Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1980	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-08-14	1980-11-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on August 14, 1980.	Myers, Robert K.	Yellow-Crowned Night Heron	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	just south of Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	wooded area south of Union Slough- not marshy, small shallow stream with some clamps of taller grass along edges	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Betsy Myers. \| Elimination of similar species: not an American Bittern as had no black whisker mark on cheek and bill was too short & wide- imm. black-crown night herons are close but this bird was too long legged & necked and just didn't get right. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:05:00/11:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	23
Rare bird documentation form for Thayer's Gull south of Muscatine, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Thayer's Gull south of Muscatine in Muscatine County, IA on December 28, 1997.	McKay, Kelly	Thayer's Gull	Muscatine	just south of Muscatine, IA., Muscatine county standing on ice shelves.		The documentation form by Kelly J. McKay is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Gerry White. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was about the size of a herring gull (slightly smaller), but much paler.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	35
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
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren north of Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1981-05-02	1981-05-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for one to two Bewick's Wren north of Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on May 2, 1981.	Moore, Francis L.	Bewick's Wren	Hickory Hill Park	Just past North boundary of Hickory Hills [sic] Park, Iowa City, IA (Johnson County)	General: Junkyard and brush piles near Graveyard abutted by wooded ravine Specific: mostly seen in brush piles in ravine or at lip of ravine.	The documentation form by Francis Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Barb Wilson, Bob Myers, Ross Silcock, and many others. \| Elimination of similar species: House Wren has gray-brown color on breast and belly: Carolina Wren has white eye-stripe but is buffy color on the belly and lacks the white-fringing on the tail; Winter Wren is brown on the breast and belly. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Marshalltown, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-03-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Greater Scaups at Marshalltown in Marshall County, IA on March 19, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	Greater Scaup	Marshalltown	Just on north edge of Marshalltown (Marshall Co.)	flooded corn fields from Iowa River overflow	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup shows bold white stripe on secondaries only. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/08:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Lock and Dam 9, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-21	1983-11-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four Greater Scaups at Lock and Dam 9 in Allamakee County, IA on November 21, 1983.	Myers, Robert K.	Greater Scaup	Lock and Dam 9	Just north of Lock + Dam #9 on Mississippi River north of Harper's Ferry, Iowa.	Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Large size (bigger than lesser) - about size of the ring-necked ducks. Rounded heads - not peaked as in lessers. In good sunlight (for a change) showed green gloss on head (not purple). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Blue Grosbeak north of the Croton Unit of Shimek State Forest, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-06-07	1987-06-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Blue Grosbeak north of the Croton Unit of Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on June 7, 1987.	Moore, Francis L.	Blue Grosbeak	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Just N. of Croton Unit Shimek S.F., Lee Co., IA	ALong [sic] fence line at edge of pasture adjacent to gravel road.	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil and Chuck Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Size was noticably [sic] larger than Indigo Bunting. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:37:00/09:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	70
Rare bird documentation form for Swainson's Hawk at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-04-04	1992-04-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Swainson's Hawk at Round Pond in Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on April 4, 1992.	Scheib, James	Swainson's Hawk	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Just east & south of Round Pond in Hawkeye WIldlife Area, Johnson Co.	Over trees lining a grassy field on south side of Swan Lake Road.	The documentation form by James Scheib is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Sharon Scheib. \| Elimination of similar species: I assumed a Red-tailed hawk until I put my binoculars on it and saw that it lacked the patagial marks of a RTH and had a dark mottled pattern underneath including the breast, thus really getting my attention. I next assumed a Rough-legged Hawk and looked to the wing pattern, but the wrist markings were dark commas, not the large carpal patch in a RLH. See above for RTH & RLH. From the first I never considered it to be a Red-shouldered Hawk because of the highly contrasting patterning of the underside as opposed to the duller, finer underside of the RSH. The size was also that of a larger hawk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	28
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Dam, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on November 28, 1988.	Thomas, Michael K.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Red Rock Dam	just below Red Rock Dam - south tailwater area - Marion Co., IA	river - gravel base	The documentation form by Mike Thomas is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ann Johnson. \| Elimination of similar species: Ringbill: collar, eye patch, black pattern on wings Bonaparte's: collar, size Red-legged Kittiwake: thickness of collar, black legs/feet \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:55:00/13:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Glaucous Gull at Lock and Dam 15, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-01-23	1983-01-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Glaucous Gull at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport in Scott County, IA on January 23, 1983 and January 25, 1983.	Petersen, Peter C.	Glaucous Gull	Lock and Dam 15	just above Lock 15, Davenport, Scott Co.	Miss. River ice	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Gerald White and Larry Linden. \| Elimination of similar species: Iceland Gull - bird too large \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:05:00/13:10:00 on January 23, 1983 and 12:00:00/12:02:00 on January 25, 1983.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	37
Rare bird documentation form for Least Flycatcher at Sweet Marsh, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-07-05	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for five Least Flycatchers at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on July 5, 1981.	Moore, Francis L.	Least Flycatcher	Sweet Marsh	July 5, 1981	General: Small patch of deciduous woods bordering open marsh near dike. Specific: Small group of River Birch, fairly dense, on East side of Sweet Marsh.	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Lynn Heaps. \| Elimination of similar species: The only similar species seen in vacinity [sic] and that would prefer being close to this habitat type would be the Willow Flycatcher (E. traillii) which is ruled out because of the 'che-bek' call. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/07:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	68
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Jolly Rogers Recreation Area, 1979	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-10-30	1979-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Jolly Rogers Recreation Area at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 30, 1979.	Shires, Thomas K.	Red-necked Grebe	Jolly Rogers Campground	Jolly Roger recreation area - Coralville Reservoir	Large body of water	The documentation form by Thomas Shires is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: horned grebe: size, bill, wing patches. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Burrowing Owl at Coralville Reservoir, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-08	1991-04-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Burrowing Owl at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on April 8, 1991.	Fuller, James L	Burrowing Owl	Coralville Lake	Johnson County along Dupont Bridge Road one-quarter mile north of Counry Raod F-28.		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Cal and Bernie Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: Eastern screech owl is grey or red streaked, not brown, and has ear tufts. It is not a long legged owl either. Boreal owl is not known in Iowa, does not have long legs, has a much greyer face and relatively larger head. Northern saw whet owl does not have long legs, has vertical breast streaking, and a relatively larger head. Any of these other owls would be very much out of habitat at the location of the sighting in daylight. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	51
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow east of Swan Lake in Johnson County, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-09-29	1983-10-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Henslow's Sparrow east of Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on September 29, 1983.	Staudt, Thomas J.	Henslow's Sparrow	Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area	Johnson co. just east of Swan Lake	small marsh area. The bird was perched low in a small clump of shrubs at the water edge. The marsh is surrounded by a grassy habitat.	The documentation form by Thomas J. Staudt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: After recording the above notes I refered [sic] to Peterson's A Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies. He indicated that different ages of Grasshopper and Henslow's Sparrows could be mistaken for each other. The lack of prominate [sic] streaking on the breast and flanks on this bird may indicate an adult Grasshopper. However, the streaked olive-greenish head with dark marks in the auricular and the chestnut wing color eliminate the Grasshopper and any other sparrow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at MacBride Recreation Area, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1994-06-05	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at MacBride Recreation Area in Johnson County, IA on June 5, 1994.	Dankert, David L. Dankert, Jeffrey B.	Prairie Warbler	Macbride Nature Recreation Area	Johnson Co: 4/10 mi into MacBride Recreation Area, in a field on private land.	Dry upland, grassy field, with many low trees and shrubs; a few larger trees	The documentation form by Jeff Dankert and Dave Dankert is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Chris Edwards. \| Elimination of similar species: The observation of the bird, singing during observation, left no doubt to its identity. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:20:00/09:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for American Avocet at Johnson County, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-10-21	1979-12-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an American Avocet at Johnson County, IA on October 21, 1979.	Newlon, Michael C.	American Avocet	Johnson County	Johnson Co, IA	Shallow pool with muddy edges; rather large reservoir flood plain - weedy flats, willow thickets. surrounded by fields, second-growth woods	The documentation form by Michael C. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol S. Newlon, Carl Bendorf, Rick Hollis, and many members of the IC bird club. \| Elimination of similar species: unmistakable: white plumage, upturned bil [sic] rule out godwits, stilt, willet, etc. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:00:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	6
Rare bird documentation form for Wilson's Warbler at Coralville Reservoir, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Wilson's Warbler at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 2, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Wilson's Warbler	Coralville Lake	Johnson Co Iowa, Coralville Res.	General: Old farm stead Specific: 1/2 mi. north of Sandy Beach on Coralville Res.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf. \| Elimination of similar species: At first considered goldfinch because of yellow color, but wings not dark + bill, body, and size that of a warbler. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 11:00:00/11:00:15.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	42
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Hastings, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-26	1983-11-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at the John Wilson farm in Hastings in Mills County, IA on November 26, 1983.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Northern Goshawk	Hastings	John Wilson farm, NE Mills County, Ia.		The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Tail too long + flight too quick + direct for a Red-tail. Wings rounded - not a falcon. Young accipiter (+ many buteos) would be streaked below. Adult accipiters of other kinds would be barred below, but reddish or brown, not gravy. Marsh Hawk would fly with a more leisurely pace + have longer wings. As I saw it, identifications went clicking through my brains one after another. Red tail? No.. Marsh Hawk! - No ... Coopers Hawk! Yes - no - its gray! I certainly did not expect a Goshawk.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Jester Park, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1990-11-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Jester Park in Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1990.	Johnson, Ann	Surf Scoter	Jester Park	Jester Park, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA	Open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engrebretsen, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, and others from the Des Moines Audubon. \| Elimination of similar species: Most ducks were eliminated by the angle/slope of the head and bill and the size of the bill. Although there was a similarity of head profile to the Common Eider, the facial spots eliminated any eider. Black Scoter would have a more rounded head with a uniform lighter cheek area as opposed to the spots on this bird. White-winged Scoter should have shown more rounded angle form the top of the head to the bill, generally would have less distinct facial spots, and definitely would have had white wing patches when the bird raised its wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-11-10	1990-11-11	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1990.	Johnson, Ann	Black-legged Kittiwake	Jester Park	Jester Park, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA	Open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engebretsen, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, and Des Moines Audubon. \| Elimination of similar species: Although a number of first year gulls show some type of dark "M", none of the expected, or even unexpected, species have the combination of the wing pattern and neck collar that this bid had. Bonaparte's, Ross', Com. Black-headed, Little and Sabine's gulls could all be eliminated by the presence of the collar. Red-legged Kittiwake, the one gull to share the neck collar, was eliminated by the black carpal bar and black tips to tail feathers. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:10:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Jester Park, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Jester Park at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on October 28, 1990.	Johnson, Ann	Red-necked Grebe	Jester Park	Jester Park, Saylorville Lake, Polk Co., Iowa	Open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Loons were eliminated on the basis of thin neck and posture. Cormorants were eliminated because of straight posture, lack of throat patch, and basic plumage configurations. The bird was obviously larger than a Pied-billed Grebe which would, in addition to the yellow bill, eliminate all but Western Grebe. Western Grebe would have looked much larger than the various waterfowl nearby and would not have shown any rust color on the neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/13:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull at Jester Park, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-12-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Jester Park in Polk County, IA on December 6, 1999.	Brees, Aaron	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Jester Park	Jester Park, Campground 4		The documentation form by Aaron Brees is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull was eliminated by structure, wing pattern, and tail pattern. California Gull was eliminated by bill coloration and tail pattern. Thayers Gull was eliminated by wing pattern, structure, and over all color.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Jester Park at Saylorville Lake, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-04-09	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at Jester Park at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on April 9, 1989.	Johnson, Ann	Black Scoter	Jester Park	Jester Park area of Saylorville Lake, Polk County, IA	Large impoundment with much open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Andy Fix. \| Elimination of similar species: The coot was eliminated by bill color and general body shape. Other scoters were eliminated by the rounder head shape, lack of any white on the head or body, and by the distinctive bill color and pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Fairfield, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-01-18	1991-03-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Fairfield in Jefferson County, IA on January 18, 1991.	Alexander, Carol Ann	Peregrine Falcon	Fairfield	Jefferson County, Fairfield, IA - Adema St., Jefferson St, & "D" St.	Residential area, 30 degrees, snow on ground.	The documentation form by Carol Ann Alexander is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Richard M. Alexander. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel and Merlin. Both too small (about 6 inches smaller). Also no other bird could dive at that speed. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:35:00/12:35:35.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Red-shouldered Hawk at Clear Creek Township in Jasper County, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-01-22	1984-02-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-shouldered Hawk at Clear Creek Township in Jasper County, IA on January 22, 1984.	Zaletel, Hank	Red-shouldered Hawk	Clear Creek Township	Jasper County, Clear Creek Twnshp T8IN-R21W Section 13 SE	Steep hills, flat valleys, wooded slopes	The documentation form by Hank Zaletel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Red tail does not have barred tail, does not have orange brown breast as well as underside wing linings. Broad wing has fewer bars on tail, does not have orange brown underside wing linings neither have dark, white spacing on top side secondaries. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	26