Documents • Iowa State University • Avian Archives of Iowa Online

Title	Genres	Topics	Date (Start)	Date (End)	Type	Description	Creator/Author	Birds	Locations	Locality	Habitat	Remarks

Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Snowy Plover east of Black Hawk Lake, 1997	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-06-14	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Snowy Plover east of Black Hawk Lake in Sac County, IA on June 14, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, two photos, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Allen, Pam	Snowy Plover	Black Hawk Lake	Sac County, in a dredge pond just east of the most easterly edge of Black Hawk Lake.	The bird was observed feeding quite near the edge of water and near shore area of the dredge pond which was mostly gumbo-like mudflats with some grassy patches.	The documentation form by Pam Allen is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Peter Ernzen was submitted later. Other observers include Reid Allen, Rob Thelen, and Joe Clark. \| Elimination of similar species: See above description. [...] It was about one-third the size of a Kildeer, with a short, thin pointed black bill (longer, however, than a Piping Plover's stubbier short bill). [...] Also conspicuous was the black patch which was located just at the top of the 'shoulder' where the wing joined the body and extending a little ways toward the mid-breast area (but nowhere extending as far as the complete or semi-complete breastband common on the Piping Plover). The legs and feet were a dull dark slate grey (with no hint of the orange/pink coloration indicative of a Piping Plover). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:10:00/13:20:00 and 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	18
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Johnson County, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-02-19	1978-03-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Johnson County, IA on February 19, 1978.	DeCoster, R. J. (Richard Joseph)	Golden Eagle	Johnson County	4.9 mi west of jct. of F20 and W48 in Johnson Co. Iowa. The bird was in trees between F20 and the Iowa River bed.	The bird was perched on the north edge of a stand of trees bordering the Iowa River. Snow covered cornfields were n. of trees.	The documentation form by Richard DeCoster is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Michael Newlon. \| Elimination of similar species: Dark phased rough-legged hawk lacks the white wing patches on upper wing surface and is not twice the length of common crow. Also usually has dark upper tail surface. Immature Bald Eagle lacks prominent white wing patches and base of bill not yellow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:45:00/10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for White-faced Ibis at Waubonsie Wildlife Area, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-02	1999-04-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-faced Ibis at Waubonsie Wildlife Area in Fremont County, IA on April 2, 1999.	Schmid, Rick	White-faced Ibis	Waubonsie State Park	Waubonsie Wildlife Area; Fremont County, Iowa; north of Highway 2 near the town of Percival.	The bird was seen in the water immediately to the south of the paved road that runs through the Area, and about one-quarter mile west of the bridge.	The documentation form by Rick Schmid is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was assumed to be a White-Faced Ibis (as opposed to Glossy) because of geographic location. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	25
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle near Waukon, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-03-26	1978-03-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle near Waukon in Allamakee County, IA on March 26, 1978.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Golden Eagle	Waukon	Ten miles North of Waukon, on Highway 76, Allamakee County, Iowa	The general area under the soaring bird was a bluff, covered mostly with Oak, Maple, Birch and scattered Junipers. The bluff rises about 150 feet from the floodplain of the Upper Iowa River. There are many other bluffs similar to the one briefly described here, that surround the area of sighting.	The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Alan Branhagen. \| Elimination of similar species: Bald Eagle; my bird was not mottled as an immature Bald is, also my bird had totally dark under wing coverts. The distinct demarcation of light to dark on my bird also was rather un-Baldlike. Since an on the spot size comparison was made with a buteo, and the latter was found to be much smaller, I feel safe to say all others of this genus can be rolled out. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation from for Ibis species at Sweet Marsh, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-04-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for six Ibises at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on April 29, 1978.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Glossy Ibises	Sweet Marsh	Sweet Marsh, which is located one mile East of Tripoli, Bremer Co. Iowa	The ibis settled down in a cattail marsh which covered several hundred acres. Apparently they prefered [sic] shallow water openings in the cattails. Sweet Marsh has a variety of habitats including open water, grassy marsh and cattail marsh.	The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Larry Farmer. \| Elimination of similar species: None of the herons or cranes has curved beak, and none as far as I know exibit [sic] the alternately flapping and gliding flight. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/19:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ibis species at Sweet Marsh, 1978	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1978-04-26	1993-08-26	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of six birds (Ibis species) at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on April 29, 1978. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Glossy Ibises	Sweet Marsh	Sweet Marsh, which is located one mile East of Tripoli, Bremer Co., Iowa	The ibis settled down in a cattail marsh which covered several hundred acres. Apparently they prefered shallow water openings in the cattails. Sweet Marsh has a variety of habitats including open water, grassy marsh and cattail marsh.	The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Larry Farmer. \| Elimination of similar species: None of the herons or cranes has a curved beak, and none as far as I know exhibit the alternately flapping and gliding flight. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/19:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	21
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Lake Rathbun Dam, 1993	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1993-01-02	1995-07-08	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Lake Rathbun Dam in Appanoose County, IA on January 2, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Iceland Gull	Rathbun Dam	Lake Rathbun Dam Appanoose Co.	The Iceland Gull was sighted on the ice above the dam feeding on a dead Canada goose. It was very protective of the food source chasing Crows away.	The documentation form by Ray Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mary Montgomery and Dot Cornett. \| Elimination of similar species: Thayer's Gull was eliminated because there was no dark in the primaries, no dark secondary band, and bill was not all dark. A first-winter Glaucous would have the coloration but there is no way this gulls bill or body size was big enough tobe [sic] a Gloucous [sic] Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:45:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	4
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Mississippi Kite at Waubonsie State Park, 1980	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-05-14	1996-04-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Mississippi Kites at Waubonsie State Park on May 14, 1980. Includes one record review document with votes, a request for reconsideration of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Stone, Tom, Jr.	Mississippi Kite	Waubonsie State Park	Waubonsie S.P.	The Loess hills, Dry woodland with some open areas on the slope of loess hills	The documentation form by Tom Stone, Jr. is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Stone, Sr.. \| Elimination of similar species: Male Marsh Hawk has a white rump patch and tail isn't black. Does not fly like a kite. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:00:00/19:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Mississippi Kite at Waubonsie State Park, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-05-14	1980-06-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Mississippi Kites at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, IA on May 14, 1980.	Stone, Tom, Jr.	Mississippi Kite	Waubonsie State Park	Waubonsie S.P.	The Loess Hills. Dry woodland with some open areas on the slope of Loess Hills.	The documentation form by Tom Stone, Jr. is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Male Marsh Hawk. Has a white rump patch and tail isn't black. Does not fly like a kite. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:00:00/19:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	20
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Shrike at the south edge of Spencer, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-02-05	1978-02-11	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Shrike at the south edge of Spencer in Clay County, IA on February 5, 1978.	Bierman, Dick	Northern Shrike	Spencer	The south edge of Spencer Iowa along the Little Sioux River.	The subject was overlooking a weedy riverbottom area from the tree about 15 feet off the ground.	The documentation form by Dick Bierman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include three unidentified individuals. \| Elimination of similar species: Subject was too brown and chunky for a mockingbird. I've seen many mockingbirds in Arizona. I've excluded the Loggerheaded Shrike because of the physical description above, and I have also seen many Loggerheaded Shrikes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	75
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Lazuli Bunting at Lake City, 1993	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1993-07-07	1995-07-08	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Lazuli Bunting at Lake City in Calhoun County, IA on July 7, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes, photographs, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.		Lazuli Bunting	Lake City	My kitchen window Still, 4 1/2 NW Lake City, IA Calhoun County Sec 26 Elm Grove	There are Juniper spreaders, below kitchen windows	The documentation form by Mary Ellis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I thought it might be an eastern bluebird, but this bird had wing bars, broad bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	4
Rare bird documentation form for Alder Flycatcher at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-06-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Alder Flycatcher at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on June 3, 1982.	Bendorf, Carl J.	Alder Flycatcher	Hickory Hill Park	Hickory Hill Park, Iowa City, Johnson County	Thick stand of medium size (15'-40') deciduous trees with a dense, moist understory [sic] of shrubs. At the edge of large woods.	The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas H. Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Discussed above. [From description field] The quality and timbre of the call were very similar to that of a Willow Flycatcher. I heard a number of Willow's this spring, and while the quality of the note was similiar, [sic] the form of it was much different. Whereas, the Willow begins with an explosive first note (or syllable) and concludes with an emphatic second and lower pitched note, the bird now calling seemed to be one slurred 'weee-ooo'. This note was quite brief, but it began and immediately slurred up and then back down in pitch. Obviously, at this point I was thinking of Alder Flycatcher. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/10:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	67
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 Yellow Rail at Sweet Marsh, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-05-11	1980-05-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on May 11, 1980.	Myers, Robert K.	Yellow Rail	Sweet Marsh	East side of Sweet Marsh - Bremer Co. Iowa	This bird flushed in exactly the same place as one did May 26, 1979 for Francis Moore and me. The area has short grass (less than a foot high) and the water under the grass is about 4" or 5" deep. Francis flushed the bird again May 18, 1980.	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Credit Island, 1989	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-11-23	1993-07-21	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a California Gull at Credit Island in Scott County, IA on November 23, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence about the sighting from Louise Augustine to Carl Bendorf, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Augustine, Louise	California Gull	Credit Island	Credit Island - Davenport, Iowa - Scott County	This is an unfamiliar Area for me - I have never birded there before - The Place Credit Island - Backwater of Mississippi River - There was some ICE and open water - Many Gulls were in this Backwater area - on ice and in water. Probably around 1,500 Gulls -	The documentation form by Louise Augustine forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Peter C. Petersen and Jim Fuller were submitted. Other observers include Randy Pinkston, Mary Lou Petersen, Jerome Augustine, David Augustine, and Julie Augustine. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull - darker mantle - Dark eye - Leg Color - ashy-green gray not Pink - smaller size - slimmer build Ring-billed Gull - mantle too dark - dark eye - Bill had only a spot Leg Color not yellow - This bird larger than Ring-billed gulls - \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/13:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	1
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for McCown's Longspur near De Soto National Wildlife Reserve, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-12-16	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a McCown's Longspur near De Soto National Wildlife Reserve in Harrison County, IA on December 16, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee for review.	Starr, David	McCown's Longspur	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	North of railroad tracks on L-16, north of hwy. 30 (by DeSoto Refuge)	Tilled cornfield	The documentation form for Extraordinary Bird Sighting in Iowa by David Starr forms the basis of this record. The documentation form Supporting Details: Uncommon or Rare Species/High Numbers was also submitted by David Starr. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	41
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Elkhart, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1984-01-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Elkhart in Polk County, IA on January 29, 1984.	Mosman, Dean	Northern Goshawk	Elkhart	2 M.E. of Elkhart, IA	Timber Area	The documentation form by Darwin (Dean) Mosman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Diane Mosman and Mike Mosman. \| Elimination of similar species: Cooper's is too small also no eye line. No barring on breast of Goshawk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:20:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Waterman Prairie, 1997	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-03-20	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for eighteen Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at Waterman Prairie in O'Brien County, IA on March 20, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Tom Kent to Ed Thelen, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Waltz, Tim J.	Rose-breasted Grosbeak	Waterman Prairie Wildlife Management Area	Waterman Prairie - 5 miles S.E. of Sutherland, IA	Timber Ridges with interspersed native prairie knobs	The documentation form by Tim Waltz is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Maury Muhm and Gary Wee. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	2
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Badger Creek State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-10-30	1987-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Badger Creek State Park in Madison County, IA on October 30, 1987.	Myers, Robert K.	Golden Eagle	Badger Creek State Recreation Area	Badger Creek State Park	Timbered area around small man-made lake	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Imm. Bald Eagle is eliminated by the tail pattern, by the lack of white spots on wing linings, and by the golden sheen seen on the birds neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Shrike at Trumbull Lake, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-11-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Shrike at Trumbull Lake in Clay County, IA on November 11, 1993.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Northern Shrike	Trumbull Lake	Trumbull Lake, Clay County	Top of dead tree in open cattail marsh	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Loggerhead Shrike - Thinner mask and larger bill \| The original documentation form event occurred around 14:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	75
Rare bird documentation form for Swainson's Thrush at Laurens, 1985	Field notes	Bird banding Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-11	1985-11-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Swainson's Thrush at Laurens in Pocahontas County, IA on November 11, 1985.	Carlson, Judith	Swainson's Thrush	Laurens	318 W. Garfield - Laurens	Town yard - many high bush Canberry [sic] bushes	The documentation form by Judith Carlson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ron Harms. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	8
Rare bird documentation form for Albino American Robin at Clear Lake, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Albino American Robin at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on October 15, 1990.	Pinneke, Kim	American Robin	Clear Lake	2400 South Shore Drive, Clear Lake, Iowa	Trailor [sic] park in town across from a small park	The documentation form by Kim L. Pinneke is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Rock dove eliminated by size and overall appearance. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:25:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	10
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 Peregrine Falcon at Heady Hall at Iowa State University, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-01-31	1984-02-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon near Heady Hall at Iowa State University in Ames in Story County, IA on January 31, 1984.	Bostian, Kelly	Peregrine Falcon	Heady Hall	East side of Iowa State University Campus	Tree top approximately 40-45 ft. east of Heady Hall (East Hall)	The documentation form by Kelly Bostian is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Prairie Falcon: Absence of dark terminal band on tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:10:00/17:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Peregrine Falcon at Ames, 1984	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1984-01-31	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Peregrine Falcon at Ames in Story County, IA on January 31, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Bostian, Kelly	Peregrine Falcon	Ames	East side of Iowa State University Campus	Tree top approximately 40-45 ft. east of Heady Hall (East Hall)	The documentation form by Kelly Bostian is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Prairie Falcon: Absence of dark terminal band on tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:10:00/17:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	5