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 Northern Shrike at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-02-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Shrike at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on February 24, 1983.	Bray, Tanya Kovanda, Sandra Padelford, Babs	Northern Shrike	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge		The documentation form by Tanya Bray, Sandy Kovanda, and Babs Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Mockingbird sized but heavier-bodied. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	75
Rare bird documentation form for Baird's Sparrow at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1976	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-04-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Baird's Sparrow at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on April 27, 1976.	Bray, Tanya	Baird's Sparrow	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend N. Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley, Iowa	River Bottom Land - Nat. Wildlife Refuge Plowed strip with road on one side, small trees and underbrush bordering it on the other.	The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marian Meier.\| Elimination of similar species: This bird had no yellow above eye as in Savannah. Also the breast stripes were confined to necklace. No noticable [sic] white on tail as in Vesper. No buff on breast as in Lincolns, LeContes, or Henslows. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:50:00/12:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	7
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-12-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on December 20, 1981.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Prairie Falcon	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto	Farmyard in cropland	The documentation form by Barb Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rick Wright and Dave Menke. \| Elimination of similar species: Pigeon size or bigger. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle near Saylorville Dam, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-12-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle over the Des Moines River near Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on December 4, 1985.	Engebretsen, Bery	Golden Eagle	Saylorville Dam	Des Moines River, just below Saylorville Dam	Des Moines river channel below Saylorville Dam - Open water, modest sized maple, cottonwood, mallards and few other ducks in area (goldeneye, C. merganser)	The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White in wing of imm. Bald in less vivid, blotchy and on coverts, not base of primaries. Also white on tail not so vivid or banded as was this one. Body color was darker than Bald. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Hooded Merganser at Fraser Dam, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-01-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hooded Merganser at Fraser Dam at Fraser in Boone County, IA on January 1, 1999.	Healy, Kevin Healy, Rosanne Niyo, Kayleen Gardner, Anna	Hooded Merganser	Fraser	Des Moines River just below Fraser Dam		The documentation form by Kay Niyo, Rosanne Healy, Kevin Healy, and Anna Gardner is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Similar species could be Common Merganser, but the bird seen was much smaller with no white breast. Also, Bufflehead would have white on the breast and sides and white behind the eye and no crest. Redbreasted Merganser would be much larger than the bird seen and would have an orange bill and some white on breast. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:50:00 and 13:30:00/13:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	15
Rare bird documentation form for Lincoln's Sparrow north of the IA 17 bridge near Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-18	1988-12-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four Lincoln's Sparrows north of the IA 17 bridge near Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on December 18, 1988.	Fix, Andrew S.	Lincoln's Sparrow	High Bridge	Des Moines River Bottom north of Rt. #17 Bridge	scrubby fields with variable brush, weeds, thistle, bramble	The documentation form by Andrew S. Fix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: -> Song sparrow: These birds (Lincoln's Sparrows) were smaller and had shorter tails than Song Sparrow's [sic], 1 sided central spot, and had buffy breasts, also flight was not the characteristic pumping flight of Song Sparrow -> Savannah Sparrow: These birds lacked yellow lores and were in entirely wrong habitat for Savannah's and had A buffy, fine streaked breast \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	61
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Grosbeak at Denver, 1984	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-02-12	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Grosbeak at Denver in Bremer County, IA on February 12, 1984.	Proescholdt, Beth	Pine Grosbeak	Denver	Denver, Bremer Co.	window feeder of Robert Wylder	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Proescholdt, Bob Myers, and Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: I don't think there is a similar species like the russet coloration \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:35:00/14:38:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	80
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle in Decatur County, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-11-25	1990-11-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle in Decatur County, IA on November 25, 1990.	Schlarbaum, Pat	Golden Eagle	Decatur County	Decatur County, Iowa ... at my parent's farm ... T69N R24W Sec. 17		The documentation form by Pat Schlarbaum is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kathy Schlarbaum, Dale Schlarbaum, and Mildred Schlarbaum. \| Elimination of similar species: Considering the flat flight plane, size of bird, the white tail band, the white on the wings' undersides, we were convinced the bird was an immature golden eagle. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:33:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Little Tern at Decatur Bend River Access, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-06-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Little Terns at Decatur Bend River Access in Monona County, IA on June 3, 1982.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Little Tern	Decatur Bend Park	Decatur Bend River Access. (WNW of Blencoe) Monona Co. IA	Oxbow -- shallow areas, riparian willow.	The documentation form by Joe P. Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Other white terns are larger with more deeply forked tails. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:45:00/12:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	44
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at De Soto Wildlife Refuge, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-02-24	1978-03-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at De Soto Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on February 24, 1978.	Duda, Dorothy Ruth	Peregrine Falcon	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	De Soto Wildlife Refuge	Seen in refuge in an area between a lake that has some open water and the Missouri River which was open and filled with Mallards (plus a few Mergansers)	The documentation form by Dorothy Duda is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jerry Runice and Julie Schroeder. \| Elimination of similar species: because of size could only be a prairie falcon, but observers were certain they saw no black axillars at base of wing nor was the wing white near the body. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at DeSoto Bend, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-16	1985-11-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-winged Scoter at DeSoto Bend in Harrison County, IA on November 16, 1985.	Proescholdt, Beth	White-winged Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	De Soto Bend, Nebr. side of channel, flying down middle of channel	Refuge area of Horseshoe Bend, Lake view	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller, Mark Proescholdt, Jim Dinsmore, Steve Dinsmore, and Mark Dixon. \| Elimination of similar species: Surf Scoter - this bird had the white wing patches that eliminated a Surf Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:15:00/09:17:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at DeSoto Bend, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-16	1985-11-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at DeSoto Bend in Harrison County, IA on November 16, 1985.	Proescholdt, Beth	Black Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	De Soto Bend, Horshoe Bend, far south end	Center of channel, flying to Iowa side near beach	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller and Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: Ruddy Duck - this bird was much larger than Ruddies close by, bill was different, no pointed tail as Ruddies have - also this bird had light cheeks, extending further than Ruddies. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:45:00/11:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Western Grebe at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1980	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-01	1980-11-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation for Western Grebe at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 1, 1980.	Robinson, John C., 1959-	Western Grebe	De Soto Lake	De Soto Bend National Wildlife Refuge Harrison County	Oxbow lake - bordered by second-growth poplar stands, it was seen in the open portion of the lake, where the water depth was about 5 to 10 feet.	The documentation form by John C. Robinson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Frederick and Rebecca Rogge. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Loon - Loons are much larger, have thicker necks, & hold their necks in a different posture. Red-necked Grebe - This species does not have a distinctly white neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	15
Rare bird documentation form for Ibis species at Dan Green Slough at Clay County, 1988	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-10-05	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Ibis species at Dan Green Slough at Clay County, IA on October 5, 1988.	Brewer, Marion M.	Glossy Ibises	Dan Green Slough Wildlife Management Area	Dan Green Slough, Clay Co.	Marsh, shallow water, mud edge	The documentation form by Marion M. Brewer is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I could not tell whether glossy or white-faced Ibis. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/14:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Saylorville Dam, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-11-03	1989-11-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on November 3, 1989.	Fuller, James L	Prairie Falcon	Saylorville Dam	Dam-Saylorville Reservoir- Polk County	Dam face - Adjacent to water - fly by	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Cal Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: Merlin is smaller with blue-gray coloration in adult but has no black axillaries in any plumage. Peregrine Falcon does not have black axillaries and coloration from above is darker in all plumages. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:45:00/09:45:20.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Summer Tanager at Dallas County, 1999	Field notes	Birdsongs Ornithology Ornithology--Technique Rare birds	1999-10-16	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Summer Tanager at Dallas County, IA on October 16, 1999.	Dinsmore, James J.	Summer Tanager	Dallas County	Dallas County, west of Des Moines River	edge of woodland	The documentation form by Jim Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The lack of wing bars eliminates Western Tanager and the lack of black wings eliminates Scarlet Tanager. I was puzzled by the orange under the tail since none of the field guides I had showed this but I found that in Pyle et al. 1987 this color pattern is mentioned for Summer Tanager and not for Hepatic Tanager, the other species I considered a remote possibility. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	44
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Dale Maffitt Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-03-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Dale Maffit Reservoir in Dallas County, IA on March 11, 1990.	Johnson, Ann	Red-necked Grebe	Dale Maffitt Reservoir	Dale Maffitt Reservoir, Dallas Co., IA	Open water on man-made reservoir; near weedy shoreline	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Loon were eliminated because, although the neck was somewhat thick, it was longer than a loon. The head was also a bit flatter and it rode higher in the water, just giving a different posture than a loon. Plumage details did not fit any loon. Western Grebe- Thicker neck, some color on neck and white cheek eliminated this one Pied-billed Grebe - Size, bill shape, and other features wrong. Horned/Eared Grebes - Although it gave much the same appearance as a horned grebe, size and bill eliminated both. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:34:00/16:42:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-01	1986-09-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on September 1, 1986.	Cecil, Robert I.	Bewick's Wren	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest. 2 1/2 miles west of Argyle in Lee County, Iowa	Heavily overgrown brushy area/multiflora rose, saplings, some middle maturity and older trees.	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: See above. [...] I observed a conspicuous superciliary strip but otherwise, the bird did not look right for a Carolina. The body appeared slimmer than a Carolina, and the tail was longer. [...] I heard the song a couple of times, but will not try to describe it except that it was clearly not the song of a Carolina or a House Wren. \| The original documentation form event occurred from 07:30:00/07:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-08-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on August 27, 1985.	Cecil, Robert I.	Prairie Warbler	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest, Lee County, Iowa	Woodland edge of large overgrown pasture	The documentation form by Robert I. Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Face pattern could I suppose be confused with imm. Blackburnian, but had two with flock for comparison. Noted more orangy-yellow coloration, more white in wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1993-06-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on June 23, 1993.	Pinkston, Randall, 1956-	Prairie Warbler	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest, Lee County, Iowa	Clearing in mature mixed woodland with second growth consisting of many small pines.	The documentation form by Randall Pinkston is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Chuck Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Distinct reddish-brown streaks on green back. [...] Sang characteristic song repeatedly during my observation, from small pines or the clearing's edge. [...] With a good look such as this, and watching the bird give the characteristic song, the adult male is unmistakeable. [sic] \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:55:00/19:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Purple Finch at the Croton Unit at Shimek State Forest, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-08-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Purple Finch at the Croton Unit at Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on August 28, 1985.	Cecil, Robert I.	Purple Finch	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest, Lee County, Iowa	Open woodland, woodland edge	The documentation form by Robert I. Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: House Finch has gray/ brown cap, brown, not reddish back. House Finch also has streaks on sides. This bird had unstreaked sides. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	81
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1985-07-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on July 6, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Prairie Warbler	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest, Lee County, IA	a scrubby clearing in woods	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil and Jim Sandrock. \| Elimination of similar species: other warblers by combination of call, black streaking on sides, distinctive facial pattern, and maroon streaking on back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:00:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-08-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on August 15, 1986.	Cecil, Robert I.	Prairie Warbler	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest, 2 1/2 miles west of Argyle, Lee County, Iowa	Heavily overgrown pasture	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: In view of the features I observed, I considered this bird pretty much in the unmistakable category. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Cape May Warbler at the Croton Unit in the Shimek State Forest, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-08-12	1986-08-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Cape May Warbler at the Croton Unit in the Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on August 12, 1986.	Cecil, Robert I.	Cape May Warbler	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest	Middle maturity woodland bordered by brushy edge. Larger cedars around.	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Fall female Yellow-rumped looks similar, but has much more yellow rump, less streaking on undersides. And although this is early for Cape May, it would be very early for Yellow-rump. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 07:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	24
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1992-05-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on May 28, 1992.	Pinkston, Randall, 1956-	Prairie Warbler	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek St. For., Lee Co., Iowa. Same bird reported by others.		The documentation form by Randall Pinkston is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Pinkston. \| Elimination of similar species: Combination of habitat, song and facial pattern are diagnostic. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30