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 for Purple Sandpiper near New Albin, 1946	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1946-05-12	1993-08-19	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Purple Sandpiper near New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on May 12, 1946. Includes a record review document with votes, an account of the sighting in An Annotated List of the Birds of Iowa by Woodward H. Brown, and the original sight record of the Purple Sandpiper in Iowa in Iowa Bird Life 16:70 by A.C. Stewart.	Stewart, C.A.	Purple Sandpiper	New Albin	[...] vicinity of New Albin, Allamakee County, in the extreme northeast corner of the state.	[...] About one-half mile from where the north fork opens into the Mississippi there is a low, rocky waterfall, surrounded by a sand flat.	The documentation form by Charles A. Stewart is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Ivory Gull at Rathbun Reservoir, 1975	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1975-12-20	1999-04-02	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for an Ivory Gull at Lake Rathbun in Appanoose County, IA on December 20, 1975. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, request for reconsideration, correspondence about the sighting and review including an unreviewed documentation form, and a documentation form submitted to the committee and reviewed.	Ayres, Charles C., Jr.	Ivory Gull	Rathbun Lake	Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, Iowa, 7 miles north of Centerville. Surface area 11,000 acres, about 180 miles of shoreline. Corps of Engineers project.		The documentation form by Charles C. Ayres, Jr. is the only one reviewed and forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Tom Johnson was submitted and not reviewed. Other observers include Blossom H. Hallberg, Virgil Corzette, Jean Corzette, Darlene Ayres, Gary Wymore, and Madeline Wymore. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:28:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	12
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Lark Bunting north of Burlington, 1994	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-04-30	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Lark Bunting north of Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on April 30, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, Charles R.	Lark Bunting	Burlington	North of Burlington off Highway 99	Farm land--freshly plowed field, low hedge rows	The documentation form by Charles Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] The Bird sighted on a dirt road feeding with a Vesper Sparrow--within 3 feet for comparison. The most conspicuous field mark were the large creamy white wing patches (Not bars). The bird was slightly larger than the Vesper Sparrow with heavy sparrow bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	34
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Knot at Island View Park at Rathbun Lake, 1992	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1992-10-08	1994-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for three Red Knots at Island View Park at Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, IA on October 8, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Scott, Charlotte	Red Knot	Island View Park	Rathbun Lake, Island View Area near the dedication site	Beach - actually mud	The documentation form by Charlotte Scott is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Tom Johnson and Ray Cummins were submitted later. Other observers include Dot Cornett, Mary Montgomery, and Kay Malmberg. \| Elimination of similar species: We considered Pectoral Sandpipers but decided they (the pectorals) were more slender, longer legs. Also considered Sanderlings, but thought they were lighter and smaller than our birds. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/08:45:00 intermittently.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	1
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Gray-cheeked Thrush at Waubonsie State Park, 1983	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-04-24	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Gray-cheeked Thrush at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, IA on April 24, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence about bird sightings and documentations, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Scott, Charlotte	Gray-cheeked Thrush	Waubonsie State Park	Waubonsie State Park	Near a trail through a high wooded section	The documentation form by Charlotte Scott is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Dick Scott. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] I had time to observe a smaller than robin-sized, plump-looking bird--evenly brown-gray. I had my glasses on him long enough to check that there was not a distinct eye ring and that the splotches on his breast were distinct and separate--not blurry--and fairly bold. [...] There was no question in my mind but that he was a thrush, but I thought this bird more brown on his back than I remembered Gray-cheeked to be. I considered Veery, but stayed with my original call. \| The original documentation form event occurred from approximately 09:45:00/09:45:15.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	7
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Eastern Wood-Pewee at Waubonsie State Park, 1983	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-04-24	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for an Eastern Wood-Pewee at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, IA on April 25, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Scott, Charlotte	Eastern Wood-Pewee	Waubonsie State Park	Waubonsie State Park	near a trail in a wooded section of fairly tall trees	The documentation form by Charlotte Scott is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Dick Scott. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] I ruled out Empidonax flycatchers immediately because of his lack of an eyering and what I considered--smaller size. I ruled out Eastern Phoebe because of the distinct wing bars, the yellow lower mandible and the fact that he did not flick his tail. Also I considered this to be better habitat for a Pewee. 90% of the Phoebes I see are near a bridge and stream or deserted buildings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:33:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	32
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Whimbrel at Sandy Beach at Coralville Reservoir, 1994	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-05-27	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Whimbrel at Sandy Beach at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on May 27, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Edwards, Chris	Whimbrel	Sandy Beach Public Use Area	Sandy Beach, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., IA	Shoreline of reservoir	The documentation form by Chris Edwards is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, James Scheib, and David L. Dankert were submitted later. Other observers include Karole Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: Long-billed Curlew lacks the crown stripes, has a buffy underside and wing linings, is larger and has a longer bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	23
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of White Ibis at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area, 1995.	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-09-05	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of an White Ibis at Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area in Johnson County, IA on September 5, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo, an article from North American Birds, an article from Iowa Bird Life, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Edwards, Chris	White Ibis	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Hawkeye Wildlife Area (Coralville Reservoir), Johnson Co.	Muddy shoreline.	The documentation form by Chris Edwards is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Thomas H. Kent, Stephen J. Dinsmore, and Peter C. Petersen were submitted later. Other observers include Tim Schantz, James Huntington, Jim Scheib, Cal Knight, and Bernie Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: Glossy Ibis and White-faced Ibis have dark underparts and dark bills. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:10:00/17:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	22
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Clark's Grebe at Pleasant Creek Lake, 1995	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-11-12	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Clark's Grebe at Pleasant Creek Lake in Linn County, IA on November 12, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Edwards, Chris	Clark's Grebe	Pleasant Creek State Park	Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, Linn Co.	Lake	The documentation form by Chris Edwards is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent and Jim Fuller were submitted later. Other observers include Alan Martin, Pete Wickham, John Daniel, Dick Tetrault, Dale Fye, Jim Scheib, Eloise Armstrong, Eugene Armstrong, and Helen Fye. \| Elimination of similar species: Western Grebe has a dull greenish yellow bill; black or gray lores; black or gray surrounding the eye; and a more uniformly dark back and flanks. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/11:30:00, 12:30:00/13:15:00, and 13:45:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	9
Rare bird documentation form for Thayer's Gull on the Mississippi River at Davenport, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-01-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Thayer's Gull on the Mississippi River at Davenport in Scott County, IA on January 7, 1996.	Edwards, Chris	Thayer's Gull	Davenport	Mississippi River, Davenport, Scott Co.	River.	The documentation form by Chris Edwards is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Curt Nelson. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull has black or dark brown primary tips and secondaries on upperside, dark gray primary tips on underside, whitish head, larger bill. Iceland Gull has white primary tips. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	35
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull on the Mississippi River at Davenport, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-01-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull on the Mississippi River at Davenport in Scott County, IA on January 7, 1996.	Edwards, Chris	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Davenport	Mississippi River, Davenport, Scott Co.	River.	The documentation form by Chris Edwards is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Curtis Nelson. \| Elimination of similar species: Great Black-backed Gull is much larger, has a blacker back, and pale pink legs. Herring Gull has a lighter gray mantle and pink legs. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Coralville Reservoir, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-11-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 25, 1996.	Edwards, Chris	Black-legged Kittiwake	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co.	Spillway below dam	The documentation form by Chris Edwards is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ken Lowder and Tom Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: The pattern of the upperparts is very distinctive. The black 'collar' eliminates similar species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:35:00/12:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Whooping Crane north of Essex, 1999	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-04-11	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of three Whooping Cranes north of Essex in Page County, IA on April 11, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes, e-mail about the bird sighting, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Edwards, Chris	Whooping Crane	Essex	North of Essex in northwestern Page County Iowa	Flooded agricultural field	The documentation form by Chris Edwards is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mary Edwards. \| Elimination of similar species: Sandhill Cranes are smaller, gray, and lack a moustachial stripe and black primaries. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/12:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	17
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Green-tailed Towhee at West Des Moines, 1990	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-05-22	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Green-tailed Towhee at West Des Moines in Polk County, IA around May 22, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, an article and cover page from Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form with an attachment submitted to the committee.	Quinn, Christine A.	Green-tailed Towhee	West Des Moines	605-5th West Des Moines Iowa (residential city)	Open backyard wildlife habitat- under/around quince bushes	The documentation form by Christine A. Quinn is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Robert J. Naisbitt. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] This cap was quite noticeable & large (much larger than a catbird's cap). The bird seemed to be a little larger than a catbird (I have a pair nesting in my yard to [sic] I seem them a lot) and not as large as a robin. [...] He put me in mind very much of a catbird in size and contours. \| The original documentation form event lasted around "evenings and 1 morning" from around May 22 to the first week of June 1990.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	30
Rare bird documentation form for Turkey Vulture near Donnelson, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-07	1987-03-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Turkey Vulture near Donnelson in Lee County, IA on March 7, 1987.	Pilliod, Christopher	Turkey Vulture	Donnellson	Lee County, north of Donnelson [sic]	open farmland	The documentation form by Christopher F. Pilliod is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Northern Harrier. This bird was too large for a harrier. Wrong underside wing color and pattern for harrier. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	26
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Gull near the Ben Butterworth Parkway, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-02-04	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Lesser Black-backed Gull near the Ben Butterworth Parkway in Rock Island County, IL on February 4, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fuller, Charles R.	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Ben Butterworth Parkway	seen from Riverside Park Moline (Bettendorf IA)	River	The documentation form by Chuck Fuller is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Peter C. Petersen was submitted later. Other observers include Mary Lou Petersen, Ann Barker, Jane Fuller, Gerry White, and Tim Dwyer. \| Elimination of similar species: Western - Slatybacked - Yellowlegs Greater Black Backed - size- leg color. difference in mantle color \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Snowy Plover north of Burlington, 1990	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-04-28	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Snowy Plover north of Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on April 28, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, Charles R.	Snowy Plover	Burlington	Highway 99 2 miles north of Burlington, Water Treatment Plant Pond	Water edge of settling pond	The documentation form by Chuck Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Piping Plover--See above description Bill-size and color Legs--color Smudge behind eye Absence of a white rump. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:45:00/19:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	18
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Groove-billed Ani north of Burlington, 1991	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-10-05	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Groove-billed Ani north of Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on October 5, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, Charles R.	Groove-billed Ani	Burlington	N. of Burlington, Ia off state hiway 99 .2 mile on tamar	Grassy field adjacent to narrow drainage ditch (mostly dry) with brush piled along the side. Some small trees (mostly willows) bordered ditch	The documentation form by Chuck Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was John Rutenbeck. \| Elimination of similar species: Great-tailed grackle - as described. [...] Two things were apparent: On profile the head and particularly the bill were that of an ani and not of a grackle. [...] One other note - When I first flushed the bird it made a startled cry. This cry was very similar, if not identical to the last part of the Groove-billed Ani call on Peterson's Field Guide to Western Birds record. Conclusion ani sp. probably a Groove-Billed \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:45:00/15:30:00 and 15:45:00/16:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	15
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle north of Burlington, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-17	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle north of Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on December 17, 1988.	Fuller, Charles R.	Golden Eagle	Burlington	IA Highway 99 8 + Miles N. of Burlington	Wooded river bluff	The documentation form by Chuck Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include J. McCormick, B. Kinneer, T. Francis, and James Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: From Immature Bald Eagle by above mentioned field marks. \| The original documentation form event lasted occurred around 10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Varied Thrush at Titonka, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-12-05	1984-12-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Varied Thrush at Titonka in Kossuth County, IA on December 5 to 8, 1984.	Klasse, Clara	Varied Thrush	Titonka	Titonka, Iowa	Eating on apples left on a tree/ground in back yard	The documentation form by Clara Klasse is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Guthrie. \| Elimination of similar species: Robin	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	11
Rare bird documentation form for Hermit Thrush at Muscatine County, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hermit Thrush at Muscatine County, IA on December 28, 1997.	Blevins, Corey T.	Hermit Thrush	Muscatine County	Muscatine County, IA		The documentation form by Corey T. Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Brian Blevins, Lewis Blevins, and Catherine Bland. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	9
Rare bird documentation form for Hooded Warbler at Turkey Creek Wildlife Area, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-07-22	1982-07-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hooded Warbler at Turkey Creek Wildlife Area in Cass County, IA on July 22, 1982.	Hensley, R. Craig	Hooded Warbler	Turkey Creek	Turkey Creek Wildlife Area	Near an oxbow, dominant trees were elm, silver maple, cottonwood. along the edge of the woods.	The documentation form by Craig Hensley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The only species that I believed was similar was the yellow warbler, in fact, when I first saw it without binoculars, I thought that it was a yellow warbler. However, this bird lacked the red streaks from its body. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	41
Rare bird documentation form for Bald Eagle at Cass County, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-12-30	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bald Eagle at Cass County, IA on December 30, 1981.	Hensley, R. Craig	Bald Eagle	Cass County	Farmland-Southeast corner of Cass County, Iowa	Cropland with scattered trees	The documentation form by Craig Hensley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dennis Sierck and Ed Ritter. \| Elimination of similar species: Only the Golden Eagle is similar, that being when the bald eagle is immature. The mature bald eagle stands alone. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	21
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Burrowing Owl at Union Township in Kossuth County, 1980	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-05-01	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Burrowing Owls at Union Township in Kossuth County, IA in May, June, and July, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Roberg, Craig C.	Burrowing Owl	Union Township	NW1/4 sec. 6 Union twp. Kossuth county	Alfalfa hay field - about 80 acres. Burrow on extreme west edge.	The documentation form by Craig Roberg is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Bob Moats. \| The original documentation form events lasted approximate one hour in the morning on several occasions through May, June, and July, 1980.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	17
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Lime Creek Nature Center, 1993	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1993-05-10	1995-07-08	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Lime Creek Nature Center in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 10, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Nelson, Curtis	Western Tanager	Lime Creek Nature Center	Cerro Gordo Co. Lime Creek Nature Center Woods	Woods; small clearing near a small stream	The documentation form by Curt Nelson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Fred Heinz. \| Elimination of similar species: Juvenile or Molting Scarlet Tanager - The yellow areas were very bright and clear without any suggestion of a greenish tint Red area was neatly confined to the head + face. 1st yr. Summer tanager - same as above \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 17:30:00/17:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29