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 Greater Scaup at Montrose, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Greater Scaups at Montrose in Lee County, IA on November 20, 1983.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Greater Scaup	Montrose	Montrose, Lee Co. - Keokuk pool	Mississippi pool	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: Head with large bill and little angle between bill + forehead. Back of head round. Head shape quite different from lessers seen at times in same field. Bird definitely large + head larger that all lessers.. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Eared Grebe at Cedar Lake, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-04-08	1994-04-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Eared Grebe at Cedar Lake in Linn County, IA on April 8, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Eared Grebe	Cedar Lake	Cedar L., Linn Co., Iowa	river bottom lake in city	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: The head shape and small bill on this small dark grebe caught my eye. The neck and lower face were too dark for a winter-plumaged Horned Grebe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	14
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Shrike at Cone Marsh, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-03-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Shrike at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 10, 1985.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Northern Shrike	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone M., Louisa Co., IA	Marsh + farmland with edge	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and James Sandrock. \| Elimination of similar species: Loggerhead Shrike. All features except all dark bill favor Northern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:15:00/09:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	75
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-28	1991-04-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on April 28, 1991.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Van Buren Co., Iowa	Over forested area of Des Moines River	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: Osprey, Turkey Vulture, and immature Bald Eagle are all eliminated by the distribution of white. The size and profile was typical of Golden Eagle. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Trumpeter Swan at Runnells Area, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-02-29	1992-03-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form two Trumpeter Swans at Runnells Area in Marion County, IA on February 29, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Trumpeter Swan	Red Rock Wildlife Area	Runnells A.; Marion Co., IA	Refuge area at upper end of Red Rock Res.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil, Ann Johnson, and another man. \| Elimination of similar species: The appearance of the adult's bill eliminates Mute Swan. The lack of a yellow bill spot on the adult argues against Tundra Swan, but I understand that this is not an absolute criteria. The straightness of the culmen and shape of the feather extension along the forehead are difficult to judge, especially at a distance. Perhaps most convincing was the amount of darkness on the immature. Tundra Swans are said to be quite white on the back and wings by spring. The size of the bill on the immature was also quite impressive. The date is a bit early for Tundra Swan, but fine for Trumpeter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Lock 14, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-01-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Lock 14 in Scott County, IA on January 2, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Greater Scaup	Lock and Dam 14	Lock 14 Scott Co. IA	River below dam, Mississippi River at Lock 14, Iowa Side	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:05:00 approx.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Burrowing Owl south of Ames, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-04-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Burrowing Owl south of Ames in Story County, IA on April 1, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Burrowing Owl	Ames	1 mi. S. of Ames IA	farm land - plowed field, grass edge and grassy yard 1 mi S. of U.S. 30 on Elwood, Ames IA	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Kent, Hank Zaletel, James Dinsmore, and unidentified others. \| Elimination of similar species: no similar species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	51
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Warbler at Cone Marsh, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-04-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Warbler at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on April 27, 1993.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Pine Warbler	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone Marsh	small wooded area on northwest side of marsh	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Yellow-throated Vireo has a thicker bill, pronounced eyering, and larger head. It is also more sedentary than this bird was. In the fall, Bay-breasted and Blackpoll warblers might be a consideration, but they have streaked backs and are rarely this yellow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	29
Rare bird documentation form for Black-billed Cuckoo at Hickory Hill Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-billed Cuckoo at Hickory Hill Park in Johnson County, IA on May 3, 1988.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Black-billed Cuckoo	Hickory Hill Park	Hickory Hill P., Iowa City, Johnson Co, Ia	Wooded edge, heavy bushes	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Yellow-billed - bill, lack of rufous, lack of tail spots. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:20:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	46
Rare bird documentation form for Trumpeter Swan at Bays Branch, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-08-06	1994-08-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Trumpeter Swans at Bays Branch in Guthrie County, IA on August 6, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Trumpeter Swan	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bays Branch, Guthrie Co., IA	In pond area formerly used to raise Canada Geese	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: These birds were easy to identify. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Rare bird documentation form for Long-billed Dowitcher at Swan Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-11-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Long-billed Dowitchers at Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on November 25, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Long-billed Dowitcher	Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area	Swan L., Johnson Co., IA	small natural marsh with low water, mud flats, no vegetation	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: These birds did not have the bold streaking of a snipe. I wouldn't believe a Short-billed Dowitcher at this date if I saw it myself. At any rate, the gray neck and some retained thin rufous edge on wing feathers is typical of molting juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher at this date in Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-10-29	1993-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on October 29, 1993.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Prairie Falcon	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth Co., IA	long narrow slough	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The underwing markings and apparent light coloration argue against Peregrine Falcon. The date and location are appropriate for Prairie Falcon in Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:50:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for White-rumped Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-09-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-rumped Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 13, 1995.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	White-rumped Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., Iowa	backwater with mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, elongated profile, and lack of sharp belly band but [sic] this bird in the category of Baird's or White-rumped Sandpiper. I have seen a number of Baird's at this location in the last few weeks. They were browner above and had a buffy breast. The streaks on the sides also suggested White-rumped. Having seen the white rump on two consecutive days convinced me of my first fall White-rumped Sandpiper for Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/10:00:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	21
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Lake Macbride, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-11-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Lake Macbride in Johnson County, IA on November 25, 1998.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red-throated Loon	Lake MacBride	Lake Macbride, Johnson Co., IA	large artificial lake	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, bill shape, and gray head and neck eliminate Pacific Loon or small Common Loon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:20:00/11:30:00 and 12:30:00/12:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Rare bird documentation form for Mississippi Kite at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-05-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mississippi Kite at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on May 19, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Mississippi Kite	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Babcock Access, Johnson Co., IA	wide part of reservoir with open mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The pointed wings indicate a kite or falcon. The gliding flight was that of a kite not a falcon. The white body and head also eliminates all falcons. The lack of white rump as well as the flight pattern eliminate Northern Harrier. Swallow-tailed Kite would have a forked tail and different flight pattern. Black-shouldered Kite has a white tail and black shoulder. The lack of white patches in the secondaries and brownish tail indicate a subadult (first year bird). I looked for bands in the tail but could not appreciate them. Failure to see bands could be due to the lighting and distance or, as noted by Clark and Wheeler, to the fact that "A few immatures have solid, unbanded dark brown tails." The prominent light and dark underwing puzzled me, but Dunne says "Immature has body and underwing coverts buffy, with dark streaking and spotting of variable density; may be lighter or darker than illustrated." The underwing coverts and body appeared about the same shade to me. The lighting and distance may have precluded my appreciating any streaking. This bird appeared lighter than the bird I saw at Dudgeon Lake last year, especially the underwing coverts. The profile and flight characteristics allowed me to immediately recognize the bird as a Mississippi Kite. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:35:00/13:36:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	20
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Coralville Reservoir, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-03-26	1988-03-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 26, 1988.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res., near DuPont Bridge, Johnson Co., IA	Upper area of reservoir - open areas	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The pattern of white was too restricted for a dark phase Rough-legged Hawk and too specific for other dark phase buteos. An immature Bald Eagle would have patchy white on wing coverts, axillars, and tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-08-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Western Sandpipers at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on August 22, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., Iowa	mud flat along waterway at upper part of reservoir.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The overall color made me think of Least Sandpiper first, but the legs were definitely black and the bill was more decurved than any Least Sandpiper I have seen. I have seen rather rufous appearing Semipalmated Sandpipers, but they looked much more uniform on the upper parts than this bird did. Also the bill was too curved for a semi. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cedar Lake, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-01-05	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cedar Lake in Linn County, IA on January 5, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Cedar Lake	Cedar Lake, Linn Co., Iowa	backwater lake and cooling pond with some ice	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The leg color and size eliminate other dark mantled gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:00:00 and 10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper at the DuPont Bridge in Coralville Reservoir, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-08-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Western Sandpipers at the DuPont Bridge in Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on August 3, 1985.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res. (DuPont Bridge A.), Johnson Co, IA	Dry backwater with mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The heavy marking on the underparts would be unusual for any other peep. We usually see Westerns in basic or juvenile plumage. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:05:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Rare bird documentation form for Lapland Longspur at Babcock Access at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lapland Longspur at Babcock Access at Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on October 1, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Lapland Longspur	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coralville Res., Johnson Co., IA	mudflat	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The face pattern made me think of Smith's Longspur, but the chestnut color and black bib excluded this. Chestnut-colored Longspur has a yellow or buff throat and more extensive black on front. The color and face pattern do not fit Horned Lark or American Pipit. Horned Larks were present on the flats and I saw pipits later at another location. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:21:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	66
Rare bird documentation form for Hermit Thrush at Coralville Reservoir, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hermit Thrush at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on May 4, 1991.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Hermit Thrush	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res, Johnson Co., IA	small stand of woods	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The eye-ring was indistinct and small compared to Swainson's. The contrast of tail and body was the deciding factor. This is my latest date for Hermit Thrush in Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:03:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	9
Rare bird documentation form for Red-breasted Merganser at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-breasted Merganser at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 1, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red-breasted Merganser	Coralville Lake	Babcock Access, Coralville Res., Johnson Co., IA	Reservoir, shallow water	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bill and general shape identified the bird as a merganser. The bill was much too long and big for a hooded. The head size, shape, and crest; white throat and breast and wing bar; and size are that of red-breasted rather than Common Merganser. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	17
Rare bird documentation form for Dunlin at Babcock Access in Coralville Reservoir, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-07-30	1995-07-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Dunlin at Babcock Access in Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on July 30, 1995.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Dunlin	Babcock Access	Coralville Res., Babcock Access, Johnson Co., Iowa	mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bill and body proportions were those of a Dunlin, but the date and plumage were new for me. The streaks on the underparts, worn edging on some wing feathers, and eye line appear to be retained alternate features, while the lack of black on belly and rufous in wing are features of basic plumage. I assume that this was an adult partially molted to basic plumage. Although Dunlin is usually a late fall migrant, both Iowa and Minnesota have a few July records. According to Prater et al. (1977), nearctic birds molt before migrating; therefore, a bird in mostly basic plumage would not be unusual. White-rumped Sandpiper is exclude [sic] by the tail pattern, body proportions and bill length. Baird's Sandpiper has a shorter bill, longer tail/wing extension, slimmer profile, and browner and scaly upperparts. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:45:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	24
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1979-03-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 11, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Sugar Bottom Campground	Sugar Bottom Recreation area on Coralville Reservoir	wooded valley with adjacent open fields. Small valley 1/4 - 1/2 mile from Coralville Reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sparrow hawk - no red on tail, no facial marking, unlikely habitat. Sharp-shinned Hawk - wing shape and flight pattern different from Sharp-shinned. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at Cone Marsh, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-03-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Ross' Geese at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 11, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Ross' Goose	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone M., Louisa Co., IA	Marsh	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Goose - see above. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28