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 Western Grebe at Rush Lake, 1981	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-06-29	1981-07-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for six Western Grebes at Rush Lake in Osceola County, IA on June 29, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Grebe	Rush Lake	Rush L., Osceola Co, IA	Lake with extensive marshy edge N. side of lake	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Douglas Harr. \| Elimination of similar species: None similar. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	15
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Western Sandpiper at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-10-13	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Western Sandpiper at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 13, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Sandpiper	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coralville Res., Johnson Co. Iowa.	mud flats with shallow pools	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: The size and shape in comparison with Baird's Sandpiper establish this bird as a peep. The black legs, gray color, and lack of bib exclude Least Sandpiper (several of which were seen earlier). The distinction from Semipalmated Sandpiper is based on the bill and apparent molt to basic plumage. Five minutes earlier I had seen two Semipalmated Sandpipers running on the other side of the area; they had short straight bills and had all feathers of the upper parts edged with buff (juvenile plumage). I had seen a number of Semipalmated Sandpipers with longer and slightly drooped bills this fall, but none approached the length, thinness, and droop seen on the current bird. According to Kenn Kaufman's Advanced Birding, Semipalmated Sandpipers wear their juvenile plumage until they reach wintering grounds, and juvenile Western Sandpipers gradually molt from juvenile to basic plumage from August to October with some retaining rusty scapulars. I assume, based on date, that this bird was probably a first-year bird, and that it had either completely molted to basic plumage or had some rusty scapulars that I did not see. I did not consider any of the Eurasian stints, which would be exceeding unlikely and have bills more like a semipalmated or have yellow legs. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	3
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Montrose, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-03-30	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Black Scoters at Montrose in Lee County, IA on March 30, 1991.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Black Scoter	Montrose	Montrose, Lee County, IA	Mississippi River Pool	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: The only other duck with similar face pattern is Ruddy Duck. Male Ruddy Ducks in the area had white face patches, but the patches were more horizontal, bill were sloped, necks shorter, tails cocked, and much smaller in flight. Female Ruddys had a much grayer face patch and gray on the sides. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Great Black-backed Gull at Bettendorf, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-02-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Great Black-backed Gull at Bettendorf in Scott County, IA on February 3, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Great Black-backed Gull	Bettendorf	Bettendorf, IA	Mississippi River	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Size. All black back and wing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	38
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper at Amana Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-28	1994-11-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Sandpiper at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on October 28, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Sandpiper	Lily Pond	Amana L., Iowa Co., IA.	large shallow lake with low water and extensive mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Separation from Semipalmated Sandpiper rests on the bill. The behavior is a bit supportive. Based on records for Iowa, we do not yet know which species is more likely. Having to travel to South America, it would seem that semipalmateds would pass through Iowa earlier, but pectorals go just as far south and some are late migrants. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Rare bird documentation form for Hudsonian Godwit at Amana Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-28	1994-11-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hudsonian Godwit at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on October 28, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Hudsonian Godwit	Lily Pond	Amana L., Iowa Co., IA	large shallow lake at low water with extensive mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Marbled Godwit is eliminated by the white rump, wing stripe, and lack of cinnamon or brownish coloration. Black-tailed Godwit is eliminated by the contrasting and dark underwing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Tricolored Heron at Cone Marsh, 1989	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Maps (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc Wildlife conservation	1989-04-29	1993-08-05	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Tricolored Heron at Cone Marsh, Louisa County, IA on April 29, 1989. Includes record review documents with votes, articles in Iowa Bird Life and the Loon, maps of Tri-Colored Heron sightings and breeding areas, correspondence about the sighting from Ross Silcock to Carl Bendorf, from to Dick Shaffer to Thomas H. Kent, from Bruce Peterjohn to Thomas H. Kent and committee votes, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Tricolored Heron	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone M., Louise Co., IA	marsh	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Shaffer. \| Elimination of similar species: Size and white belly eliminate other herons. Apparently an immature or non-breeding plumaged adult. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/10:59:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	18
Rare bird documentation form for Red Crossbill northeast of Iowa City, 1996	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-07-13	1996-07-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for ten Red Crossbills northeast of Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on July 13, 1996.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red Crossbill	Iowa City	farmstead northeast of Iowa City at feeders	Open farm land, multiple feeders, no conifers seen in area.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dave Conrads and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: None. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:40:00/17:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	83
Rare bird documentation form for Snowy Egret at Diamond Lake, 1981	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-04-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Snowy Egret at Diamond Lake in Poweshiek County, IA on April 23, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Snowy Egret	Diamond Lake	Diamond L., Montezuma, Poweshiek Co IA	antipied lake, water level low, N. Cove at Diamond L.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Darwin Koenig. \| Elimination of similar species: Great Egret - size, bill + feet color wrong. Immature Little Blue heron - season, bill and feet color, plumes wrong. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:40:00/18:10:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	19
Records Committee Review for rare bird sighting of Pacific Loon at Pleasant Creek Lake, 1995	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-10-31	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee of a Pacific Loon at Pleasant Creek Lake in Linn County on October 31, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Pacific Loon	Pleasant Creek State Park	Pleasant Creek L., Linn Co., IA	deep-water, artificial lake	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Chuck Fuller, Jane Fuller, and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: I studied the Common Loons seen earlier in the morning. They presented a wide spectrum of face patterns and size. I based the identification of Pacific Loon subjective evaluation of size, bill shape and size, sharp line of separation of black and white on the neck, and chin strap. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	7
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at North Liberty, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-12-18	1982-12-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at North Liberty in Johnson County, IA on December 18, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Northern Goshawk	North Liberty	3 mi. N of North Liberty, Johnson Co. Iowa - near Girl Scout Camp	Wooded edge to hilly fields and low brushy areas.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Thompson, Bob Lechner, and Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Accipiter shape, large size, and color with black primaries eliminate other species. Had a better look at one in the same area in November. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Dunbar Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-09-21	1980-09-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Dunbar Slough in Greene County, IA on September 21, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin		Dunbar Slough, Greene Co Iowa	Marsh with mud flats, trees adjacent to marsh, Dunbar Slough	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Newlon, Michael Newlon, and Tom Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Size differed from Peregrine seen early at same location. Marking specific for Merlin. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:15:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Green Castle Corner in Johnson County, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-31	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Northern Goshawks at Green Castle Corner in Johnson County, IA on October 31, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Northern Goshawk	Green Castle (historical)	1 1/2 mi w. Green castle corner, NW Johnson Co., IA	mixed open (wet) fields and wooded 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. \| Elimination of similar species: Size and eye stripe exclude Coopers, shape and marking exclude Red-tail, Harrier + other buteos. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Wilson's Warbler at Coralville Reservoir, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Wilson's Warbler at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 2, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Wilson's Warbler	Coralville Lake	Johnson Co Iowa, Coralville Res.	General: Old farm stead Specific: 1/2 mi. north of Sandy Beach on Coralville Res.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf. \| Elimination of similar species: At first considered goldfinch because of yellow color, but wings not dark + bill, body, and size that of a warbler. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 11:00:00/11:00:15.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	42
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at Forneys Lake, 1984	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-03-25	1984-03-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ross' Goose at Forneys Lake in Fremont County, IA on March 25, 1984	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Ross' Goose	Forneys Lake	Forney L. Fremont Co.	shallow lake	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Tom Staudt, Ross Silcock, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: Size and bill eliminate Snow Goose. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near East Amana, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Photography of birds Rare birds	1981-04-26	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near East Amana in Iowa County, IA on April 26, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	East Amana	near E. Amana, Iowa County, Iowa	General: Pasture with trees and small shrubs. Specific: 1 mi. E. 1 1/2 mi N. 1/8 mi E of East Amana	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Thomas Shires, Rick Hollis, and two couples from Amana. \| Elimination of similar species: none \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:40:00/15:00:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	73
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Coralville Reservoir, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 10, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Peregrine Falcon	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res., Johnson Co., IA	Reservoir edge, wet fields, dead trees	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Rick Hollis, Philip Dunne, and Mike Newlon. \| Elimination of similar species: Facial mark eliminates buteos and accipiters. Dark color does not fit with Prairie Falcon. Axillaries not seen - did not fly. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Coralville Dam, 1981	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1981-11-07	1993-08-26	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Coralville Dam in Johnson County, IA on November 7, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence and commentary about the sighting, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Thayer's Gull	Coralville Dam	Coralville Res. Dam, west overlook, Johnson Co. Iowa	Reservoir, just above dam, in water and on swimming beach	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Mike Newlon, and many unidentified other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Photographs taken at the first encounter with a Celestron 750 mm lens demonstrate the size difference, the bill and head shape difference, the lighter overall color, and the window in the wing. An adult Herring was in the photo with the Thayer's on 7 Nov and imm Herring were photographed on 10 Nov for comparison. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:25:00/09:50:00 and 11:00:00/11:20:00 on November 7, 1981 and 07:30:00/08:30:00 on November 8, 1981.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Rare bird documentation form for Varied Thrush at Waterloo, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-01-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Varied Thrush at Waterloo in Black Hawk County, IA on January 3, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Varied Thrush	Waterloo	Waterloo IA	General: Residential with many tree, [sic] many stands of old large conifers Specific: Waterloo - corner of Persing and Sheridan	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Francis Moore, Robert Myers, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: none \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:17:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	11
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Jolly Rogers Campground at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-16	1990-12-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Franklin's Gull at Jolly Rogers Campground at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on December 16, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Franklin's Gull	Jolly Rogers Campground	Coralville Reservoir (Jolly Roger), Johnson Co., IA	wide part of reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Carol Thompson, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: Bonaparte's [handwritten note - 'neither is Franklins!] not hooded at this time of year and has lighter wing with white leading edge. In the last several years, Franklin's Gulls in alternate plumage have been recorded in the midwest in winter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:45:00 estimate.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Coralville Reservoir, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-09-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 11, 1983.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res	open part of reservoir	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: Pointed wings eliminate sharp-shin. Coloration eliminated Kestrel. Size and marks eliminate Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:40:00/07:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Muskrat Slough, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Muskrat Slough in Jones County, IA on May 23, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Muskrat Slough State Game Management Area	Muskrat Slough, Jones Co., Iowa	grassy marsh, catails [sic] - NW end of marsh	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: LeConte's Sparrow - has crown stripe and lacks white lines on back. Also late. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
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
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur east of Conesville, 1983	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-03-20	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for eight Smith's Longspurs east of Conesville in Muscatine County, IA on March 20, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Smith's Longspur	Conesville	1/2 mi. e. of Conesville, Muscatine Co. IA	Road and roadside, flat land	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: Tail, shoulder patch, face pattern, and plain buffy underparts eliminate other longspurs. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur southeast of Hills, 1983	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-03-12	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two hundred Smith's Longspurs southeast of Hills in Johnson County, IA on March 12, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Smith's Longspur	Hills	2 e. 1 s. Hills, Johnson Co. IA	Old soy bean stubble, moist in areas	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 Rick Hollis. \| Elimination of similar species: Other longspurs by tail, wing patch, underparts + note. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/13:00:00 and 13:30:00/14:15:00	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42