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 Western Tanager at Des Moines, 1971	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1971-11-04	1999-04-02	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on November 4, 1971. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Brown, Woodward H.	Western Tanager	Des Moines	Des Moines, IA	Well-kept back yard of apartment in the heart of Des Moines	The documentation form by Woodward H. Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Mary Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: Too large for goldfinch, wing bars eliminate Summer or Scarlet Tanagers which would not be here at this time. Bill obviously not oriole or finch. \| The original documentation form event lasted briefly, mid-afternnon [sic].	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Des Moines, 1997	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-05-02	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on May 2, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Rowe, Pauline	Western Tanager	Des Moines	2801 Madison, Des Moines, IA - Back yard	On our birdfeeder - large evergreen nearby.	The documentation form by Pauline Rowe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:30:00 and 10:30:00/11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Elk Rock State Park, 1991	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-05-07	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Elk Rock State Park in Marion County, IA on May 7, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph with a report, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Ann	Western Tanager	Elk Rock State Park	South Elk Rock State Park, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., Iowa	Soft deciduous and brushy area near water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Jim Fuller was submitted. Other observers include Tim Schantz, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Dennis Thompson, and Beth Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of red face and yellow body eliminated all other tanagers. Females of other species would not show red on the face, and young males going into first alternate plumage would not have the red coloration restricted to the head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/17:30:00 with bird seen three times for a total of 25-30 minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Engineer's Cantonment circa 1819	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Birds--Identification Rare birds	1823-01-01	1993-08-19	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Records Committee review for Western Tanagers at Engineer's Cantonment, IA circa 1819. Includes a record review document with votes, the original sighting record found in the publication Account of an Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains Performed in the Years 1819 and 1820 by Edwin James seen by Thomas Say, and referenced by another publication.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee	Western Tanager	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Forney Lake, 1980	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-04-26	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Forney Lake in Fremont County, IA on April 26, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Silcock, W. Ross	Western Tanager	Forneys Lake	Forney lake, Fremont Co., Iowa	Cottonwood Belt near Forney Lake - Riparian Island in Missouri River Bottom Farmland	The documentation form by W. Ross Silcock is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Robert Myers was submitted later. \| Elimination of similar species: Yellowthroated Vireo - Red Head, bill not 'hooked', more active. Northern Oriole (1st Yr Male) - Yellow coloration contrasting with red head [rather distinctive species]. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:03:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Frank Starr Park, 1969	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1969-05-08	1993-08-19	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Frank Starr Park in Buena Vista County, IA on May 8, 1969. Includes one record review document with votes and a documentation article submitted to the committee.	Crocker, Virginia R.	Western Tanager	Frank Starr Park	[...] West Park is a state-owned 13 acre strip of land between Storm Lake and Little Storm Lake on the west side of Iowa 110.		The article by Virginia Crocker is the only one reviewed and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ruth Thornton. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Many insects were flying, and we were watching the large number of Myrtle Warblers feeding on the insects when Ruth exclaimed, "What is that bird with the bright red head?--I've never seen one like it before." Then the bird came into full view. The brilliant colors were breath-taking, and we had little trouble identifying it as a male Western Tanager. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Hope Martin Memorial Park, 1981	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1981-10-08	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Hope Martin Memorial Park in Black Hawk County, IA on October 8, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, a letter from Bruce Peterjohn to Tom Kent, a letter from Bob Myers to Tom Kent, a letter from Francis Moore to Tom Kent, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Myers, Robert K.	Western Tanager	Hope Martin Memorial Park	Hope Martin Park, Waterloo, Ia. (Part of Waterloo Greenbelt)	Riverbottom Timber on edge of park - brushy area First seen in top of willow thicket, then flew to top of oak in the park.	The documentation form by Robert Myers is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Francis L. Moore was submitted later. \| Elimination of similar species: Fall scarlet tanager is possible - see attached page. My first thought was that this was late for a scarlet Tanager and when I looked closer I saw the wing bars. My second thought was that someone told me that one of a hunderd [sic] ♀ scarlets have wing bars. I also knew the Peterson Guide says some scarlets have two wing bars. When I went home that night I was anything but convinced the bird was a western tanager even though most literature states wing bars = western tanager. When I got home I phoned Fancis Moore and he went to the park and was able to relocate the bird. Even though he had never seen western tanagers before, Francis thought this was one. His enthusiasm prompted me to research further. I am now also convinced that this bird was indeed a western tanager no matter how unlikely it seems. Ironically, my first western tanager, a male seen April 26, 1980 at Forney Lake, was also with a mixed flock of yellow-rump + palm warblers. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1997	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-05-03	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on May 3, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Western Tanager	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park Near Ely Ford (Van Buren County)		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Karole Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: The two yellow wing bars and red on head eliminate any other tanager. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:40:00/11:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Lake Manawa, 1993	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1993-05-11	1995-07-08	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Lake Manawa in Pottawatamie County, IA on May 11, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Rose, B.J.	Western Tanager	Lake Manawa	Lake Manawa, So. of CB, Pottawatamie Co., IA	Open beach and lawn area with large cottonwoods.	The documentation form by B.J. Rose is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Roger Rose, Loren Padelford, and Babs Padelford. \| Elimination of similar species: Summer and Scarlet Tanagers do not have wing-bars. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 13:00:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
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
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Sabula, 1984	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1984-05-15	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Sabula in Jackson County, IA on May 15, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Lee G.	Western Tanager	Sabula	near Sabula, Iowa along Mississippi River		The documentation form by Lee G. Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: There is no other bird that this bird could be confused with. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:20:00/07:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Spirit Lake, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-23	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on May 23, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Thelen, Ed	Western Tanager	Spirit Lake	My backyard birdbath - East edge of Spirit Lake	Suburban - edge of farmland	The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Female oriole - size, shape and color of beak, length of tail and color of chin. Imm. Scarlet tanager - According to Master Guide to birding Vol 3 p. 196, juvenal [sic] Scarlet tanagers resemble the female but are more variable and have bright yellow wing bars. Also according to National Geographic Bird Guide it states that the immature scarlet tanager has faint wing bars. I don't think it was an immature scarlet tanager because this time of year the bird is not in juvenal [sic] plumage and the bird I saw had prominent and strong wing bars. Also the bird I saw had a very light colored rump and also its nape was a shade lighter than its back giving the birds upper part the light-dark light sequence for its nape-back-rump. This is a characteristic of the Western Tanager. This is what Bent (1958) p 472 has to say about the plumages of the 1st year male western tanager. "There is considerable variation among individuals, these one-year old males are as a whole somewhat less brilliant than the adults. The black of the upper part is duller and more or less intermixed with greenish. The red on the head paler, less intense and more restricted in area; and the yellows decidedly duller and less brilliant." \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:15:00/19:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Swan Lake, 1997	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-06-03	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Swan Lake in Carroll County, IA on June 3, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Thelen, Rob	Western Tanager	Swan Lake	Swan Lake Carroll Co.	Grassy Area with scatter tree up to 15' tall	The documentation form by Rob Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Tanagers - had wing bars. N. Oriole Thicker bill + yellow rump and olive back \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:00:00/07:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager near Ames, 1997	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-05-07	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager near Ames in Story County, IA on May 7, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Niyo, Kayleen	Western Tanager	Ames	Dr. Kevin Healy's home, Ames, IA	Mature oak/hickory subdivision	The documentation form by Kayleen A. Niyo forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Dinsmore and Kevin Healy were submitted. Other observers include Rosanne Healy, Mary Jane Hatfield, and Lucy Rimler. \| Elimination of similar species: I have seen Western Tanagers in Wyoming and Idaho, so I knew that was what it was. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/19:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager near Meservey in 1999	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Birds--Identification Rare birds	1999-09-17	2000-11-28	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager near Meservey in Cerro Gordo County, IA around May 10, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes, the original sighting record found in a note, and a letter about the sighting from Jan Walter to Tom Kent.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee	Western Tanager	Meservey				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager near Swan Lake, 1994	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-04-25	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager near Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on April 25, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Dankert, David L.	Western Tanager	Swan Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson County	river bottomland	The documentation form by David L. Dankert forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by James Fuller and Thomas Kent were submitted. \| Elimination of similar species: NONE \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/10:50:08.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Wood-Pewee at Elm Lake, 1979	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1979-06-21	1993-08-26	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Wood-Pewee at Elm Lake in Wright County, IA on June 21, 1979. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life, an excerpt from Birds of Iowa by Rudolph Martin Anderson, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Western Wood-Pewee	Elm Lake	Elm Lake, near Belmond, Wright County	The bird was found in a narrow grove of mature Cottonwood surrounding Elm Lake, the lake is in the mist of farmland with a small pasture on the north.	The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Eastern Phoebe is larger and wags its tail. Empidonaxes are smaller with shorter wings and tail. Confusion with the Eastern Pewee is certain if plumage is used. Subtle differences in plumage were noted in my observation of the Western Pewee, when compared to my experience with the Eastern Pewee. The throat appeared whiter and contrasted more with the breast and head than a Eastern, also, as mentioned before, the color of the upper-parts appeared more grayish and not as green. Since the call was heard at close range, and having seen the vocalizing bird as well as my familiarity with the Western Pewee's call I believe the identification totally on voice is a valid one. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/12:12:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	31
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Wood-Pewee at Huron Island, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-08-10	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Wood-Pewee at Huron Island in Des Moines County, IA on August 10, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Petersen, Peter C.	Western Wood-Pewee	Huron Island	Huron Island, Des Moines Co. IA	Bottomland Forest Clearing	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Eastern Wood-Pewee looks almost exactly like the Western, but the Western seemed a bit darker on the sides. The call of the Eastern is a clear whistle, totally different from this call. I spent an extra five minutes in an attempt to hear a second call from the Western but it flew away and did not call again. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:55:00/08:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	31
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Wood-Pewee near Des Moines, 1991	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-09-08	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for one to two Western Wood-Pewees near Des Moines in Polk County, IA on September 8, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Engebretsen, Bery	Western Wood-Pewee	Des Moines	Backyard of our home	General: Oak hickory. upland. Mature, 1 mile outside of Des Moines. Specific: Flying from tree to tree - hickory, oak, dead limbs	The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: From the moment I heard the call, it was clearly different. The bird was a PeeWee. It called frequently to several types of calls; only one of which seemed similar to our Eastern. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:00:00/11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	31
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Whimbrel at Spirit Lake in 1998	Administrative records Photographs	Birds--Identification Photography of birds Rare birds	1998-05-20	2000-11-24	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Records Committee review for a Whimbrel at Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on May 20, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes and the original sighting record found in a photograph of the bird sighting taken by Peder Svingen.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee	Whimbrel	Spirit Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	23
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Whimbrel in the Nebraska City area in 1997	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Birds--Identification Rare birds	1997-05-10	2000-11-24	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Records Committee review for a Whimbrel in the Nebraska City area in Fremont County, IA on May 10, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes and the original sighting record found in the observation notes of B.J. Rose, Doug Rose, and Roger Rose.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee	Whimbrel	Nebraska City				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	23
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Whimbrel north of Bartlett in 1995	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Birds--Identification Rare birds	1995-05-16	2000-11-18	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Records Committee review for Whimbrels north of Bartlett in Mills County, IA on May 16, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and the original sighting record found in the Spring 1995 Field Report by Babs and Loren Padelford transcribed by Thomas Kent.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee	Whimbrel	Bartlett				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	23
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for White-crowned Sparrow at Cedar Rapids, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-06-23	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a White-crowned Sparrow at Cedar Rapids in Linn County, IA on June 23, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Bradley, Rob	White-crowned Sparrow	Cedar Rapids	S.W. Side Cedar Rapids - Residence	Back yard with Cedar and Maple trees	The documentation form by Rob Bradley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Greg Plotz and Dawn Zimpfer. \| Elimination of similar species: White throated Sparrow Had no white throat and no yellow spot between eye + bill. On the white throats that don't show much, if any yellow, and a very dull white throat, the head is not as distincty [sic] marked with the black + white stripes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 20:00:00/20:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	39
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for White-faced Ibis at Dan Green Slough in 1977	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Birds--Identification Birds--Research Rare birds	1977-05-18	1993-08-26	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Records Committee review for three White-faced Ibises at Dan Green Slough in Clay County, IA on May 18, 1977. Includes a record review document with votes and the original sighting record found in the publication Spring and summer observations of herons in northwest Iowa 1977, IBL 47(3):96-98, by Mark R. Ryan.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee	White-faced Ibis	Dan Green Slough Wildlife Management Area				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	24
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for White-faced Ibis at Rippey in 1891	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Birds--Identification Photography of birds Rare birds Zoological specimens	1891-04-01	1997-08-23	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Records Committee review for a White-faced Ibis out of a flock of thirteen at Rippey in Greene County, IA on April of 1891. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph, the original sighting record found in the publication Report of the committee on state Fauna in Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science 1(3):39-42 by Charles C. Nutting seen by Benjamin F. Osborn, and referenced by two other publications.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee	White-faced Ibis	Rippey				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	24