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 Hoary Redpoll at Ames, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-02-03	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Hoary Redpoll at Ames in Story, IA on February 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.		Hoary Redpoll	Ames	South of Ames (2308 State Ave; RR 3)	Bushes, deciduous trees, pines, firs, grass, brush pills in side yard Lee side of house. Feeding with pine siskins, house finch, goldfinch at Finch Feeder filled with niger/seed + sunflower hearts	The documentation form by Jeanne C. Edwards is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Redpoll is similar. But just by looking at the two side by side, the difference overall was very apparent. Looked as tho dusted in white powder, much more white area (e.g. rump + breast + undertail). Not as much streaking. Smaller red cap. \| The original documentation form event began around 15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	16
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Hoary Redpoll at Iowa City, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-02-04	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Hoary Redpoll at Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on February 4, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Hoary Redpoll	Iowa City	Ken Lowder backyard and feeder north of Iowa City (Johnson County).		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ken Lowder, Jim Scheib, and John Daniel. \| Elimination of similar species: Comparisons to Common Redpoll are made by utilizing the field characteristics described in an article by Czaplak in December, 1995 "Birding". Undertail coverts: This bird showed two very short streaks (almost dots) on longest covert, whereas a Common typically has wide bold streaking. The brightest adult male Commons may have only one medium width streak, but this bird had no red or pink on breast, and so was not an adult male Common. Rump: The rump was white with faint streaking. Most Commons have extensive streaking. Bright adult Commons can have no streaking, but the rump is pinkish-red. Mantle: The ground color of the back of the Common is described as warm brown, or sometimes paler grayish-brown. This bird had grayish feather edgings, with whitish-gray in the middle of the mantle and toward the back. Flank Streaking: Common typically has thick brown streaking. This bird had more wispy gray-brown streaking, which extended back to the base of the tail. Breast and Rump Color: Common has pinkish-red to bright red breast. This bird was buffy under chin, and the rest of the breast was white. Size & Structure: Common has a less bulky neck and greater slope to forehead. This bird has a steep forehead slope and what appeared to be a bulky "no-neck". Bill shape: The bill was short on this bird. The width at the base of the bill appeared to be the same dimension as the length. Common typically has longer bill. Head: This bird showed a buffy wash to the face, sides of the nape, and upper breast, which Common typically does not have. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	16
Rare bird documentation form for Thayer's Gull at Black Hawk Lake, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-02-11	1996-02-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Thayer's Gull at Black Hawk Lake in Sac County, IA on February 11, 1996.	Thelen, Ed	Thayer's Gull	Black Hawk Lake	Black Hawk Lake Sac County	Natural Lake - near open water from aerator	The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rob Thelen and Peter Ernzen. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull has dark lesser coverts and dark feathers under the wing tips. More distinct tail band + larger bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	35
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Great Gray Owl at Big Marsh, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-02-11	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Gray Owl at Big Marsh in Butler County, IA on February 11, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, two photographs, an article in Field Notes, and seven documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Great Gray Owl	Big Marsh Wildlife Area	Big Marsh, Butler Co., Iowa	At north edge of large man-made marshy area near the Cedar River.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Stephen J. Dinsmore, Jim Dinsmore, Mary Lou and Peter Petersen, Chris Edwards, and Mark Proescholdt were submitted. Other observers include Francis Moore, Beth Proescholdt, Carl Kurtz, Linda Kurtz, Carolyn Fischer, Pat Hansen, Alan Martin, Rita Pedelty, Rita Goranson, Jan Walter, Tim Gedler, Dennis Henrickson, Bruce DeLong, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Tom Stone, James Scheib, and many unidentified other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Only Barred Owl is remotely similar. The most impressive marks were the yellow eyes, bow tie mark, and large gray facial disks. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:59:00/17:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	18
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Great Gray Owl at Colfax Township in Grundy County, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-02-17	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Gray Owl at Colfax Township in Grundy County, IA on February 17, 1996. Includes two record review documents with votes, an article from the Grundy Register, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, James J.	Great Gray Owl	Colfax Township	section 17, Colfax Township, Grundy Co. (ca 3 miles east of Wellsburg)	roadside, open farmland	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Barred Owl-size, relative length of tail, gray rather than brownish gray as predominant color.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	18
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Hoary Redpoll at Kensett, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-02-19	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Hoary Redpolls at Kensett in Worth County, IA on February 19, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Goranson, Rita	Hoary Redpoll	Kensett	7th & Oak St., Kennett, Ia.	at feeder's	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Curt Nelson and Jan Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: In with 40+ Common and these two were noticeably lighter and varied in coloring. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	16
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Le Conte's Sparrow at Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-02-25	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Le Conte's Sparrow at Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Jasper County, IA on February 25, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and field notes submitted to the committee.	Friedrick, Denise	Le Conte's Sparrow	Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge	[...] along Walnut Creek	[...] "Grass-riparian" area	The field notes by Denise Friedrick were the only ones submitted and form the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:52:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	37
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Hoary Redpoll at Ames, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-02-28	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Hoary Redpoll at Ames in Story County, IA on February 28, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Hoary Redpoll	Ames	our feeder in Ames, Story Co., IA	feeder	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The only similar species is Common Redpoll. The Combination of overall paleness, pale rump, mostly unstreaked undertail covers, smaller crown patch, and bill size and shape were used to eliminate Common Redpoll. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:35:00/10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	16
Iowa Ornithologists' Union, Quarterly field report, spring 1996	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Migration Birds--Research Podicipediformes \| Grebes Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1996-03-01	1996-05-31	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Quarterly field report for the spring of 1996 compiled by Thomas H. Kent.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934- Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Mississippi Kite Neotropic Cormorant Fish Crow Black-headed Grosbeak Eurasian Wigeon Lazuli Bunting Snowy Plover Great Gray Owl Little Gull Great-tailed Grackle Ruff	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	27	1
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Mountain Bluebird at Hidden Bridge Wildlife Area, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-03-12	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Mountain Bluebird at Hidden Bridge Wildlife Area in Lyon County, IA on March 12, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Thelen, Ed	Mountain Bluebird	Hidden Bridge Wildlife Area	Hidden Bridge Wildlife Area - Lyon County	Bluffs overlooking River Valley - Scattered trees + shrubs - fenceline	The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: - Eastern + Western bluebird were eliminated by the blue on the breast - shape, color, size and habits eliminated indigo bunting. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	5
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon east of Wall Lake, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-03-12	1996-06-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon east of Wall Lake in Sac County, IA on March 12, 1996.	Thelen, Rob	Prairie Falcon	Wall Lake	1 m. East of Wall Lake	Gravel pits, Railroad Tracks, and Farmland	The documentation form by Rob Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Natasha Thelen. \| Elimination of similar species: Merlin - was to [sic] big to be a Merlin didn't have strong tail bars. Peregrine - didn't have strong face marks or cap on head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/17:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Pleasant Creek Lake, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-03-17	1996-06-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Greater Scaups at Pleasant Creek Lake in Linn County, IA on March 17, 1996.	Dankert, Jeffrey B.	Greater Scaup	Pleasant Creek State Park	Pleasant Creek Lake, Linn County	Lake	The documentation form by Jeff Dankert is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dave Dankert. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser, as described above. I watched the birds for several minutes, making sure that they weren't changing crown feathers and 'hiding' the peak characteristic of L. Scaup.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Fish Crow at Cone Marsh, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-03-28	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Fish Crow in Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 28, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Fish Crow	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	In the woods along the edge of Cone Marsh (Louisa County.		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jane Fuller, Chuck Fuller, John Rutenbeck, Rick Hollis, and Jim Durbin. \| Elimination of similar species: The call this bird was making was not that of a Common Crow, and the bird making the call (as well as the other bird) appeared to have a smaller bill and was more glossy than I would expect a Common Crow to be. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:48:00/09:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	46
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Buff-Breasted Sandpiper at Cone Marsh, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-03-29	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 29, 1996 Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Buff-breasted Sandpiper	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone Marsh (Louisa County)		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Comparisons to Pectoral and Baird's Sandpipers have been made during description. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1996	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-04-06	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on April 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence about bird sightings, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Sinclair, Jim	Iceland Gull	Red Rock Dam	below dam at Red Rock, Marion Co.	D.M. River	The documentation form by Jim Sinclair is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: This bird did not have the large headed, large billed 'predatory' look of a Glaucous Gull. The overall lightness and the lack of dark primaries and no tail band would eliminate Thayers Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:54:00/10:56:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	4
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red-throated Loon at Sioux Center, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-04-19	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Red-throated Loon at Sioux Center in Sioux County, IA on April 19, 1996. Includes a record review document, an Iowa Bird Life article, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Red-throated Loon	Sioux Center	in a large gravel pit/quarry five miles south of Sioux Center, Sioux County, Iowa.		The documentation form by James Van Dyk is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The small size, upturned bill, slender build, and white-spotted back distinguished this bird from the other Loons. The grayish bill and loon profile eliminated any possible confusion with a Grebe (e.g., Western or Clark's Grebe). \| The original documentation form event did not list a time other than in the afternoon for about 35 minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Little Gull at Black Hawk Lake, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-04-21	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Little Gull at Black Hawk Lake in Sac County, IA on April 21, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentations submitted to the committee.	Ernzen, Peter	Little Gull	Black Hawk Lake	[...] south east corner of Blackhawk Lake in Sac Co.		The documentation by Peter Ernzen forms the basis of this record. A documentation form by Jim Fuller was submitted. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] The other five hooded gulls were eliminated for a variety of reasons. Franklin's and Laughing Gull would be larger, darker mantled and have a prominent eye ring. Sabine's Gull would've had a bicolored bill, forked tail and different - white triangular - pattern to its wings. The larger Common Black-headed Gull looks like a larger version of a Bonaparte's Gull with a brownish hood and a red bill. The associated Bonaparte's Gulls were darker mantled and larger. The wings were more angular in appearance with a white leading edge and black wing tips. I have observed all but the Laughing Gull - though the Sabine's Gulls were immature, the distinctive wing pattern is present in both adults and immatures - and feel confident in calling this an adult Little Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:30:00 and 11:00:00/11:08:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	20
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope north of Lake View, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-04-26	1996-06-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Phalarope north of Lake View in Sac County, IA on April 26, 1996.	Thelen, Rob	Red-necked Phalarope	Lake View	little pond 1/4 m No. of Lake View	Shed water in a pasture by a creek	The documentation form by Rob Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marty Thelen. \| Elimination of similar species: It was smaller than Wilsons had dark legs + dark back. short bill \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Records committee review for rare bird sighting of Snowy Plover at Oak Grove Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-03	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records committee review of a Snowy Plover at Oak Grove Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on May 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Snowy Plover	Oak Grove Recreation Area	Saylorville Res., Polk Co., IA-Oak Grove Beach	sandy beach	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The plover shape, size, and overall color were enough to eliminate all shorebirds except Piping. [sic] Plover. Piping Plover was eliminated by the dark legs and bill, pattern of black on the head, and bill shape. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:21:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	18
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Neotropic Cormorant at Little River Recreation Area, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-04	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Neotropic Cormorant at Little River Recreation Area in Decatur County, IA on May 4, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, two photos, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Neotropic Cormorant	Little River Recreation Area	Little River Rec. Area	large reservoir with numerous dead snags	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: My only concern was to adequately eliminate Double-crested Cormorant, many of which were available for direct comparisons. The size, tail length, and throat patch pattern all eliminate this species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:25:00/15:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	12
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull at Sandpiper Beach at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-10	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Laughing Gull at Sandpiper Beach at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on May 10, 1996. Includes one record review document with votes, a photograph, correspondence about bird sighting, an Iowa Bird Life Article, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Laughing Gull	Sandpiper Recreation Area	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA	resting on beach with other gulls	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was clearly one of the "hooded" gulls. The combination of size, mantle color, and upperwing pattern eliminates all of the hooded gulls except for Franklin's Gull. The larger size, less obvious white eye crescents, larger and longer bill, and extensively dark tips to the underwings eliminated Franklin's Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	18
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ruff south of Grimes, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-10	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Ruff south of Grimes in Polk County, IA on May 10, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life article, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Engebretsen, Bery	Ruff	Grimes	S. of Grimes	minimum-till corn field with standing water, old stocks	The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Dennis Thompson, Reid Allen, and Pam Allen. \| Elimination of similar species: white underwings, U-Shaped white tail patch, small head, & size seem to eliminate other species. Too large for White-rumped. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 17:30:00/18:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	9
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Fish Crow southwest of Oakville, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-11	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Fish Crow southwest of Oakville in Louisa County, IA on May 11, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Petersen, Peter C.	Fish Crow	Oakville	1/2 mi SW Oakville, Louisa Co, IA	Bottomland Forest along Iowa River	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Brian Blevins. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Crow - larger, different call, flight stronger. Due to late season no Am. Crows have fledged. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	46
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-05-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on May 11, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Res., Polk Co., IA	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engebretsen. \| Elimination of similar species: The large size and bill color and size all eliminate other grebes. Note that we had just seen another Red-necked Grebe on nearby Big Creek L. 2 hours earlier. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:05:00/12:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Big Creek Lake, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-05-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Big Creek Lake in Polk County, IA on May 11, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Big Creek Lake	Big Creek L., Polk Co., IA	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engebretsen. \| Elimination of similar species: The shape was obviously that of a grebe. The bird was much too large for a Horned or Eared grebe, both of which were seen within an hour of this sighting. The combination of large size, white throat/cheek patch, and bill size and color eliminates all other grebes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13