|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red-throated Loon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-27
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Red-throated Loon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 27, 1996. Includes a record review document and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Red-throated Loon
|
Lake Red Rock
|
Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
|
large lake
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: The size and shape were clearly those of a loon. The combination of small size, thin, upturned bill, paler head, and speckled mantle eliminates other species. | The original documentation form event lasted from 16:23:00/16:45:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
5
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-27
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on November 27, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Lesser Black-backed Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
below Red Rock dam, Marion Co., IA
|
dam tailwaters
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: The most similar-appearing species is first-basic Herring Gull. The combination of slightly smaller size, longer wings, whiter rump, more speckled mantle, contrast between the darker mantle and lighter head, and darker upperwings lacking a pale "window" eliminated Herring Gull in first-basic plumage. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:22:00/15:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
5
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Spirit Lake, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-17
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Jaeger species bird at Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on November 17, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Jaegers
|
Spirit Lake
|
Spirit L., Dickinson 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 James J. Dinsmore. | Elimination of similar species: The combination of size, dark coloration, and white in the primary shafts eliminated the possibility of a juvenile gull. Despite the great distance and lack of a good view of the wing pattern, I believe the bird was a Pomarine Jaeger. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/14:43:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
13
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Pomarine Jaeger at Red Rock Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-16
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for one to two Pomarine Jaegers at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 16, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article of Iowa Bird Life, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Pomarine Jaeger
|
Lake Red Rock
|
Red Rock Res., Marion Co., IA
|
large lake
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Thomas H. Kent, Chris Edwards, and Ray Cummins were submitted. Other observers include Tom Johnson, Dennis Henrickson, Jim Sinclair, and many unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: The size, shape, and white in the primaries ruled out all gull species. The combination of size, the large bill, large amount of white on the upperwing, white color in the underpirimary coverts, and blunt-tipped central rectrices rule out juvenile Long-tailed and Parasitic jaegers. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:12:00/13:55:00 on November 16, 1996 and 15:40:00/16:30:00 on November 27, 1996.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
15
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Pomarine Jaeger at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-10
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of three Pomarine Jaegers at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, five photographs, an article in Iowa Bird life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Pomarine Jaeger
|
Saylorville Lake
|
Saylorville Res. Polk Co., IA
|
large reservoir
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by James J. Dinsmore was submitted later. | Elimination of similar species: The dark coloration, gull-like shape, and white color in the primary shafts identified both birds as jaegers. Initially, I thought the bird I saw on the 10th was a Parasitic, mainly because of the size and seemingly bright, rust-colored underparts. However, better viewing conditions later showed that the underparts were instead a pale brown color and lacked any hint of rusty color. Long-tailed Jaeger was easily eliminated by size, shape of the central rectrices, and the greater amount of white in the wing. Parasitic Jaeger was more difficult to rule out. The combination of size, wing shape, amount of white in the wing, shape of the central rectrices, and bill size was used to rule out juvenile Parasitic Jaeger. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:35:00/12:33:00 on November 10, 1996 and 10:55:00/16:05:00 on November 11, 1996.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
15
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Pacific Loon at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes Tables (documents)
|
Birds--Identification Ornithology--Technique Rare birds
|
1996-11-05
|
2000-11-22
|
Manuscript, graphic, and printed material
|
Records Committee review for a Pacific Loon at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 5, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and the original sighting record found in the Iowa Field Reports by Stephen J. Dinsmore.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee
|
Pacific Loon
|
Saylorville Lake
|
|
|
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
7
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Brown Pelican at Lock and Dam 18, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-04
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Brown Pelican at Lock and Dam #18 in Des Moines County on November 4, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, an article in an Illinois bird magazine, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Fuller, James L
|
Brown Pelican
|
Lock and Dam Number 18
|
Lock and Dam #18 Mississippi River (Des Moines County)
|
|
The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Scheib, John Rutenbeck, Myrna Deaton, Bernie Knight, Cal Knight, and Chuck Fuller. | Elimination of similar species: The White Pelican is white with yellow-orange or orange bill. | The original documentation form event lasted from 06:42:00/07:05:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
11
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Phalarope at Spirit Lake, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-03
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Red Phalarope at Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on November 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, three photos (one is a photocopy), and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Schoenewe, Lee A.
|
Red Phalarope
|
Spirit Lake
|
SE corner of Big Spirit Lake, Dickinson Co.
|
Lakeshore
|
The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ed Thelen was submitted. Other observers include Nancy Schoenewe, Harold White, Doug Harr, and Tim Waltz. | Elimination of similar species: Red-necked Phalarope - Bill shape and solid gray back. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:45:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
12
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird Sighting of Pacific Loon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-03
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Pacific Loon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Pacific Loon
|
Lake Red Rock
|
Whitebreast Boat Ramp, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
|
Open lake
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Jim Fuller, and Chris Edwards were submitted later. | Elimination of similar species: The apparent size differential, bill size and clean line to the neck eliminated Common and Yellow-billed Loon. Red-throated is approximately the same size but the bill appears upturned because of the angular shape of the lower edge. Red-throated also has a head lighter than the body. A chinstrap would not be seen on any other species. Grebes were eliminated by thickness of neck and general jizz. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
7
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Lost Island Lake, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-03
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a California Gull at Lost Island Lake in Palo Alto County, IA on November 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Schoenewe, Lee A.
|
California Gull
|
Lost Island Lake
|
N. Shore of Lost Island Lake, Palo Alto, Co.
|
Shoreline
|
The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull - bill, eye and leg color Ring-billed Gull - Bill size, tail + wingtips in flight | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:35:00/10:55:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
1
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-headed Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-03
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Black-headed Gull at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Black-headed Gull
|
Lake Red Rock
|
Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
|
Large lake
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Only one other North American gull has a leading white edge to the upperwing- Bonaparte's. Size and jizz helped differentiate this bird from the Bonaparte's, but the dark underwing eliminated the smaller species. | The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/12:33:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
21
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Gyrfalcon at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-10-27
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Gyrfalcon at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area in Marshall County, IA on October 27, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Proescholdt, Beth
|
Gyrfalcon
|
Grammer Grove County Wildlife Area
|
Grammer Grove, Marshall County
|
bluff paralleling Iowa River, wooded along river
|
The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Mark Proescholdt were submitted later. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Russ Widner, and Jackie Stolzman. | Elimination of similar species: Goshawk, Harrier, other hawks (see in description). | The original documentation form event occurred between 13:00:00/14:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Sabine's Gull at Whitebreast Point in Red Rock Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-10-24
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Sabine's Gull at Whitebreast Point in Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on October 24, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Fuller, James L
|
Sabine's Gull
|
Whitebreast Recreation Area
|
Red Rock Reservoir (Marion County)
|
|
The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rita Goranson, Chuck Fuller, and John Rutenbeck. | Elimination of similar species: First winter Black-legged Kittiwake, Little Gull, and Bonaparte's Gull have a somewhat three-toned upperwing, even though the pattern is not as clear-cut, but all have a dark tail band, and none has a full dark hood. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:05:00/11:20:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
9
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Wilson's Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-10-20
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Wilson's Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on October 20, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Kenne, Matthew C.
|
Wilson's Phalarope
|
Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge
|
USNWR Kossuth Co. South of County Rd. B14
|
marsh with low water level, muddy cattail flats
|
The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: [...] Approx. the same size as adjacent L. Yellowlegs, [...] It had a pale gray line from the eye backward; joining with the hind neck, a "phalarope mark" but not nearly as dark as on a Red-necked (or Red). The legs were almost as yellow as the yellowlegs'. The bill was black, very thin (needle-like) and longer than on a Red-necked (or Red). It was pot-bellied and small headed compared to yellowlegs. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:10:00/11:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
11
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Phalarope at Sandpiper Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-10-13
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Red Phalarope at Sandpiper Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 13, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, two photos, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Fuller, James L
|
Red Phalarope
|
Sandpiper Recreation Area
|
Beach of Sandpiper Recreation Area, Saylorville Reservoir (Polk County)
|
|
The documentation form by Jim Fuller forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Stephen J. Dinsmore and Chris Edwards were submitted. Other observers include Dick Tetrault, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Jane Clark, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: Both the other phalaropes have long, needle-like bills. In addition, the Wilson's has a dark forehead, and the Red-necked is generally smaller. | The original documentation form event lasted from 17:48:00/18:10:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
12
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Pacific Loon at Rathbun Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-10-11
|
2000-11-27
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Pacific Loon at Rathbun Dam in Appanoose County, IA on October 11, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Cummins, Raymond L.
|
Pacific Loon
|
Rathbun Dam
|
Rathbun dam, Appanoose Co.
|
Openwater
|
The documentation form by Ray Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Cummins. | Elimination of similar species: Common and Red-throated both have a dark nape than back and have white above the eye. | The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
7
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Sabine's Gull at Black Hawk Lake, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-10-06
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee for a Sabine's Gull at Black Hawk Lake in Sac County, IA on October 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a field report submitted to the committee.
|
Ernzen, Peter
|
Sabine's Gull
|
Black Hawk Lake
|
[...] Northeast corner of Black Hawk Lake in Sac Co.
|
|
The documentation field report by Peter Ernzen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | The original documentation form event lasted around 10 minutes in the afternoon.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
9
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Sabine's Gull at Orleans Beach at Spirit Lake, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-10-02
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Sabine's Gull at Orleans Beach at Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on October 2, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph, a photocopy of a photograph, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Thelen, Ed
|
Sabine's Gull
|
Orleans Beach
|
South Shore of Big Spirit - Orleans Beach - Dickinson County
|
Natural Lake - sandy shore
|
The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Black-legged Kittiwake has bar behind head and also black diagonal bar on inner part of wing | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/ sunset.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
9
|
|
Records Committee review for Anhinga at Lake Darling State Park, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-17
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Anhinga at Lake Darling State Park in Washington County, IA on September 17, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in the Iowa Bird Life, an article from the Loon, correspondence by mail and e-mail, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Anhinga
|
Lake Darling State Park
|
Lake Darling S.P., Washington Co.
|
soaring high over lake
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Cormorants are the only birds likely to be confused with an Anhinga. I have seen thousands of Double-crested Cormorants and I have never seen one soar in this manner. Also, a Double-created Cormorant has a neck which is always longer than the tail (in flight) and looks conspicuously large-headed and thick-necked when seen overhead. Neotropic Cormorant is much smaller and, although it is longer-tailed than a Double-crested, the tail is still shorter than the neck in flight. | The original documentation form event lasted from 16:42:00/16:50:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
14
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Great Cormorant at Rice Lake, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-08
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Great Cormorant at Rice Lake in Worth County, IA on September 8, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Bangma, Jim
|
Great Cormorant
|
Rice Lake
|
Rice Lake
|
Lake
|
The documentation form by Jim Bangma is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ann Johnson was submitted later. | Elimination of similar species: Double-crested is smaller, with a much thinner neck. There is a noticeable transition from the thin neck to the larger head. In this bird, there was no noticeable widening from the neck to the head. Additionally, Double-crested has a proportionally much smaller and weaker bill. Double-crested's forehead slopes more evenly into the bill. While these differences may be difficult to see in single birds without comparative experience, in direct comparison they are significant. Additionally, the orange facial skin combines with the gular pouch to accentuate the overall orange color of the face. Other extralimital black cormorants can be ruled out on size alone, additionally, most have thinner necks and smaller bills than even Double-crested. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:02:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
13
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Brewer's Blackbird at Zirbel Slough, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-08
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Brewer's Blackbird at Zirbel Slough in Cerro Gordo County, IA on September 8, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
|
Brewer's Blackbird
|
Zirbel Slough
|
Zirbel Slough, Cerro Gordo Co., IA
|
Marsh
|
The documentation form by Jim Bangma and Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Rusty Blackbird ruled out by solid black color, deeper call note, bill shape. Grackles ruled out by tail length, bill size and shape and call note. Cowbirds ruled out by eye color, tail length and head/bill shape. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:01:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
14
|
8
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Mini-Wakan State Park, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-06
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a California Gull at Mini-Wakan State Park in Dickinson County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
|
California Gull
|
Mini Wakan State Park
|
Spirit Lake, north end, Dickinson Co., IA
|
Lakeshore
|
The documentation form by Jim Bangma and Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Ring-billed is ruled out by the solid gray mantle combined with the extensive molt of the flight feathers. Ring-bills and similar 3 year gulls obtain the gray mantle during a post-juvenal molt. Flight feathers are not molted at this time. Flight feathers are molted after one year, at which time the body of a Ring-bill would be much whiter. Also, the mantle was a much darker shade of gray than any Ring-bill present. Additionally, Ring-billed Gull's bill is proportionally smaller and thinner, with more curve. Herring Gull would be larger. The mantle of a Herring Gull would be paler gray, nearly the same shade as that of the Ring-bills. The bill would be proportionally heavier with a more marked gonydeal angle. Herring Gulls may show a black tipped bill, but the black normally blends into the pink of the base or runs in along the cutting edges of the bill. The bill and legs would be brighter pink. Other similarly sized extralimitals can be ruled out by the mantle color as well as bill pattern and shape. A striking feature of this bird was its leg length. In an effort to better understand this, Bangma paid a visit to the American Museum of Natural History and examined specimens of Herring, Ring-billed and California Gulls. Measurements were made of a representative selection of specimens. The following chart shows the results. [Chart] While there is some overlap between these species, it is interesting to note that the breaking point between California Gull and the other two is very near the ratio of 1.5. While not diagnostic by itself, the length of this bird's tarsus relative to the culmen as estimated by us in the field is indicative of California Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
1
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-06
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Red Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
|
Red Phalarope
|
Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge
|
Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co., Iowa
|
Shallow marsh at north end of refuge
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Wilson's Phalarope looks much lighter, does not have the black eye patch, and has a long, thin bill. Red-necked Phalarope is superficially similar but the bill is much more needle-like. Furthermore, Red-necked has the gray extending further onto the crown, shows white streaking on the back, and would not have remnants of red color on the throat and upper foreneck. | The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:05:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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10
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12
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur at Five Ridges Prairie, 1996
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Administrative records Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1996-09-06
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2000-11-22
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Smith's Longspur at Five Ridges Prairie in Plymouth County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
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Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
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Smith's Longspur
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Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve
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Five Ridges Prairie, Plymouth County, IA
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Rolling western Iowa prairie with some agriculture
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Although the time of observation was fairly short, the facial pattern and buffy underparts were definitely that of an adult male Smith's Longspur. A molting Black-headed Grosbeak would be larger, more plump, and would show a very noticable [sic] white wing flash in flight. Bangma's first reaction, upon seeing the facial pattern, was Reed Bunting, but the buffy underparts eliminate that species. No other bird combines the characteristics we observed. | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:15:00/07:15:59.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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13
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42
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Greater Prairie-Chicken at Five Ridges Prairie, 1996
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Administrative records Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1996-09-06
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2000-11-22
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review of six Greater Prairie-Chickens at Five Ridges Prairie in Plymouth County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
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Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
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Greater Prairie-Chicken
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Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve
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Five Ridges Prairie, Plymouth County, IA
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Rolling western Iowa prairie with some agriculture
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: The lack of a pointed tail eliminated even a young Ring-necked Pheasant (confirmed later in the week with observations). Sharp-tailed Grouse have been released in the Loess Hills, but they show a more pointed tail with white at the edges and their flanks are more spotted than barred. Ruffed Grouse has a fan-shaped tail which matches the body color and has a dark subterminal band. We had no doubt that these birds were Prairie Chickens. Lesser Prairie Chicken cannot be eliminated by our sighting but is dismissed based on location and habitat (tall grass vs. short grass prairie). The question of origin then arises. The closest releases of grouse have been Sharp-tailed in the Loess Hills south of Sioux City, but our observations eliminated Sharp-tailed. Greater Prairie Chickens have most recently been released in Ringgold County, some 150-200 miles to the southeast. I discussed possible releases with some birders in the area and no one had any knowledge of released birds. On the other hand, Greater Prairie Chicken nests in South Dakota fairly close to the Iowa border. This map shows the relative abundance of the bird in the plains states based on Breeding Bird Surveys. We therefore feel that it is most likely that these birds come from a native population nearby and might possibly have been a family group. | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:20:00/07:22:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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9
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9
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