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 Merlin between Big Creek State Park and Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-04-20	1987-04-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin between Big Creek State Park and Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on April 20, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Merlin	Big Creek State Park Saylorville Lake	Between Big Creek State Park and Saylorville Reservoir	Over wooded hillsides along the Des Moines River	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: A sharp-shinned Hawk has rounded wings and not pointed like a falcon. A Peregrine is considerably larger and a Kestrel is much smaller. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:10:00/10:11:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin between Sioux-Rock public access and Oak Grove Park, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-09-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin between Sioux-Rock public access and Oak Grove Park in Sioux County, IA on September 24, 1994.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Merlin	Oak Grove State Park Rock River Access	Between the Sioux-Rock public access area and Oak Grove Park		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: In addition, it would fly every few minutes or so, back and forth between several dead trees, displaying it pointed wings, brownish upperparts, banded tail, and absence of any rufous on its upper parts. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the morning.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon between Treynor and Carson, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-03-03	1995-03-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon between Treynor and Carson in Pottawattamie County, IA on March 3, 1995.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Prairie Falcon	Treynor Carson	between Treynor and Carson on highway 92, Pottawattamie Co., IA	gently rolling hills; small stream with scattered trees.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller and Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: The falcon shape was clear to us. The bird was flying directly into a strong southwest wind, but I don't think an accipiter's wing could be that pointed even in a strong wind. The bird was too large and plain to be a kestrel and the flight pattern and behavior were unlike any of the many kestrels seen that day. The light color and open farmland habitat favor Prairie over Peregrine. A Merlin would be smaller and darker. However, I would not have identified this bird as to species with out seeing the underwing pattern. \| The original documentation form event occurred at approximately 12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Big Creek, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-17	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Big Creek in Polk County, IA on November 17, 1985.	Martsching, Paul	Northern Goshawk		Big Creek - Polk Co, Iowa	near marsh with small bunches of trees around & pasture-like areas.	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: much too big for Sharp-shinned & Coopers; Coopers doesn't have lite eye line. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:00:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
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
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Big Creek Lake, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Big Creek Lake in Polk County, IA on November 21, 1981.	Robinson, John C., 1959-	Northern Goshawk	Big Creek Lake	Big Creek Lake, Polk Co.,	Deciduous slope next to a lake - In the middle of a deciduous grove of trees.	The documentation form by John C. Robinson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Hank Zaletel and Joe Schaufenbuel. \| Elimination of similar species: Other accipiters are smaller than Great Horned Owls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:07:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Big Creek Lake, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-01-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Big Creek Lake in Polk County, IA on January 15, 1983.	Bray, Tanya Rose, B.J. Bray, Don Rose, Sharon	Northern Goshawk	Big Creek Lake	Big Creek Lake, Polk County		The documentation form by Tanya Bray, Don Bray, B.J. Rose, and Sharon Rose is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Cinnamon Teal at Big Creek Lake, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-09-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Cinnamon Teals at Big Creek Lake in Polk County, IA on September 7, 1980.	Robinson, John C., 1959-	Cinnamon Teal	Big Creek Lake	Big Creek Lake, Polk County.	Shallow lake area with much emergent vegetation. Mudflat near the edge of the lake.	The documentation form by John C. Robinson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Hank Zaletel, Paul Martsching, Dick Mooney, and Pauline Mooney. \| Elimination of similar species: Green-winged Teal: Blue was seen in the forward edge of the wing when the birds described above were observed. Chestnut coloration also eliminates the Green-winged Teal. Head markings of male Green-winged Teal were not seen. Blue-winged Teal: Chestnut color on breast and lack of a white face mark eliminate the Blue-winged Teal. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	6
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Yellowlegs at Big Creek State Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Greater Yellowlegs at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 27, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Greater Yellowlegs	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek S.P.-north end	feeding on mudflat with several Killdeer	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include several at an earlier date. \| Elimination of similar species: see above. [...] I then assumed this was probably the Lesser Yellowlegs that was at this same location on 19 Nov. A few minutes later, a Northern Harrier flew by and flushed the shore birds. The yellow legs took flight and, instead of the soft 'tu-tu-tu' of a Lesser Yellowlegs, I heard the louder, harsher call of a Greater Yellowlegs, which the bird gave in a series of 5-6 notes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:08:00/07:22:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	7
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Yellowlegs at Big Creek State Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Yellowlegs at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 19, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Lesser Yellowlegs	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek S.P., Polk Co.-north end	feeding in shallow water adjacent to large mudflat	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include many other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: The body shape, yellow legs, small, slender, straight bill, and small size compared to Dunlin eliminates Greater Yellowlegs. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:35:00/16:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	8
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Big Creek State Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-09-05	1988-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on September 5, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Prairie Falcon	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek S.P., Polk Co.-north end	flying over lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Reid Allen and Pam Allen. \| Elimination of similar species: The large size, long tail, long, pointed wings, and dark axillaries eliminate all other raptors. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:35:00/12:38:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Dunlin at Big Creek State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-12-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Dunlin at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on December 2, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Dunlin	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek SP-north end	feeding on mudflat	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The dark legs and bill eliminate Purple Sandpiper, one of only a few sandpipers likely to be around this late. All other sandpipers eliminated by the size, dark legs, long, drooping bill, dark breast, and dark, unmarked back and wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	24
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Big Creek State Park, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on October 20, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek SP, Polk County	large lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Sinclair. \| Elimination of similar species: The size and longer, thicker bill eliminate Horned and Eared Grebes. The bird was not large enough to be a W. Grebe. The white on the leading edge of the wing and long neck also eliminate loons, and W. or Clark's Grebe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Big Creek State Park, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-11-07	1984-11-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-winged Scoter at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 7, 1984.	Proescholdt, Beth	White-winged Scoter	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek St. P., Polk Co., n. of Des Moines	open lake	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Phyllis Harris and Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: immature Surf Scoter - but when the bird flew + showed the white wing patches in its secondaries there was no doubt but that it was a White-winged Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:50:00/16:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Big Creek State Park, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-23	1985-12-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-winged Scoter at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 23, 1985.	Zaletel, Hank	White-winged Scoter	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park	lake	The documentation form by Hank Zaletel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore, Steve Dinsmore, and Bob Meyer. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Big Creek State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-12	1986-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 12, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	Black Scoter	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park - (Polk Co.)	Large to medium-sized Lake with many bays	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt, Bob Myers, and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: A winter Ruddy Duck is much smaller than a scoter, has a different look than a scoter, is lighter in coloration, and the cheek patch is different color or markings of male and female Ruddy than a scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:20:00/15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Summer Tanager at Big Creek State Park, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-12	1991-05-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Summer Tanager at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on May 12, 1991.	Proescholdt, Mark	Summer Tanager	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park - (Polk Co.) - along 146th St. Road	Hedgerows along gravel road	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russ Widner, Carol Strohmeyer, and Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: A male Western Tanager has wingbars and is yellowish on breast and belly. A male Scarlet Tanager has black wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	44
Rare bird documentation form for Long-billed Dowitcher at Big Creek State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Long-billed Dowitcher at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 19, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Long-billed Dowitcher	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park-north end	muddy area along lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Short-billed Dowitcher eliminated by the birds call note (should be softer notes for Short-bill) and by the combination of gray/brown underparts, gray back with light feather edgings, and barred undertail coverts. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:05:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Big Creek State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-10-05	1987-10-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Greater Scaups at Big Creek State park in Polk County, IA on October 5, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Greater Scaup	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk Co.	swimming on large lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Roger Sedlacek. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup eliminated above. Both birds had smoothly rounded heads, not peaked like Lesser Scaup. Both birds seemed to have larger, heavier bills than Lesser Scaup. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Big Creek State Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-17	1988-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for one to two Greater Scaups at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on May 17, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Greater Scaup	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk Co.	with other ducks near muddy area at north end of lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Andrew Fix. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup eliminated above. The birds were bigger than nearby Blue-winged Teal, but smaller than a Mallard. Identified the bird as a Greater Scaup by the very large, almost spatulate bill, very wide bill nail, large size compared to a Mallard (the bird wasn't much smaller than the Mallard), rounded head (not peaked like a Lesser Scaup), and white wing stripe extending on to the primaries (seen when the bird preened). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:05:00/10:22:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Pectoral Sandpiper at Big Creek State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-01	1987-12-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pectoral Sandpiper at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on December 1, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Pectoral Sandpiper	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk Co.	mudflat area at north end of lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bart Ballard. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, yellowish legs, and well defined 'necklace' eliminates all other shorebirds except Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. The fact the the [sic] eyeline did not broaden behind the eye and the streaked rather than buffy breast eliminates Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:35:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	23
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Big Creek State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-12	1986-11-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Black Scoters at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 12, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Black Scoter	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk Co.	large body of water	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers, Mark Proescholdt, and Beth Proesholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: No other duck shows the combination of a dark body, a white cheek patch, and dark wings lacking speculums. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Indigo Bunting at Big Creek State Park, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-11-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Indigo Bunting at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 4, 1984.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Indigo Bunting	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk Co., Iowa (S.W. Boat ramp)	Brushy, weedy tangle on lake shore, (Veg. browned Killed by frost.)	The documentation form by Joseph Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Dinsmore and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Sparrow species: White wing-bars lacking, No hint of rust on crown, back or wings. No distinct supercilium. No strong streakage. No strong head pattern. Was a nondescript small brown finch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:10:00/11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	71
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Big Creek State Park, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-03-25	1984-04-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on March 25, 1984.	Proescholdt, Beth	Northern Goshawk	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk County	overgrown pasture with red/cedars + honey locust next to the lake	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: nothing similar when we saw at such good advantage the gray accipiter with dark crown + white eye stripe, the fluffy undertail coverts & darker gray back \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:08:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Yellowlegs at Big Creek Wildlife Area, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-25	1988-11-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Yellowlegs at Big Creek Wildlife Area in Polk County, IA on November 25, 1988.	Johnson, Ann	Lesser Yellowlegs	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek Wildlife Area, Polk Co., IA	Mudflats at end of freshwater lake	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include unknown number with unknown names. \| Elimination of similar species: The long, yellow/orange legs eliminated most other shorebirds. In order to differentiate from the greater yellowlegs, I compared body size to the killdeer with which it was feeding and the bill size to the head. Both field marks eliminated the greater and confirmed the lesser. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:10:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	8