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 Eared Grebe at Cedar Lake, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-04-08	1994-04-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Eared Grebe at Cedar Lake in Linn County, IA on April 8, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Eared Grebe	Cedar Lake	Cedar L., Linn Co., Iowa	river bottom lake in city	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: The head shape and small bill on this small dark grebe caught my eye. The neck and lower face were too dark for a winter-plumaged Horned Grebe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	14
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Shrike at Cone Marsh, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-03-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Shrike at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 10, 1985.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Northern Shrike	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone M., Louisa Co., IA	Marsh + farmland with edge	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and James Sandrock. \| Elimination of similar species: Loggerhead Shrike. All features except all dark bill favor Northern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:15:00/09:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	75
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1986	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1986-12-03	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Thayer's Gulls at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 3, 1986. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Thayer's Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir	reservoir with ice and open water.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull --see above. [...] The bird is not any larger than some of the ring-bills--some of the ring-bills are smaller. The larger ring-bills are almost as big as this bird, and it is distinctly smaller than a number of Herring Gulls in the same field. The bill is much smaller and thinner; the head is small. [...] The striking thing about this bird is the size, bill shape and head shape compared to the nearby herrings and very distinct smudge through the eye." \| The original documentation form event lasted from around 09:10:00 for several minutes and 15:55:00 for many minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-28	1991-04-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on April 28, 1991.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Van Buren Co., Iowa	Over forested area of Des Moines River	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: Osprey, Turkey Vulture, and immature Bald Eagle are all eliminated by the distribution of white. The size and profile was typical of Golden Eagle. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Trumpeter Swan at Runnells Area, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-02-29	1992-03-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form two Trumpeter Swans at Runnells Area in Marion County, IA on February 29, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Trumpeter Swan	Red Rock Wildlife Area	Runnells A.; Marion Co., IA	Refuge area at upper end of Red Rock Res.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil, Ann Johnson, and another man. \| Elimination of similar species: The appearance of the adult's bill eliminates Mute Swan. The lack of a yellow bill spot on the adult argues against Tundra Swan, but I understand that this is not an absolute criteria. The straightness of the culmen and shape of the feather extension along the forehead are difficult to judge, especially at a distance. Perhaps most convincing was the amount of darkness on the immature. Tundra Swans are said to be quite white on the back and wings by spring. The size of the bill on the immature was also quite impressive. The date is a bit early for Tundra Swan, but fine for Trumpeter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Lock 14, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-01-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Lock 14 in Scott County, IA on January 2, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Greater Scaup	Lock and Dam 14	Lock 14 Scott Co. IA	River below dam, Mississippi River at Lock 14, Iowa Side	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:05:00 approx.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Burrowing Owl south of Ames, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-04-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Burrowing Owl south of Ames in Story County, IA on April 1, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Burrowing Owl	Ames	1 mi. S. of Ames IA	farm land - plowed field, grass edge and grassy yard 1 mi S. of U.S. 30 on Elwood, Ames IA	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Kent, Hank Zaletel, James Dinsmore, and unidentified others. \| Elimination of similar species: no similar species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	51
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1991	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-12-07	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on December 7, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Thayer's Gull	Red Rock Dam	Red Rock Res., Marion Co., IA	below dam on river	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include around twenty unidentified observers on IOU field trip. \| Elimination of similar species: Much lighter and more uniform than 1st winter Herring Gulls flying in area. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Gull at Coralville Reservoir, 1991	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-11-28	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 28, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., IA.	Reservoir mostly ice-covered. Gulls around small patch of open water.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Jim Fuller was another observer. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, wing and mantle color and yellow legs exclude other species, except perhaps for the most unlikely Yellow-footed Gull, which should be larger. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Great-tailed Grackle at Riverton Area, 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 Great-tailed Grackle at Riverton Area in Fremont County, IA on May 15, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Great-tailed Grackle	Riverton Wildlife Management Area	Riverton A, near headquarters, Fremont Co., IA	open area with a few trees near water area	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Ross Silcock. \| Elimination of similar species: The large size, long tail and voice convince me it was not a Common Grackle. Unfortunately, we were not able to study the bird for more than a minute. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:30:00/06:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	9
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Warbler at Cone Marsh, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-04-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Warbler at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on April 27, 1993.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Pine Warbler	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone Marsh	small wooded area on northwest side of marsh	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Yellow-throated Vireo has a thicker bill, pronounced eyering, and larger head. It is also more sedentary than this bird was. In the fall, Bay-breasted and Blackpoll warblers might be a consideration, but they have streaked backs and are rarely this yellow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	29
Rare bird documentation form for Black-billed Cuckoo at Hickory Hill Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-billed Cuckoo at Hickory Hill Park in Johnson County, IA on May 3, 1988.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Black-billed Cuckoo	Hickory Hill Park	Hickory Hill P., Iowa City, Johnson Co, Ia	Wooded edge, heavy bushes	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Yellow-billed - bill, lack of rufous, lack of tail spots. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:20:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	46
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Phalarope at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1998	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-10-07	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Red Phalarope at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 7, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red Phalarope	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson County, IA	Field that floods with highwater or heavy rain-good shorebirds there this fall.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Wilson's Phalarope is a larger bird with long bill. Red-necked Phalarope has streaks on the scapulars and coverts and a longer and thinner tappered [sic] bill. I did not see the bird in flight. The dark patch over the eye did not extend down and back as shown in the book. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:05:00/10:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	12
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport, 1991	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-12-31	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 31, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Thayer's Gull	Lock and Dam 15	Lock + Dam 15, Davenport, Scott Co., IA	Mississippi River	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Translucent flight feathers and upper wing pattern and lighter tail band separate from Herring Gull \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Rare bird documentation form for Trumpeter Swan at Bays Branch, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-08-06	1994-08-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Trumpeter Swans at Bays Branch in Guthrie County, IA on August 6, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Trumpeter Swan	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bays Branch, Guthrie Co., IA	In pond area formerly used to raise Canada Geese	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: These birds were easy to identify. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Rare bird documentation form for Long-billed Dowitcher at Swan Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-11-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Long-billed Dowitchers at Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on November 25, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Long-billed Dowitcher	Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area	Swan L., Johnson Co., IA	small natural marsh with low water, mud flats, no vegetation	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: These birds did not have the bold streaking of a snipe. I wouldn't believe a Short-billed Dowitcher at this date if I saw it myself. At any rate, the gray neck and some retained thin rufous edge on wing feathers is typical of molting juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher at this date in Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-10-29	1993-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on October 29, 1993.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Prairie Falcon	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth Co., IA	long narrow slough	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The underwing markings and apparent light coloration argue against Peregrine Falcon. The date and location are appropriate for Prairie Falcon in Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:50:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for White-rumped Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-09-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-rumped Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 13, 1995.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	White-rumped Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., Iowa	backwater with mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, elongated profile, and lack of sharp belly band but [sic] this bird in the category of Baird's or White-rumped Sandpiper. I have seen a number of Baird's at this location in the last few weeks. They were browner above and had a buffy breast. The streaks on the sides also suggested White-rumped. Having seen the white rump on two consecutive days convinced me of my first fall White-rumped Sandpiper for Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/10:00:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	21
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Lake Macbride, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-11-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Lake Macbride in Johnson County, IA on November 25, 1998.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red-throated Loon	Lake MacBride	Lake Macbride, Johnson Co., IA	large artificial lake	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, bill shape, and gray head and neck eliminate Pacific Loon or small Common Loon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:20:00/11:30:00 and 12:30:00/12:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red-throated Loon at Pleasant Creek Lake, 1995	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-11-11	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Red-throated Loon at Pleasant Creek Lake in Linn County, IA on November 11, 1995. Includes a record review document and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red-throated Loon	Pleasant Creek State Park	Pleasant Creek L.	artificial, deep-water lake	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The size of the bird, shape of the bill, and contrast between light and dark argued against Common Loon. Pacific Loon would have a straight bill and darker top of head and back of neck. I did not see any chin strap, but this would have been difficult to see. The fact that I saw the eye in the white area appears to exclude Pacific Loon. The upper parts were lighter than in the two Pacific Loons that I saw this fall. The relatively white fore-neck and face suggests an adult. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:05:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	5
Rare bird documentation form for Mississippi Kite at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-05-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mississippi Kite at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on May 19, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Mississippi Kite	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Babcock Access, Johnson Co., IA	wide part of reservoir with open mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The pointed wings indicate a kite or falcon. The gliding flight was that of a kite not a falcon. The white body and head also eliminates all falcons. The lack of white rump as well as the flight pattern eliminate Northern Harrier. Swallow-tailed Kite would have a forked tail and different flight pattern. Black-shouldered Kite has a white tail and black shoulder. The lack of white patches in the secondaries and brownish tail indicate a subadult (first year bird). I looked for bands in the tail but could not appreciate them. Failure to see bands could be due to the lighting and distance or, as noted by Clark and Wheeler, to the fact that "A few immatures have solid, unbanded dark brown tails." The prominent light and dark underwing puzzled me, but Dunne says "Immature has body and underwing coverts buffy, with dark streaking and spotting of variable density; may be lighter or darker than illustrated." The underwing coverts and body appeared about the same shade to me. The lighting and distance may have precluded my appreciating any streaking. This bird appeared lighter than the bird I saw at Dudgeon Lake last year, especially the underwing coverts. The profile and flight characteristics allowed me to immediately recognize the bird as a Mississippi Kite. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:35:00/13:36:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	20
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Coralville Reservoir, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-03-26	1988-03-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 26, 1988.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res., near DuPont Bridge, Johnson Co., IA	Upper area of reservoir - open areas	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The pattern of white was too restricted for a dark phase Rough-legged Hawk and too specific for other dark phase buteos. An immature Bald Eagle would have patchy white on wing coverts, axillars, and tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-08-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Western Sandpipers at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on August 22, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., Iowa	mud flat along waterway at upper part of reservoir.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The overall color made me think of Least Sandpiper first, but the legs were definitely black and the bill was more decurved than any Least Sandpiper I have seen. I have seen rather rufous appearing Semipalmated Sandpipers, but they looked much more uniform on the upper parts than this bird did. Also the bill was too curved for a semi. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cedar Lake, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-01-05	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Cedar Lake in Linn County, IA on January 5, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Cedar Lake	Cedar Lake, Linn Co., Iowa	backwater lake and cooling pond with some ice	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The leg color and size eliminate other dark mantled gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:00:00 and 10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper at the DuPont Bridge in Coralville Reservoir, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-08-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Western Sandpipers at the DuPont Bridge in Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on August 3, 1985.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res. (DuPont Bridge A.), Johnson Co, IA	Dry backwater with mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The heavy marking on the underparts would be unusual for any other peep. We usually see Westerns in basic or juvenile plumage. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:05:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18