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 Northern Goshawk at Volga River Recreation Area, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-12-12	1981-12-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Volga River Recreation Area in Fayette County, IA on December 12, 1981.	Myers, Robert K.	Northern Goshawk	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga River Recreation Area (Fayette County)	Mixed deciduous Timber	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russell Hays and Joe Schaufenbuel. \| Elimination of similar species: An imm. Coopers hawk could be similar in size and coloring but would not show the very obvious white stripe above the eye. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/10:52:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Clay-colored Sparrow at Volga River State Recreation Area, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1981-07-11	1981-07-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Clay-colored Sparrow at Volga River State Recreation Area in Fayette County, IA on July 11, 1981.	Myers, Robert K.	Clay-colored Sparrow	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga River Rec. Area	General: a clearing in otherwise quite dense woods along old road Specific: 1 cedar tree in opening and many sumacs and other short (10') trees	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: The only real probable problem is the imm. chipping sparrow but song + brown rump ruled this out. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:00:00/07:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	50
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Volga River Recreation Area, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-11-16	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Volga River Recreation Area in Fayette County, IA on November 16, 1984.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga River Rec A	artificial lake, mixed woodland + rock	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - no red, breast heavily streaked. no kestrel face pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Clay-colored Sparrow at Volga River State Park, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1985-07-07	1985-07-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Clay-colored Sparrow at Volga River State Park in Fayette County, IA on July 7, 1985.	Moore, Francis L.	Clay-colored Sparrow	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga Lake State Pake [sic], Fayette Co., IA	Second growth area with mainly Sumac and E. Red Cedar in overgrown field	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: This birds song and coloration clearly marked it as a Clay-colored Sparrow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:30:00/06:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	50
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Parula at Saylorville Reservoir, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-11-13	1999-11-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Parula at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 13, 1999.	Dinsmore, James J.	Northern Parula	Saylorville Lake	visitor's center, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County	opening in woodland	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of wing bars, eye crescents, and olive on back pretty much eliminate any other warbler. Eye crescents eliminate the remote possibility of a Tropical Parula. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:15:00/08:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	21
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Viking Lake State Park, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1978-09-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Viking Lake State Park in Red Oak in Montgomery County, IA on September 24, 1978.	Bray, Tanya	Merlin	Viking Lake State Park	Viking Lake State Park	Man-made lake surrounded by scrubby fields; some mature woodland	The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow at Ventura Marsh, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-07	1982-06-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Henslow's Sparrow at Ventura Marsh in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 7, 1982.	Heinz, Fred	Henslow's Sparrow	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh, Ventura Iowa	General: Open field edge bordering marsh and surrounding uplands Specific: (same as above)	The documentation form by Fred Heinz is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Ventura Marsh, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-09	1984-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Ventura Marsh in Hancock County, IA on May 9, 1984.	Hansen, James L.	Yellow Rail	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh, north side, 1 mile W of Ventura, Hancock County	uplands with a mixture of switchgrass and brome, ~ 80' from marsh	The documentation form by James L. Hansen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sora, Virginia rail - Both are darker and lack white wing patches \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for King Rail at Ventura Marsh, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-11	1984-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a King Rail at Ventura Marsh in Hancock County, IA on May 11, 1984.	Hansen, James L.	King Rail	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh, N side, 1 mile W of Ventura, Hancock County	brome in uplands 30 feet from marsh	The documentation form by James L. Hansen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ronald D. Andrews. \| Elimination of similar species: Other rails in the area are much smaller. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for Sora at Ventura Marsh, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-12-30	1983-01-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sora at Ventura Marsh in Cerro Gordo County, IA on December 30, 1982.	Ohde, Bill	Sora	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh, 1/2 mile SW of Ventura, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa	Dense cattail marsh, completely frozen.	The documentation form by Bill Ohde is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Virginia rail - bill clearly seen. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	43
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow at Ventura Marsh Wildlife Area, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-19	1982-06-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Henslow's Sparrow at Ventura Marsh Wildlife Area in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 19, 1982.	Hansen, James L.	Henslow's Sparrow	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh W.A., 1/2 mi. SW of Ventura, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa	General: open field edge about 30 feet from a willow thicket Specific: on a small willow in smooth brome and other grass species.	The documentation form by James L. Hansen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ronald Andrews. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Ventura Marsh, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-21	1988-05-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Ventura Marsh in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 21, 1988.	Probst, Jerry	Surf Scoter	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh part of Clear Lake	Shallow lake	The documentation form by Jerry Probst is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Livermore and Wayne Livermore. \| Elimination of similar species: Obviously a mature female Surf Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:45:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Van Dueseldorp Sand and Gravel Pit in Colfax, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-winged Scoter at the Van Dueseldorp Sand and Gravel Pit in Colfax in Jasper County, IA on November 11, 1983.	Staudt, Thomas J.	White-winged Scoter	Colfax	Van Deuseldorp (sp) Sand & Gravel Pit Colfax Ia.	open area, C shaped pond in active sand & gravel pit	The documentation form by Thomas J. Staudt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Tom Kent, and Pete Petersen. \| Elimination of similar species: Surf Scoter has all black wings, white spot on forehead & nape. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow near Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1988-07-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two or more Henslow's Sparrows near Lacey-Keosaqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on July 11, 1988.	Fuller, James L	Henslow's Sparrow	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Van Buren County near Lacey-Keosauqua S.P.	Tall grass bordering alfalfa field	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jane Fuller, Pete Wickham, and Chuck Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: Other Grassland Sparrows - eliminated by call and color of side of head \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:35:00/18:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler east of Bonaparte, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-06-13	1983-07-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler east of Bonaparte in Van Buren County, IA on June 13, 1983.	Howe, Robert W. (Robert William), 1952-	Prairie Warbler	Bonaparte	Van Buren Co. 2 mi E Bonaparte T68N R8W Sec 10, SE 1/4	Extensive (~80 acre?) old pasture overgrown with scattered red cedars.	The documentation form by Bob Howe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Black streaks on breast and through head, along with song, eliminated yellow warbler. Absence of conspicuous wingbar eliminated Cape May and Blackburnian; light (olive) yellow colored back eliminated magnolia, yellow throated + others. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 09:30:00/09:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow at Des Moines Township in Van Buren County, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1987-06-09	1987-06-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation for three Henslow's Sparrows at Des Moines Township in Van Buren County, IA on June 9, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Henslow's Sparrow	Des Moines Township	Van Buren Co. - (section 8 of Des Moines Township) - (S.W. of Lacey-Keosauqua S.P.)	Tall, grassy pasture that's quite extensive	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt, Bob Cecil, John Cecil, Jim Sandrock, and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: A Grasshopper Sparrow has a definitively different song than the distinctive "se-leck" of the Henslow's Sparrow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:55:00/20:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow at Des Moines Township in Van Buren County, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1987-06-09	1987-06-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Henslow's Sparrows at Des Moines Township in Van Buren County, IA on June 9, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Henslow's Sparrow	Des Moines Township	Van Buren Co. - (section 8 of Des Moines Township) - (S.W. of Lacey-Keosauqua S.P.)	Tall, grassy pasture that's quite extensive	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt, Bob Cecil, John Cecil, Jim Sandrock, and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: A Grasshopper Sparrow has a definitely different song than the distinctive "se-lick" of the Henslow's Sparrow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:55:00/20:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Davenport, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-01-12	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Davenport in Scott County, IA on January 12, 1989.	Petersen, Peter C.	Prairie Falcon	Davenport	Utah Ave at Mississippi River - West edge of Davenport, IA	First seen walking river edge then chasing Rock Doves at grain terminal, finally perched on top of grain elevator.	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Larry Fisher. \| Elimination of similar species: Peregrine Falcon - back darker, moustache black, no black underwing. Merlin, smaller, no black underwing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lost Lake in Boone County, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-05-23	1981-06-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lost Lake in Boone County, IA on May 23, 1981.	Brown, Gordon	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Lost Lake	Upper ledges at Lost Lake		The documentation form by Gordon Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include George Brown.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Upper Iowa River in Allamakee County, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-02-14	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Upper Iowa River in Allamakee County, IA on February 14, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	Allamakee County	Upper Iowa River, Allamakee Co IA	Over high rocky hills and river valley - 5 mi east of #76 on county road #26 in Allamakee C.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Immature bald eagle - location of white, head size and habitat for Golden Eagle. Known to winter in this area. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:42:00/11:46:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at New Albin, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-11-24	1979-11-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three or four Golden Eagles at New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on November 24, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	New Albin	Upper Iowa River Valley inland from New Albin IA	High bluffs with rock outcroppings - Upper Iowa River on County Road #26 west and east of Iowa #76	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Joe Schaufenbuel, Darwin Koenig, Carl Bendorf, and Mike Malier. \| Elimination of similar species: Bald Eagle - A mature (perched) and immature (flying) bald eagle were seen in same area for comparison. The immature bald eagle was larger, broader in wings and tail and had more massive head. White was blotchy in wings and body. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:30:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon west of New Albin, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-22	1986-11-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon west of New Albin at Allamakee County, IA on November 22, 1986.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Peregrine Falcon	New Albin	Upper Iowa River Valley ~ 3 mi west of New Albin, Allamakee Co, IA	Unglaciated hilly river valley	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore and Bob Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: Too large and light for Merlin or Kestrel. Light axillaries exclude Prairie Falcon. Two toned effect exclude Gyrfalcon. There was only a mild breeze, so we were not looking at a buteo or accipiter distorted by the wind. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 12:30:00/12:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-10-22	1997-10-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Sandpiper at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on October 22, 1997.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Western Sandpiper	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co., south side of B14	mudflats in marsh	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carolyn Fischer and Jan Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: Semipalmated only true possibilitys [sic] bill difference - long, dropped, tapered call difference rufous scapular edges gray basic plumage in place \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:25:00/11:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Rare bird documentation form for Smith's Longspur at Union Slough NWR, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1997-04-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for five Smith's Longspurs at Union Slough NWR in Kossuth County, IA on April 27, 1997.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Smith's Longspur	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co. main crossdike between B pool + C pool	marsh with open farm fields on both sides	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: These birds didn't have white on the belly or black spilling from the face onto the chest or "bib" like Lapland Longspurs. There were no "tew" notes thrown in with the rattle calls, a possible point of separation between Smith's + Laps. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:10:00 and 09:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	67
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-07-26	1988-07-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Red-necked Phalaropes at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on July 26, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Phalarope	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co.	Swimming in shallow water with other shorebirds	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: The behavior and body shape eliminates all other shorebirds except phalaropes. The combination of a short, slender bill, a dark eye patch, and light streaks on the back eliminates Wilson's and Red Phalaropes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30