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 Glaucous Gull at Saylorville Dam, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-26	1986-11-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Glaucous Gull at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on November 26, 1986.	Moore, Francis L.	Glaucous Gull	Saylorville Dam	Along Des Moines River below Saylorville dam, Polk Co.	Above open flowing river	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent, Robert Cecil, Steve Dinsmore, Jim Fuller, and many other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: This bird too large for Iceland and Thayer's Gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	37
Rare bird documentation form for Western Kingbird at Anderson Goose Lake, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-05-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Kingbird at Anderson Goose Lake in Hamilton County, IA on May 15, 1978.	Dinsmore, James J.	Western Kingbird	Anderson Goose Lake	along east shore of Anderson Lake, Hamilton County (near Jewell)	sitting on ground in freshly plowed field	The documentation form by James J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Ryan, Ellen Johnson, and fifteen unidentified students in ornithology class. \| Elimination of similar species: Compared directly with Eastern Kingbird, back gray, not brown so couldn't be Great Crested. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	72
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin near Knittel, unknown year	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	N/A	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin on Iowa Highway 3 four miles east of U.S. Route 63 in Bremer County, IA on December 18 in an unknown year.	Stone, Tom	Merlin	Knittel	Along Hi way (3) 4 miles east of Junction (63)	In 20 ft tree along road	The documentation form by Tom Stone is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Larger than a Kestrel, Smaller than the peregrine + did not have facial pattern like falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:55:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin between Algona and Burt, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-06-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin along highway 169 between Algona and Burt in Kossuth County, IA on June 4, 1989.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Merlin	Algona Burt	along highway 169 between Algona + Burt, Kossuth Co. Ia	open farm country	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was darker than a Kestrel with no rust or blue on upper surfaces, darker below. It didn't bounce, flutter, or glide (or wander) as a Kestrel does, especially in a light breeze. The dark back half of the tail was different than the Kestrel's light one, and it was thicker + shorter. Kestrels always remind me of a Killdeer, this bird didn't remotely bring one to mind. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 19:15:00	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Swainson's Hawk near Melvin, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-06-09	1978-06-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Swainson's Hawks near Melvin in Osceola County, IA on June 9, 1978.	Dinsmore, James J.	Swainson's Hawk	Melvin	along highway 59, 6 miles south of intersection with highway 9, or 4 miles north of Melvin, in Osceola County	Open farmland with nearly all row crops. Nest was in a small grove of cottonwoods (large trees) around a farm. Trees had no underbrush and was almost parklike	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Nigus. \| Elimination of similar species: Redtail-no red, no belly band. Roughleg-no bands on tail. Broadwing & red-shouldered - size and no bands on tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	28
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle in northern Harrison County, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-08	1991-05-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle in northern Harrison County, IA on April 8, 1991.	Johnson, Ann	Golden Eagle	Harrison County	Along I29 in northern Harrison Co., IA	Primarily agricultural land in Missouri River bottom	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: Swainson's Hawk and other dark-morph buteos were eliminated by size and less contrast between flight feathers and underwing coverts. Turkey Vulture was eliminated by size, underwing contrast, feathered head and flight style. Bald Eagle was eliminated by lack of any white visible from below and the short head/long tail profile. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/12:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Field Sparrow north of Keokuk, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Ornithology--Technique Rare birds	1997-12-22	1998-01-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Field Sparrow north of Keokuk in Lee County, IA on December 22, 1997.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Field Sparrow	Keokuk	along River Road about 4 mi north of Keokuk, Lee Co., IA	weedy area	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Sinclair and Gordon Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: The most similar species would be American Tree and Chipping Sparrows. The combination of white eyering, lack of a breast spot, and pink bill eliminates both of these species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:32:00/11:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	51
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Keokuk, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-22	1997-12-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Keokuk in Lee County, IA on December 22, 1997.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Keokuk	along River Road n of Keokuk, Lee Co., IA	brushy area along river edge	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Gordon Brown and Jim Sinclair. \| Elimination of similar species: The small size, greenish coloration, and shape identified the birds as kinglets. One of the birds was compared directly to Golden-crowned Kinglets, and was separated from that species by the eyering and lack of yellow on the crown. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:06:00/08:19:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Snowy Egret at New Albin, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-30	1982-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Snowy Egret at New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on May 30, 1982.	Moore, Francis L.	Snowy Egret	Pool Slough	Along road going to wildlife area and boat ramp near (E of) New Albin, Allamakee Co.	Flooded river bottom	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Cattle Egret has yellow legs and feet and is squattier looking. Great Egret is larger and lacks the yellow feet and has a yellow bill. Immature Little Blue Heron lacks the yellow feet. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:25:00/13:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	19
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon along the Skunk River in Ames, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-06	1983-11-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon along the Skunk River in Ames in Story County, IA on November 6, 1983.	Martsching, Paul	Peregrine Falcon	Ames	along Skunk River east side of Ames, Story County, Iowa	river bottom land. over open field	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Pigeon (dark) smaller - white rump patch; wings wider; tail shorter; Usually doesn't fly rapidly any distance in a straight line. Merlin - smaller. Prairie Falcon - I think even in the poor lite [sic] it would have looked brownish if it had been a Prairie Falcon. This bird looked nearly black from above. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:30:20.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Hermit Thrush at Sundown Ski Area near Asbury, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1981-12-26	1981-12-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hermit Thrush Sundown Ski Area near Asbury in Dubuque County, IA on December 26, 1981.	Miller, John Carl	Hermit Thrush	Asbury	Along the Heritage Trail across the crick from the longest ski run of Sundown Ski Area.	Streamside cover consisting of: understory (shrubs and bushes). Young tree growth and some mature trees (all deciduous). Cedars nearby.	The documentation form by John Carl Miller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Brian Larson. \| Elimination of similar species: smaller than a robin larger than a sparrow \| The original documentation form event occurred from 08:30:00/08:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	9
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle on the Little Sioux River south of Cherokee, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-05	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle on the Little Sioux River south of Cherokee in Cherokee County, IA on October 5, 1985.	Bierman, Dick	Golden Eagle	Cherokee	Along the Little Sioux River 7 miles south of Cherokee in Cherokee County	upland timber, pasture, river bottoms	The documentation form by Dick Bierman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marion Brewer and Vernon Bierman. \| Elimination of similar species: Bald Eagle, Red Tail, Rough-legged Hawk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:40:00/13:00:00	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Hudsonian Godwit at Amana Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-28	1994-11-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hudsonian Godwit at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on October 28, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Hudsonian Godwit	Lily Pond	Amana L., Iowa Co., IA	large shallow lake at low water with extensive mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Marbled Godwit is eliminated by the white rump, wing stripe, and lack of cinnamon or brownish coloration. Black-tailed Godwit is eliminated by the contrasting and dark underwing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	13
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper at Amana Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-28	1994-11-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Sandpiper at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on October 28, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Western Sandpiper	Lily Pond	Amana L., Iowa Co., IA.	large shallow lake with low water and extensive mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Separation from Semipalmated Sandpiper rests on the bill. The behavior is a bit supportive. Based on records for Iowa, we do not yet know which species is more likely. Having to travel to South America, it would seem that semipalmateds would pass through Iowa earlier, but pectorals go just as far south and some are late migrants. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at Amana Lily Lake, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-05-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit at Amana Lily Lake in Iowa County, IA on May 20, 1993.	Pinkston, Randall, 1956-	Marbled Godwit	Lily Pond	Amana Lily Lake, Iowa Co., Iowa	The bird foraged in shallow water against the lakeshore mudflat	The documentation form by Randall Pinkston is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Initially spotted by it's large size, dwarfing nearby Black-bellied Plovers. Heavy-bodied and long-billed, at first I thought it might be a Willet except, even at great distance, the bill appeared gently upcurved. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Hooded Warbler at Amana Woods, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1982-06-04	1982-07-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hooded Warbler at Amana Woods in Iowa County, IA on June 4, 1982.	Bendorf, Carl J.	Hooded Warbler	Amana Woods	Amana Woods. Iowa County. One mile east of HWY 149 on a dirt road immediately south of Iowa River.	Moist deciduous mature woodland with much undergrowth	The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent, Tom Staudt, and Lanny Haldy. \| Elimination of similar species: Female Wilson's Warbler is eliminated by the observation of two large white areas on the undertail surface \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:40:00/12:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	41
Rare bird documentation form for Philadelphia Vireo at Brookside Park in Ames, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-03	1982-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Philadelphia Vireo at Brookside Park in Ames in Story County, IA on October 3, 1982.	Martsching, Paul	Philadelphia Vireo	Brookside Park	Ames (Brookside Park) Story County, Iowa	General: woods Specific: in smallish (20-25 ft) tree by creek	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Warbling Vireo - dark mark between bill and eye; yellow all the way across breast. Red Eyed Vireo - This bird was grayish not greenish; eye stripe not prominent or outlined with black; yellow breast. Yellow Throated Vireo - didn't have specticles [sic]; didn't have wing bars. Nashville Warbler - even the palest Nashville's have eye rings. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:00:00/10:00:30.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	80
Rare bird documentation form for Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Ames, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1986-08-26	1986-11-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Ames in Story County, IA on August 26, 1986.	Munson, Erik	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	Ames	Ames, IA	Residential district bordering open golf course; powerlines	The documentation form by Erik Munson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: purple martin by tail length, call. Magpie by size, call, flight, behavior \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:10:00/19:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	73
Rare bird documentation form for Gray Catbird at Ames, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-12-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Gray Catbird at Ames in Story County, IA on December 21, 1996.	Oesterreich, Wolfgang	Gray Catbird	Ames	Ames, Iowa	deciduous woodland - near confluence of Onion & Squaw Creeks	The documentation form by Wolfgang Oesterreich is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: nothing in this area. (Mockingbird doesn't have black cap, mostly undertail coverts; plus it has white wing patches.) \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 11:00:00/11:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	12
Rare bird documentation for Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Iowa State University, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-08-31	1983-09-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation for a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Iowa State University in Ames in Story County, IA on August 31, 1983.	Mulder, Phil	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	Iowa State University	Ames, Iowa - Iowa State University near Hawthorn Ct.	Residential-near railroad tracks on telephone wire	The documentation form by Phillip Mulder is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Obvious tail feathers eliminated any similar species \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	73
Rare bird documentation form for Summer Tanager at Ames, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-05-02	1979-05-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Summer Tanager at Ames in Story County, IA on May 2, 1979.	Braband, Lynn	Summer Tanager	Ames	Ames, Iowa Wooded park near stream	General: Woodland (open) Specific: Large trees, no understory, short grass	The documentation form by Lynn Braband is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Pat McCrow and 5 or 6 undergraduate ornithology students. \| Elimination of similar species: Cardinal - no crest nor black face Scarlet Tanager - no black wings nor tail \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	44
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Ames, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-05	1981-11-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Ames in Story County, IA on Novermber 5, 1981.	Robinson, John C., 1959-	Northern Goshawk	Ames	Ames, Iowa; Story Co.,	Rows of conifer trees and conifer saplings next to an agricultural field. Found roosting in a row of Eastern Red Cedar trees.	The documentation form by John C. Robinson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Joe Schaufenbuel. \| Elimination of similar species: Cooper's Hawk: this species is smaller and lacks a definite white eye-stripe and black eyeline; underparts are not pale gray. \| The original documentation form events occurred around 08:00:00 on November 5 and around 16:00:00 on November 7.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Red-eyed Vireo at Washington Township in Ames, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-eyed Vireo at Washington Township in Ames in Story County, IA on November 4, 1981.	Robinson, John C., 1959-	Red-eyed Vireo	Washington Township	Ames, Iowa; Story Co.; Washington Twsp.; Sect. 9 (ISU Campus)	General: Short-cut lawn (ISU Campus) with many types of deciduous and coniferous trees occurring at randomly spaced intervals. Specific: A large thicket (30 ft. in diameter) next to a Russian olive tree.	The documentation form by John C. Robinson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Philadelphia Vireo: this species lacks contrast between head and back and has a yellowish breast. Tennessee Warbler: This species has a smaller bill, is smaller in size, and lacks a blackish border above the eyestripe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:58:00/08:12:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	81
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Ames, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-01-31	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Ames in Story County, IA on January 31, 1991.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Merlin	Ames	Ames, Story Co.		The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Falcon-like appearance eliminates other raptors. The smaller size, white axillars, and tail pattern eliminates other falcons. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:47:00/15:54:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Ames, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-09-18	1985-09-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Ames in Story County, IA on September 18, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Peregrine Falcon	Ames	Ames, Story County	flying over town	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Kestrel was eliminated by the lack of evident rufous color on tail or back. Both Am. Kestrel and Merlin were eliminated by size. The bird appeared to be the size of a crow, which is too large for either of these. \| The original documentation form event occurred at 07:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34