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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Dickcissel at Davenport, 1987
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1987-01-24
|
1993-09-07
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Dickcissel at Davenport in Scott County, IA on January 24, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Barker, Ann M.
|
Dickcissel
|
Davenport
|
on ground near feeder @ RR3 Box 190, Davenport
|
Short grassy area under feeder, near bushes & Scotch Pines
|
The documentation form by Ann Barker is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Bill Barker. | Elimination of similar species: House Sparrow - Lap. Longspur. Field marks - this bird had definite black bib, bright yellow on breast, yellow eye line, chestnut shoulders. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/12:00:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
14
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6
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Northern Goshawk at Stephens State Forest, 1999
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1999-05-20
|
2000-11-28
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Northern Goshawk at Stephens State Forest in Lucas County, IA on May 20, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
|
Northern Goshawk
|
Stephens State Forest - Lucas Unit
|
Stephen's State Forest, Lucas County
|
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: The powerful direct flight, the longish tail, and the rounded broad wings identified this bird as an accipter. Bangma's first comment was that the width of the wings reminded him of Hook-billed Kites in So. Texas, a dramatic characteristic that allows experienced hawk watchers to identify Northern Goshawk from a distance - literally a stovepipe with broad wings. Buteos have a much shorter tail that gives them an entirely different look and feel. A gray adult male Northern Harrier would look white below and have longer wings proportionate to the body. Although we were unable to see the bird at an angle to see every characteristic of this species, other accipters would have been rufous or brown from below. Although this is certainly a late date for this species, Northern Goshawk has been seen in the winter in and near this location. In breeding areas it feeds on grouse. We speculated on the reintroduction of Ruffed Grouse in this area and what effect it might have on late migration and even potential breeding. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/13:46:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
8
|
28
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur at Five Ridges Prairie, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-06
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Smith's Longspur at Five Ridges Prairie in Plymouth County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
|
Smith's Longspur
|
Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve
|
Five Ridges Prairie, Plymouth County, IA
|
Rolling western Iowa prairie with some agriculture
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Although the time of observation was fairly short, the facial pattern and buffy underparts were definitely that of an adult male Smith's Longspur. A molting Black-headed Grosbeak would be larger, more plump, and would show a very noticable [sic] white wing flash in flight. Bangma's first reaction, upon seeing the facial pattern, was Reed Bunting, but the buffy underparts eliminate that species. No other bird combines the characteristics we observed. | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:15:00/07:15:59.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
42
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Greater Prairie-Chicken at Five Ridges Prairie, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-06
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of six Greater Prairie-Chickens at Five Ridges Prairie in Plymouth County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
|
Greater Prairie-Chicken
|
Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve
|
Five Ridges Prairie, Plymouth County, IA
|
Rolling western Iowa prairie with some agriculture
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: The lack of a pointed tail eliminated even a young Ring-necked Pheasant (confirmed later in the week with observations). Sharp-tailed Grouse have been released in the Loess Hills, but they show a more pointed tail with white at the edges and their flanks are more spotted than barred. Ruffed Grouse has a fan-shaped tail which matches the body color and has a dark subterminal band. We had no doubt that these birds were Prairie Chickens. Lesser Prairie Chicken cannot be eliminated by our sighting but is dismissed based on location and habitat (tall grass vs. short grass prairie). The question of origin then arises. The closest releases of grouse have been Sharp-tailed in the Loess Hills south of Sioux City, but our observations eliminated Sharp-tailed. Greater Prairie Chickens have most recently been released in Ringgold County, some 150-200 miles to the southeast. I discussed possible releases with some birders in the area and no one had any knowledge of released birds. On the other hand, Greater Prairie Chicken nests in South Dakota fairly close to the Iowa border. This map shows the relative abundance of the bird in the plains states based on Breeding Bird Surveys. We therefore feel that it is most likely that these birds come from a native population nearby and might possibly have been a family group. | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:20:00/07:22:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
9
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1996
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-06
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Red Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
|
Red Phalarope
|
Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge
|
Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co., Iowa
|
Shallow marsh at north end of refuge
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Wilson's Phalarope looks much lighter, does not have the black eye patch, and has a long, thin bill. Red-necked Phalarope is superficially similar but the bill is much more needle-like. Furthermore, Red-necked has the gray extending further onto the crown, shows white streaking on the back, and would not have remnants of red color on the throat and upper foreneck. | The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:05:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
12
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Elk Rock State Park, 1991
|
Administrative records Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-05-07
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Elk Rock State Park in Marion County, IA on May 7, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph with a report, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Western Tanager
|
Elk Rock State Park
|
South Elk Rock State Park, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., Iowa
|
Soft deciduous and brushy area near water
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Jim Fuller was submitted. Other observers include Tim Schantz, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Dennis Thompson, and Beth Brown. | Elimination of similar species: The combination of red face and yellow body eliminated all other tanagers. Females of other species would not show red on the face, and young males going into first alternate plumage would not have the red coloration restricted to the head. | The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/17:30:00 with bird seen three times for a total of 25-30 minutes.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
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29
|
|
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
|
1991-11-25
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on November 25, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
Below dam, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
|
Gravel bar and open river
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Thomas H. Kent was submitted. Other observers include Jim Fuller, Dick Tetrault, and Tim Schantz. | Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull was eliminated by the light and uniform body color, pale gray primaries, secondaries and tailband, lack of a window from above, and lack of any color to the underside of the primaries. The bird certainly had the overall coloration of a first year Iceland Gull. However, Iceland Gull was eliminated based on the darker secondaries, complete gray tail band, and the darker webs to the outer primaries from above. | The original documentation form event lasted from 16:10:00/16:50:00 on November 25, 1991 and 13:50:00/14:05:00 on November 28, 1991.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
3
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Least Flycatcher at Whitebreast Recreation Area in Red Rock Reservoir, 1990
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1990-12-16
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Least Flycatcher at Whitebreast Recreation Area in Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 16, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Least Flycatcher
|
Whitebreast Recreation Area
|
Whitebreast Recreation Area, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
|
Primarily open edge and grassy area with pine tree plantings
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Tim Schantz was submitted. Other observers include Roy Godwin and Jim Sinclair. | Elimination of similar species: Body and bill shape and behavior identified this bird as a flycatcher. The size, eye-ring and wing bars eliminated all but Empidonax flycatchers. Because of the late date on this bird, it is difficult to get an understanding of molt sequences which may or may not be helpful. From what I can find on molts, however, the following is based on best available information. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:40:00/11:55:00 and approximately 13:30:00/14:00:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
34
|
|
Records committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1989
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-10-05
|
1993-08-06
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records committee review for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on October 5, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Lesser Black-backed Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
Below Red Rock Dam, near Pella, Marion Co., IA
|
River with numerous sand and gravel bars
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Sinclair, Raymond Cummins, and James Fuller were submitted. Other observers include Marlys Huff, David Youngblut, Pete Wickham, John Daniel, and Ken Lowder. | Elimination of similar species: Great Black-backed Gull- The bird was not large enough nor was the bill as massive. The great black-backed should also show a whiter head and lighter inner primaries and the back would be more of a checkerboard than the scaliness of this bird. Herring Gull- Because of variability, eliminating the herring was more problematic. Size was not particularly helpful initially in that this bird was near the second-year herring gull for such a brief time that I really couldn't make comparison. The variable sizes of ring-bills were of no help because next to some it looked huge and next to others it was only some larger. Some subtle differences were helpful in making this bird "look different" but I don't believe they could be considered sufficient. The checkered, scaly look was more pronounced than most juvenile herrings. The wings seemed long as they extended beyond the tail. The bill was entirely black and the tail band more distinct than most juvenile herrings. The color distinction between the head/tail and body from a distance were also helpful. The clincher, however, was during flight when no "windows" were visible on the inner primaries and the dark secondary coverts created a wide, dark trailing edge to the wing. These flight indicators, as well as size differential, were confirmed on the 23 October sighting. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:10:00/16:00:00 and 16:15:00/16:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
5
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mew Gull at Whitebreast Recreation Area at Red Rock Reservoir, 1993
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1993-12-19
|
1995-07-25
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Mew Gull at Whitebreast Recreation Area at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 19, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentations submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Mew Gull
|
Whitebreast Recreation Area
|
Whitebreast Recreation Area, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
|
Sandy area at edge of open water
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Russ Widner and Jim Fuller were submitted. Other observers include Dick Tetrault and Roy Godwin. | Elimination of similar species: Size eliminated any gull larger than a Ring-billed. Although structurally the bird more closely represented one of the larger hooded gulls, they were eliminated by the lack of any hood or auricular spot. Furthermore, most hooded gulls with a tail band would also show a strong carpal bar. Laughing Gull could be eliminated by the more diminuative [sic] bill and leg color. Although some individuals seem to carry a vestige of their more motley juvenile plumage into first winter, Ring-billed Gull was eliminated by size, head and bill structure, and clear-cut as opposed to more diffuse tail band. I originally identified this bird as a Mew Gull based on my experience studying structural differences between Ring-billed and Mew gulls on the west coast. I have never seen a first-year Mew Gull, however. In researching the Mew on my return home, I concluded that the bird in question was not dark enough, nor brown enough, to be of the west coast sub-species. By virtue of its strong similarity to a Ring-billed Gull, this bird was most likely the European sub-species known as the Common Gull. Although according to Grant the bill description comes closer to L.c. brachyrhynchus, I assume that this bird's bill coloration was still changing from juvenile plumage. Apparently the Common Gull appears on occasion on the east coast and is therefore probably as likely a vagrant to Iowa as is the western form. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
23
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Western Sandpiper at Big Creek Lake, 1988
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1988-10-09
|
1993-08-04
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Western Sandpiper at Big Creek Lake in Polk County, IA on October 9, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence about the sighting by Guy McCaskie, Kim Eckert, and Bruce Peterjohn, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Western Sandpiper
|
Big Creek Lake
|
Big Creek Wildlife Area, Polk Co., IA
|
Mudflats from low water on freshwater lake
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Thomas. | Elimination of similar species: Although I understand the difficulty in identification of fall western sandpipers, the Baird's and white-rumped were eliminated because of wing length. The least sandpiper was eliminated by leg color and bill shape/size. The most difficult elimination was that of the semipalmateds, especially since other semipals were present in the area. After careful observation and comparison, however, the prototypical western sandpiper bill was too obvious to make the bird into a semipalmated. The bill was enough longer and had an obvious droop. The others in the area had varying bill sizes but none had the general shape of this bird. Consequently, I believe this was a late date western sandpiper. | The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 15:00:00/15:10:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
3
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Common Eider at Jester Park, 1995
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1995-03-26
|
2000-11-18
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Common Eider at Jester Park, Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on March 26, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Common Eider
|
Jester Park
|
off Jester Park boat ramp, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County, IA
|
open water
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: ID based solely on head profile whichwas [sic] identical to the Red Rock bird studied at length earlier in the year. | The original documentation form event lasted from 16:55:00/17:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
8
|
18
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-crowned Night-Heron at Polk City, 1997
|
Administrative records Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-12-21
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Black-crowned Night-Heron at Polk City Wildlife Area in Polk County, IA on December 21, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Black-crowned Night Heron
|
Polk City Wildlife Area
|
Polk City Wildlife Area, Polk Co., IA
|
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore was submitted later. Other observers include Aaron Brees and Phil Walsh. | Elimination of similar species: Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was eliminated by the boldness of the markings on both the upper and underparts of the body and by the leg extension in flight. | The documentation form event occurred at approximately 09:30:00
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
20
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Lazuli Bunting at Stone State Park, 1997
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-05-18
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Lazuli Bunting at Stone State Park in Woodbury County, IA on May 18, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Lazuli Bunting
|
Stone State Park
|
Stone State Park, Woodbury Co., Iowa
|
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Kenn Kaufman was submitted later. Other observers includes Mike Overton and several others. | Elimination of similar species: The identification is straightforward. The turquoise color, breast band, and wing bars eliminate a molting Indigo Bunting. Bill shape and size eliminate any of the bluebirds. | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/07:50:00 and 10:00:00/10:03:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
14
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Tundra Swan at Red Rock Reservoir, 1988
|
Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1988-12-18
|
1993-08-04
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Tundra Swan at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 18, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Tundra Swan
|
Red Rock Dam
|
Des Moines River below Red Rock Dam - Marion Co., Iowa
|
river with sandbars
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Steve Dinsmore was submitted later on Jan 6, 1989. Other observers include Erik Munson, Wyman Borts, and Jim Sinclair. | Elimination of similar species: Mute swan immature eliminated by bill color. Trumpeter swan eliminated by the presence of many white feathers at this date and concave bill shape. Unable to determine size difference. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
8
|
13
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red-throated Loon at Lake Manawa State Park, 1990
|
Administrative records Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1990-11-12
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Red-throated Loon at Lake Manawa State Park in Pottawattamie County, IA on November 12, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Red-throated Loon
|
Lake Manawa State Park
|
Lake Manawa State Park, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
|
Open water
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Tanya E. Bray was submitted later. Other observers include Babs Padelford, BJ Rose, Ross Silcock, and Tim Schantz. | Elimination of similar species: Cormorants could be eliminated by bill shape, among other characteristics. The bird had some similarities to a Western Grebe, but the grebe would hold its head parallel to the water, has a longer neck, and does not show the contrast between head/nape and back. Common Loon was eliminated by posture, size and shape of bill, contrast of lighter head and darker back, and more diffuse separation of upper and underparts. Pacific Loon was eliminated by the grayer underparts, diffuse separation of upper and underparts, posture, and sharp upward angle on lower mandible. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:50:00/12:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
5
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-necked Stilt at Riverton Area, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-05-12
|
1996-01-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Black-necked Stilt at Riverton Area in Fremont County, IA on May 12, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a photo, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Black-necked Stilt
|
Riverton Wildlife Management Area
|
Riverton Wildlife Area, Fremont Co., IOWA
|
Broad expanse of mud flats
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Pam Allen and Thomas H. Kent were submitted later. Other observers include Reid Allen, W. Ross Silcock, and Dick Tetrault. | Elimination of similar species: Identification of a Black-necked Stilt is straight forward. The only other bird in North America which is even remotely similar is the American Avocet. It can be eliminated by the black feathering on the head and neck, straight bill, and pink legs. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:55:00/16:55:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
20
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Flycatcher at Lake Ahquabi State Park, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-11-14
|
1999-10-15
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Western Flycatcher at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Warren County, IA on November 14, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in American Birds, excerpts from Western Birds, articles in Pennsylvania birds, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, eight photographs, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Empidonax Flycatchers
|
Lake Ahquabi State Park
|
Lake Ahquabi State Park, Warren County, IOWA
|
Woodland edge consisting primarily of honeysuckle and junipers
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Jim Fuller, and Brian Blevins were submitted later. Other observers include Ross Silcock, Peter Petersen, Kelly McKay, Corey Blevins, Jim Scheib, Jim Sinclair, John Daniel, Tim Schantz, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Chuck Fuller, David Youngblut, Beth Brown, Sherry Dragula, Bill Overland, Jane Overland, John Miller, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: The date of observation is historically good for a vagrant western flycatcher species, so this was in the back of my mind in assessing the characteristics observed. The presence of both eye ring and wing bars, in addition to size and shape, indicate that the bird fits the Empidonax complex. The combination of green back, yellow throat and pure orange lower mandible with no markings would eliminate Least, Hammond's, Dusky, Gray, Buff-breasted, Alder, and Willow Flycatchers. A juvenile Acadian can be eliminated by the short primary extension, color of the wings, size and shape of the eye ring, and active behavior. Only three species are indicated by the green upper parts and yellow under parts. Two are separable only by voice. The choices were between Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Western (Cordilleran and Pacific-slope) Flycatcher. Back color is greener in Yellow-bellied and more olive in Western. Although the back looked olive, this was rather subjective. According to the Audubon Master Guide, behavior would be more indicative of a Yellow-bellied in that the bird was not flicking both tail and wings. According to Kaufman, however, behavior is quite variable. Three characteristics made me lean more toward Western complex. They were peaked appearance to the head (usually smooth and rounded in Yellow-bellied); almond-shaped eye ring (round, narrow, and more even in Yellow-bellied); and browner wings than eastern Empidonax. The color of the wings is again subjective, but the contrast between wing color and wing bars was less than the black/white (or even black/buff in fall birds) of eastern birds. Even with the variability that may occur in any Empidonax, it is unlikely that these three characteristics, which are common to the Western Flycatcher, would appear simultaneously in a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Further support is found in the Audubon Master Guide to Birding where it states in the description of Western Flycatcher, "...olive wash on the breast, flanks, and especially the sides tends to highlight a midventral yellow stripe" - one of the more obvious characteristics when viewed at close range from the front. IF the call notes heard belonged to this bird, it would indicate a Cordilleran Flycatacher, the most likely vagrant. None of us were able, however, to get the bird to call as we were observing it. Cal Knight played a tape and the bird became very agitated but did not call. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/14:00:00 on November 14, 1992 and 11:30:00/13:45:00 on November 15, 1992.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
35
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Records Committee review for rare bird Sighting of Pacific Loon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1996
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Administrative records Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1996-11-03
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2000-11-22
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Pacific Loon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Johnson, Ann
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Pacific Loon
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Lake Red Rock
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Whitebreast Boat Ramp, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
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Open lake
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Jim Fuller, and Chris Edwards were submitted later. | Elimination of similar species: The apparent size differential, bill size and clean line to the neck eliminated Common and Yellow-billed Loon. Red-throated is approximately the same size but the bill appears upturned because of the angular shape of the lower edge. Red-throated also has a head lighter than the body. A chinstrap would not be seen on any other species. Grebes were eliminated by thickness of neck and general jizz. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:40:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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7
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7
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Pacific Loon at Saylorville Reservoir, 1990
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Administrative records Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1990-11-10
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1993-07-17
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Pacific Loon at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Johnson, Ann
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Pacific Loon
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Jester Park
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Jester Park, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA
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Open water
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Reid Allen, Pam Allen, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. | Elimination of similar species: Red-throated and Yellow-billed Loons could both be eliminated by the horizontal head and bill. This bird also showed a more rounded head and definite black/white contrast which was lacking in the Red-throated Loon I had observed six days earlier. Common Loon was eliminated by combination of size, smaller bill, distinct line separating white and black feathers, and ultimately by the chinstrap. | The original documentation form event lasted from 12:10:00/12:30:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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7
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7
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Hoary Redpoll at Norwalk, 1996
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1996-02-03
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2000-11-22
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Hoary Redpoll at Norwalk in Warren County, IA on February 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, several photographs, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Johnson, Ann
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Hoary Redpoll
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Norwalk
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Feeding station at 532 120th Avenue, Norwalk, Warren County, IA
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and thels, one an adult male and the other a probable adult female, were present on the same day. Oftentimes all three birds were on the feeder concurrently which allowed for a number of comparisons. Characteristics which differentiated this bird from the Common Redpolls and identified it as a Hoary Redpoll: underlying color was lighter than the warmer, darker brown of the Commons, More extensive white feather edgings to the secondaries, tertials, and scapulars than shown on Commons, Broad white edge to the greater coverts, Buffy face and strong white supercilliary, Smaller red cap, Broken and shorter flank streaking, Short, triangular bill with resulting pushed in face, Nearly white undertail covers (Although brightly colored adult male Common Redpolls may have diminished markings on their undertail coverts, this bird had no red except for the cap.) | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00 and periodically throughout the day. one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Sinclair, Stephen Dinsmore, and Jim Fuller were submitted later. Other observers include Rick Trieff and Jane Fuller . | Elimination of similar species: The only species this bird could be confused with is Common Redpoll. Two individua
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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14
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16
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1991
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Administrative records Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1991-03-14
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1993-07-17
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on March 14, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Johnson, Ann
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Thayer's Gull
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Red Rock Dam
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Below dam, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
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Gravel bar and open river
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Diane Porter was submitted. Other observers include Beth Brown and Tim Schantz. | Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull was eliminated by the light and uniform body color, brown as opposed to blackish primaries and tail band, bill and head structure, and lack of any color to the underside of the primaries. Iceland Gull was eliminated based on the darker secondaries and wide, brown tail band. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:20:00/10:40:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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3
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Credit Island, 1993
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Administrative records Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1993-02-14
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1995-07-08
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Credit Island in Scott County, IA on February 14, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
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Johnson, Ann
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Iceland Gull
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Credit Island
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Credit Island, Davenport, Scott County, IA
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Frozen lagoon with small amount of open water
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Although the duskiness on the face had somewhat of a "hooded" effect, any of the hooded gulls could be eliminated by the bill structure. The pale primaries eliminated all but the white-winged gulls - Glaucous, Iceland, and possibly Thayer's. Glaucous can be eliminated by size and bill color. Thayer's was eliminated because of: 1) overall gray-white appearance; 2) the lack of any secondary bar; and 3) the checkered tertials. Problems with the record are the duskiness on the face and the narrow dark edging to the outer primaries from below. These two characteristics may well indicate an Iceland/Thayer's intergrade. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:40:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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4
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1991
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Administrative records Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1991-10-24
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1993-07-17
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on October 24, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
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Johnson, Ann
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Thayer's Gull
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Red Rock Dam
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Below dam, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA
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Gravel bar and open river
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull was eliminated by the light and uniform body color, brown as opposed to blackish primaries and tail band, lack of a window from above, and lack of any color to the underside of the primaries. Iceland Gull was eliminated based on the darker secondaries and wide, brown tail band. | The original documentation form event lasted from 16:50:00/17:15:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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3
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at North Overlook Beach at Red Rock Reservoir, 1989
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Administrative records Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1989-11-06
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1993-08-06
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at North Overlook Beach at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 6, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
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Johnson, Ann
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Thayer's Gull
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North Overlook Park
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North Overlook Beach, Lake Red Rock, Marion Co, IA
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Sandy beach on man-made reservoir
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The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Iceland Gull - basically eliminated by darker color and narrow chocolate edges to outer primaries. Kumlien's - presence of tail band would seem to eliminate Herring - eliminated by combination of: structure and size of body and bill; shape of head; more uniform coloration above, especially lighter colored primaries; light flight feathers from below contrasting with darker wing lining; lighter color of tail band | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:35:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
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3
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