Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Slaty-Backed Gull north of Le Claire, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-02-12
|
1994-02-27
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Slaty-backed Gull north of Le Claire in Scott County, IA on February 12, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, excerpt from Illinois Birds and Birding, correspondence and commentary relevant to bird sighting and review, two photographs, photocopy of photographs, and eleven documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Barker, Ann M.
|
Slaty-backed Gull
|
Le Claire
|
(1) Just north of Le Claire, Ia (2 +3) - Moline, IL. riverfront
|
river; open water or up on ice shelf or seawall
|
The documentation form by Ann M. Barker forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Peter C. Petersen, Thomas H. Kent, Gerald White, Tanya E. Bray, Ross Silcock, Carl Bendorf, and Michael J. Baum were submitted. Other observers include Mary Lou Petersen, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Tom Rockwell, Lewis Blevins, Brian Blevins, Don Moeller, Walter Zuurdeeg, Daryl Tessen, Doug Rose, Alan Grenon, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: (A) Greater black backed - Gull in question has slaty - gray saddle rather than coal black. And Gull in question is same size as Herring Gulls; Greater black-backed would be much larger. (B) Lesser black backed - Gull in question has pink legs and feet, and has much more white on primaries. (C) Western - Gull in question has considerable white on primaries, and does not show dusky trailing edge to underwing. Also has broader white trailing edge to upperwing than would the Western. (D) Herring Gull - dark race - no experience with this, but those shown in Harrison do not show as dark a saddle as Gull in question, nor as much white on primaries. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:30:00 on February 12, 1989, 12:15:00/12:45:00 and 16:00:00/17:30:00 on February 14, 1989.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
6
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Little Gull south of Council Bluffs, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-04-23
|
1999-10-15
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Little Gull south of Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County, IA on April 23, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, three photographs, articles in Iowa Bird Life and American Birds, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Rose, B.J.
|
Little Gull
|
Council Bluffs
|
Approximately 2 miles south of Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. It was about 1/2 mile north of the turn-off to the North Settling Pond of Iowa Power Plant, on the west side of highway L-31 (gravel).
|
Flooded fields.
|
The documentation form by B.J. Rose forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Babs Padelford was submitted. | Elimination of similar species: Bonaparte's Gull is larger with longer, black-tipped primaries; has a shorter hood on back of head and neck and has white underside of wings. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:50:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
20
|
Records committee review for rare bird sighting of Brown Pelican at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-05-06
|
1994-10-18
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Brown Pelican at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on May 6, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in the Nebraska Bird Review about the sighting, two photographs, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Rose, B.J.
|
Brown Pelican
|
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
|
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Harrison County, IA, and Washington County, NE. It was on the south end of the oxbow, just above the dam.
|
Missouri River oxbow lake
|
The documentation form by B.J. Rose is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Jim Fuller, and Peter C. Petersen were submitted later. Other observers include Babs Padelford, Ross Silcock, Dick Tetrault, and Brian Blevins. | Elimination of similar species: White Pelican is white with black wing tips; some were present for comparison. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
11
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Chestnut-collared Longspur south of Percival, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-04-23
|
1999-10-15
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for twenty-five Chestnut-collared Longspurs south of Percival in Fremont County, IA on April 23, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, five photographs, an article in American Birds, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Rose, B.J.
|
Chestnut-collared Longspur
|
Percival
|
Approximately 2 1/2 miles south of Percival, Fremont County, Iowa on Hwy L31 (about 1 mile north of Hwy 2).
|
Roadside and stubble.
|
The documentation form by B.J. Rose is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Babs Padelford. | The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/12:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
43
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull at IPL ponds, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-08-27
|
1993-07-21
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Laughing Gull at the IPL Ponds in Pottawattamie County, IA on August 27, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren
|
Laughing Gull
|
MidAmerican Energy Ponds
|
Iowa Power & Light Settling Pond, south pond, Pottawattamie Co.
|
|
The documentation form by Babs & Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: At rest, the bird had a very slender and streamlined appearance, not stocky like that of a Franklin's Gull. The head had no trace of a dark hood. The head was the same color as the rest of the body except for lighter areas around bill, on forehead and top of the head. The bill seemed longer and more curved than a Franklin's, but difficult to say with no Franklin's for comparison. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/11:05:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
18
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Ross's Gull at Lake Manawa, 1997
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds
|
1997-12-27
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Ross's Gull at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on December 27, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren
|
Ross's Gull
|
Lake Manawa
|
Lake Manawa, Pottawattamie County, Iowa
|
|
The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Ross Silcock, Duane E. Bright, Stephen J. Dinsmore, and Jerry Probst and Bill Huser were submitted. Other observers include Gordon Brown, Sandra Kovanda, Jim Kovanda, R. Craig Hensley, and other unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: [...] Since it was the only gull on the lake, the only birds to compare it with were Ruddy Ducks which appeared smaller and a drake Common Merganser which was larger than the gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/11:00:00 and 15:15:00/16:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
11
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Rock Wren at Saylorville Dam, 1986
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1986-11-22
|
1993-09-07
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Rock Wren at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on November 22, 1986. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a summary of the review, and nine documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren
|
Rock Wren
|
Saylorville Dam
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co. East parking area on dam.
|
Rocky south wall of the dam.
|
The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Steve Dinsmore, Peter C. Petersen, Jim Dinsmore, Robert K. Myers, Paul Martsching, Francis L. Moore, and Mark Proescholdt were submitted. Other observers include Tim Schantz, Pat Kelly, Jane Fuller, Tom Stone, Bery Engebretsen, Chuck Fuller, B.J. Rose, Pete Wickham, Mark Brogie, Brian Blevins, Corey Blevins, Mary Lou Petersen, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and many unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: [...] Tail in proportion to body was shorter than that of water pipit, and longer than a house wren. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:20:00/13:25:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
1
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for an Eurasian Collared-Dove at Willow Creek Park, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-08-20
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Eurasian Collared-Dove at Willow Creek Park in Osceola County, IA on August 20, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, two photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren
|
Eurasian Collared Dove
|
Willow Creek Fen - Wetlands Area
|
Willow Creek Park, Osceola County
|
|
The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ed Thelen was submitted later. Other observers include Linda Thelen and unidentified Thelen observers. | Elimination of similar species: [...] A dove larger than Mourning Dove. [...] It was a series of "hoo's" - "hoo - hoo - hoo" without any bubbling notes associated with the song of the Ringed Turtle-Dove. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/12:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
9
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Chestnut-collared Longspur southwest of Percival, 1997
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-04-12
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Chestnut-collared Longspurs southwest of Percival in Fremont County, IA on April 12, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren
|
Chestnut-collared Longspur
|
Percival
|
Percival Road, approximately one half mile north of Highway 2, Fremont County, Iowa
|
|
The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: [...] Two males in breeding plumage were seen with about 45 Lapland Longspurs. The birds were the size of the Lapland Longspurs with sparrow-like conical bills. [...] The black tails had more white on the sides than the Lapland Longspurs had. | The original documentation form event lasted approximately 10 minutes.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
43
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black Rail at Carney Marsh in Ankeny, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-04-26
|
1994-10-18
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of two Black Rails at Carney Marsh in Ankeny in Polk County, IA on April 26, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, field notes of the sighting, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Miller, Barb
|
Black Rail
|
Carney Marsh
|
1/2 mile East of N.E. 14th St. (Hwy 69) on N.E. 70th Ave - Also known as Carney Marsh
|
Shallow Marsh w/ Dead Cattails, some short green marsh grass
|
The documentation form by Barb Miller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer includes Dick Kraemer. | Elimination of similar species: There really aren't other small black birds matching our description found poking around in the cattails. Peterson's mentioned other young rails are also black - this bird acted like a "mature adult bird, immature Rails from Petersons lack the white speckles on the back & rusty nape patch. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:50:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
12
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull at IPL Ponds, 1983
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1983-05-07
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Laughing Gull at IPL Ponds in Pottawattamie County, IA on May 7, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence from Bruce Peterjohn to Tom Kent, an article in the Illinois Audubon Bulletin, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Wilson, Barbara L.
|
Laughing Gull
|
MidAmerican Energy Ponds
|
Iowa Power + Light Settling Pond
|
|
The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tanya Bray, Babs Padelford, and Loren Padelford. | Elimination of similar species: Differs from Franklin's Gull only in lack of white line between black primaries + gray mantle. I saw one Franklin's this spring with a very narrow white band in the primaries. If this isn't a Laughing Gull, it's an aberrant Franklin's. It seemed to be in a very neat breeding plumage, not a young bird. | The original documentation form event occurred in the afternoon for around two minutes.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
18
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Jaeger species at Rice Lake, 1966
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1966-09-04
|
1994-02-04
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Jaeger species at Rice Lake in Winnebago County, IA on September 4, 1966. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation account reviewed by the committee.
|
Sutter, B.E.; Sutter, Barton
|
Jaegers
|
Rice Lake
|
[...] shore of Rice Lake [...]
|
|
The documentation form by Barton E. Sutter is the only account reviewed and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Mark Sutter. | Elimination of similar species: [...] one characteristic had been very noticeable-the great amount of white color that flashed as the bird flew, both on the upper- and undersides of the wings. At the time I did not realize the importance of this detail, but I recorded it along with my other field notes as I knew from past reading that distinguishing between Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaegers could be tricky. | The original documentation form event occurred around 18:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
13
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull south of Saylorville, 1993
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1993-04-24
|
1995-07-08
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Laughing Gull south of Saylorville in Polk County, IA on April 24, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Passenger Pigeon, an article in Illinois Audubon Bulletin, correspondence about the bird sighting, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Engebretsen, Bery
|
Laughing Gull
|
Saylorville
|
South of Saylorville
|
Flooded bean field (Des Moines River bottom land)
|
The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong and Eloise Armstrong. | Elimination of similar species: Bird flew & sat on ground next to Franklin's Gulls, and Bonaparte's gulls. Did not have white wedge of Bonapartes, Blackheaded or Sabine's Gull's. The other black-headed gull, the Little Gull, has no black at all on wing tips. See above for comparison to Franklin's. [...] Larger bill, compared to adjacent Franklin's, was not pure red, partially black. Eye ring smaller, less conspicuous, again, than adjacent Franklins. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/09:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
18
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ruff south of Grimes, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-05-10
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Ruff south of Grimes in Polk County, IA on May 10, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life article, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Engebretsen, Bery
|
Ruff
|
Grimes
|
S. of Grimes
|
minimum-till corn field with standing water, old stocks
|
The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Dennis Thompson, Reid Allen, and Pam Allen. | Elimination of similar species: white underwings, U-Shaped white tail patch, small head, & size seem to eliminate other species. Too large for White-rumped. | The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 17:30:00/18:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
9
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ferruginous Hawk at Rathbun Reservoir, 1986
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1986-02-01
|
1993-09-07
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Ferruginous Hawk at Rathbun Reservoir in Appanoose County, IA on February 1, 1986. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Heusinkveld, Bill
|
Ferruginous Hawk
|
Rolling Cove Park
|
Rolling Cove Area, Rathbun Lake, Appanoose County
|
Perched in Large Tree in Grove next to Lake Rathbun
|
The documentation form by Bill Heusinkveld is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marjorie Heusinkveld | Elimination of similar species: Red tail eliminated by complete lack of belly band, no red tail. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:04:00/09:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
1
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Laughing Gull at North Overlook Beach at Red Rock Dam, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-08-19
|
1993-08-05
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Laughing Gull at North Overlook Beach at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on August 19, 1989. Includes one record review document with votes, four photographs of the bird, analysis of the photographs, an Iowa Bird Life article, and eight documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Huser, Bill F.
|
Laughing Gull
|
North Overlook Park
|
L. Red Rock, Dam Site Swim Beach, Marion County, IA
|
Sand beach bordering open water
|
The documentation form by Bill Huser is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Ann Johnson, Eugene Armstrong and Eloise Armstrong, Jim Fuller, Peter C. Petersen, Thomas H. Kent, Robert Cecil, Jim Sinclair were submitted later. Other observers include Carol Thompson, Art Huser, and many unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: Heerman's gen'l coloration wrong, two-toned bill juv. too dark ventrally. Mew short bill, yellow or two-tone bill juv. two-tone bill, mottled or barred breast + flanks Mew (L.c. brachyrhynchus) bill short + two-toned 1st win. - tertials lack pale fringes Sabine's small size, distinct wing pattern, including white secondaries. Ivory all plumages generally white Black-headed Bill quite slender + two toned Bonapartes small size, bill small + slender Franklin short bill, juv underparts whitish Ring-Billed 2-tone bill in all plumages, juv spotted breast, larger | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/08:30:00 and 09:45:00/10:15:00 on August 19, 1989 and 07:15:00/07:45:00 and 08:45:00/09:45:00 on August 20, 1989.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
18
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-necked Stilt at Snyders Bend Lake, 1991
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-04-06
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Black-necked Stilt at Snyders Bend Lake in Woodbury County, IA on April 6, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Huser, Bill F.
|
Black-necked Stilt
|
Snyder Bend Park
|
Snyder's Bend Lake, Woodbury County, IA
|
Mudflats with mats of vegetation near old cattails
|
The documentation form by Bill Huser is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Bill Huser (additional sightings), Tanya Bray and Ross Silcock, Jim Fuller, and Babs and Loren Padelford were submitted later. Other observers include John Van Dyke, Eloise Armstrong, Eugene Armstrong, Bob Livermore, Bob Moritz, and Jerry Probst. | Elimination of similar species: Phalaropes - smaller, not as distinct black + white pattern or as long legs. Am. Avocet: upturned bill, white or tawny head + necks - not black over white | The original documentation form event occurred from 10:45:00/11:10:00, from 11:25:00/11:55:00, and around 13:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
20
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Mountain Bluebird at Lake Anita State Park, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-03-07
|
1993-08-05
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for seven Mountain Bluebirds at Lake Anita State Park in Cass County, IA on March 7, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a photograph, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Myers, Robert K.
|
Mountain Bluebird
|
Lake Anita State Park
|
Lake Anita State Park
|
Hilly, grassy lake shore with red cedar
|
The documentation form by Bob Myers forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Steve Dinsmore, Ann Johnson, and Jim Fuller were submitted. Other observers include Beth Brown, James Dinsmore, L. Paul Hertzel, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and many unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: Eastern bluebird would show reddish on throat and breast. Western bluebirds would be darker and also have chestnut on breast. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
13
|
5
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1985
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1985-12-10
|
1993-09-03
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on December 10, 1985. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and six documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Bendorf, Carl J.
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
Red Rock Res. Tailwater
|
|
The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Francis L. Moore, Bob Myers, Beth Proescholdt and Mark Proescholdt, and Dennis Thompson were submitted. Other observers include Joe Schaufenbuel, Darwin Koenig, Steve Dinsmore, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: Thayer's Gull is a difficult bird to identify. In researching this problem, I have found several helpful sources in addition to the standard field guides and I have tried to understand what it takes to know a Thayer's Gull when you see one. Nearly every reference makes it clear that Thayer's cannot be identified on the basis of one or two positive field marks. It takes a combination of characters to come to a conclusion of any certainty. In discussing this particular observation, I will examine each of the fieldmarks and compare and contrast to similar species with liberal reference to the literature, especially Lehman (1980). The most likely similar gulls in this case are 1st winter Herring and 1st winter Iceland (Kumlien's). The Kumlien's form is the darker form of the Iceland Gull and is the form that breeds in the Baffin Island area and winters mainly on the Atlantic coast. Lehman's article deals mainly with Kumlien's. Several similarly sized and possible but unlikely candidates can be eliminated rather quickly. A 1st winter California should not have an all dark bill and would show much darkening in the primaries in flight. Lesser Black-backed Gull could be about the right size, but in flight a 1st winter bird should show darker primary and secondary coverts, more extensively dark primaries, even compared to Herring Gull. A 1st summer Slaty-backed Gull is also light uniform brown with an all dark bill, but it should exhibit extensive darkening in the primaries on the upper wing. A 1st winter Glaucous-winged Gull would be very similar to Thayer's but should be larger, with a larger bill, and less mottling to the body color. Except for the first two, one would probably not consider the likelihood of their occurrence in Iowa to be very great. One hybrid, Glaucous-winged X Western, might be similar but should have a quite heavy bill. [...] Summary: Of the most likely similar species, 1st winter Herring Gull and 1st winter Kumlien's Iceland Gull, each is eliminated by one or more of the features discussed above. The wing pattern is especially damaging to the possibility of Herring, along with the bill shape and size. Iceland is ruled out by the presence of the noticeable tail band and by the darker secondaries on the upper wing. To identify a Thayer's Gull, one must see a combination of field marks. I feel that the bird I saw at Red Rock is consistent on every point.| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:45:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
3
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Whimbrel north of Swan Lake, 1983
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1983-05-24
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Whimbrel north of Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on May 24, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a summary of the review, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Bendorf, Carl J.
|
Whimbrel
|
Swan Lake
|
Approx 3/4 mile north of Swan Lake, Johnson Co., IA
|
Along muddy shoreline of large flooded area. Some weed stubble.
|
The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by James P. Sandrock were submitted later. Other observers include Tom Staudt, James G. Huntington, John L. Cordell, Tom Kent, and Mike Newlon. | Elimination of similar species: According to Robbins, et al., Bristle-thighed Curlew should have a bright rusty tail. This was not observed. Robbins shows Eskimo Curlew with much more barring on flanks, smaller bill. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
23
|
Records Committee Review for rare bird sighting of Pacific Loon at Amana Lake, 1981
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1981-04-28
|
1993-08-16
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Pacific Loon at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on April 28, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life article, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee. The bird was initially reported as an Arctic Loon but was found to be a Pacific Loon.
|
Bendorf, Carl J.
|
Pacific Loon
|
Lily Pond
|
Amana Lake-- near Amana, IA. in Iowa County
|
On water of Amana Lake. Man-made lake and very shallow-less than four feet anywhere.
|
The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Michael C. Newlon and Thomas H. Kent were submitted later. Other observers include Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Tom Staudt, James Huntington, Carl Bendorf, James Sandrock, Lanny Haldy, Tom Shires, and Carol Newlon. | Elimination of similar species: Common Loon is eliminated. No neck ring was present. Distinct lighter color on back on head and upper neck is not like solid head color of loon. Red-throated Loon is eliminated by presence of distinctive light patches on back. | The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/19:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
7
|
7
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black Scoter at Le Claire, 1984
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Forms (documents)
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1984-10-26
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of six Black Scoters at Le Claire in Scott County, IA on October 26, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Bendorf, Carl J.
|
Black Scoter
|
Le Claire
|
1 mi. N. of LeClaire
|
In Mississippi River. Few other live birds in area, but many decoys set out by hunters.
|
The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Robert K. Myers, Francis L. Moore, and Gerald White were submitted later. Other observers include Peter C. Petersen and Jim Fuller. | Elimination of similar species: Surf Scoter is another all dark bird, but it would have a much larger bill that extends on the same angle as a flattened forehead. The definite gray cheek and throat are not present on Surf Scoter. Female Ruddy ducks should be much browner and again have a flattened forehead in line with a larger bill. Black wings eliminate White-winged Scoter. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:35:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
8
|
20
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Long-billed Curlew at Riverton Area, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds
|
1989-04-11
|
1993-08-05
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Long-billed Curelew at Riverton Area in Fremont County, IA on April 11, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Priebe, Carl
|
Long-billed Curlew
|
Riverton Wildlife Management Area
|
Riverton Area Fremont County, IA
|
Shallow water area 3-4" of about 1-2 acres surrounded by mudflats
|
The documentation form by Carl Priebe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Whimbrel - The curlew was larger than the Marbled Godwit, Whimbrels would be about the same size or slightly smaller. Marbled Godwit - This bird has an upturned bill Hudsonian Godwit - This bird has an upturned bill No other bird has a bill comparable to the length and downward curve of the Long-billed Curlew | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
24
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ferruginous Hawk at Thornton, 1997
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-02-12
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Ferruginous Hawk at Thornton in Cerro Gordo, IA on February 12, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Fischer, Carolyn J.
|
Ferruginous Hawk
|
Thornton
|
S.W. Cerro Gordo Co. N.W. of Thornton
|
open country
|
The documentation form by Carolyn Fischer is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Jim Dinsmore, Thomas Kent, and Stephen Dinsmore were submitted later. Other observers include Dick Tetrault, Helen Fye, Dale Fye, Diane Porter, G. Foster, Chris Caster, Mike Overton, Dixie Overton, Rob Muilenburg, Jan Walter, Tim Phalen, Lowell Washburn, Gerald White, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: Krider's Hawk - face wasn't all white + back wasn't heavily spotted. Also larger - Red-tailed Hawk - could not see dark patagial marks. Wingtips were long. Tail was not red - | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/15:20:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
9
|
1
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Purple Sandpiper near New Albin, 1946
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1946-05-12
|
1993-08-19
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Purple Sandpiper near New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on May 12, 1946. Includes a record review document with votes, an account of the sighting in An Annotated List of the Birds of Iowa by Woodward H. Brown, and the original sight record of the Purple Sandpiper in Iowa in Iowa Bird Life 16:70 by A.C. Stewart.
|
Stewart, C.A.
|
Purple Sandpiper
|
New Albin
|
[...] vicinity of New Albin, Allamakee County, in the extreme northeast corner of the state.
|
[...] About one-half mile from where the north fork opens into the Mississippi there is a low, rocky waterfall, surrounded by a sand flat.
|
The documentation form by Charles A. Stewart is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
5
|