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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Pygmy Nuthatch at Des Moines, 1977
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1977-01-26
|
1993-08-26
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Pygmy Nuthatch at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on January 26, 1977. Includes a record review document with votes, multiple articles from Iowa Bird Life, correspondence related to bird sighting and review, and two documentations submitted to the committee.
|
Brown, Woodward H.
|
Pygmy Nuthatch
|
Des Moines
|
[...] 5400 Woodland Ave.
|
|
The documentation form by Woodward H. Brown is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Nicholas Halmi was submitted later. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Mary Brown, Dorothy Ely, Peter C. Petersen, Mary Lou Petersen, Margaret Brooke, Lillian Serbousek, Allen Mueller, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: [...] According to plumage descriptions of the Pigmy and Brown-headed Nuthatches, the only noticeable difference between the two (short of having the bird in hand) is in the color of the crown and nape. The field guides are agreed that the crown of the Brown-headed is brown, but there is a lack of unanimity in their descriptions of the crown of the Pigmy. [...] Margaret Brooke, in writing up the observation for IBL, describes the cap as being "brownish" but has no doubt about this nuthatch being a Pigmy. Mary and I feel the grayish olive description comes closest and cinches the Pigmy identification. | The original documentation form event occurred around 09:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
51
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Boreal Chickadee at Osage, 1978
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1978-11-24
|
1993-08-26
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Boreal Chickadees at Osage in Mitchell County, IA on November 24, 1978. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Woolfries, Andy
|
Boreal Chickadee
|
Osage
|
Osage, Iowa Home Feeder board
|
Home bird feeder - back yard - shrubs and trees.
|
The documentation form by Andy Woolfries is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Associated with other chickadees but noticable [sic] because of distinctive brown cap. There appeared to be only two. They were positively identified at least 20 times from a distance of about six feet. Reference: "Birds of North America". | The original documentation form event occurred at least 20 times over November 24 to 26, 1978.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
49
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Boreal Chickadee at Des Moines, 1976
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1976-11-17
|
1996-04-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Boreal Chickadee at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on November 17, 1976. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph, multiple articles from Iowa Bird Life, a request for reconsideration of record, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Brown, Woodward H.
|
Boreal Chickadee
|
Des Moines
|
Des Moines, IA
|
General: urban, residential Specific: large back yard with both evergreen and deciduous trees and large stand of yew adjacent to feeders
|
The documentation form by Woodward H. Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Mooney, Nicholas Halmi, Lurene Warters, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: Superficially similar to any of the chickadees | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
49
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Common Raven west of Mason City, 1966
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1966-12-28
|
1994-11-04
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Common Raven west of Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA on December 28, 1966. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation article submitted to the committee.
|
Roosa, Dean M.
|
Common Raven
|
Mason City
|
[...] driving from Clear Lake to Mason City
|
|
The documentation article by Dean M. Roosa forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Paul Bailey. | Elimination of similar species: [...] Its flight pattern, size, and rounded or wedge-shaped tail distinguished it from nearby Crows.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
47
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-billed Magpie near Larchwood, 1985
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1985-10-06
|
1993-09-03
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Black-billed Magpie near Larchwood in Lyon County, IA on October 6, 1985. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Harr, Douglas C.
|
Black-billed Magpie
|
Larchwood
|
6 mi. W, 2 mi. S of Larchwood, Lyon County, Iowa
|
General: Hills bordering Big Sioux River Specific: Prairie hills, with some riverbottom & hillside timber, cropfields on tops of hills nearby.
|
The documentation form by Douglas Harr is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Fribley and Paul Hagen. | Elimination of similar species: Only similar groups would be crows, jays and blackbirds. Size, tail shape and unique color pattern dictate nothing else except Black-billed Magpie. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:04:00/14:05:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
45
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Clark's Nutcracker north of Pony Creek Park, 1996.
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-12-20
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Clark's Nutcracker north of Pony Creek Park in Mills County, IA on December 20, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, three photographs, an article in Field Notes, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
|
Clark's Nutcracker
|
Pony Creek Park
|
residential area north of Pony Creek Park, Mills Co., Iowa
|
about a mile into the mixed wooded and open areas of the Loess Hills.
|
The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Stephen Dinsmore, and Peter C. Petersen were submitted. Other observers include Mary Lou Petersen, Brian Blevins, Roy Davis, Bobbie Davis, and many unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: none. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:07:00/09:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
44
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1991
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-03-13
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on March 13, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, seven photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence about bird sighting and review, and eleven documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Schantz, Tim
|
Iceland Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
Below Red Rock Dam, Marion County, Iowa
|
|
The documentation form by Tim Schantz is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Ann Johnson, Thomas H. Kent, Diane Porter, Jim Sinclair, Stephen Dinsmore, James Dinsmore, Beth Proescholdt, and Mark Proescholdt were submitted later. Other observers include Dawn DeVore, Dick Tetrault, Jim Scheib, Beth Brown, Michael Porter, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: [...] Iowa Birds mentions that there is a problem separating Iceland with Thayers. If there was any problem with this bird being anything it was a Glaucous Gull of the same age. However the bird was smaller than the Herring Gulls that were on the roost. Long wings will rule out the rare small race of Glaucous Gull. There are not to [sic] many birds that have primaries lighter than the mantle in the sitting bird.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1997
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-03-19
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on March 19, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, photocopies of three photographs, an article in American Birds, an article in Birding, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence about related bird sightings and review, documentation form for a related sighting and review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee for this review.
|
Brees, Aaron
|
Iceland Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
Red Rock Dam, Marion County, Iowa
|
rock bar below dam, in association with Ring-billed and Herring Gulls
|
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Saylorville Reservoir Dam, 1995
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1995-11-17
|
2000-11-20
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Saylorville Reservoir Dam in Polk County, IA on November 17, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, two photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Iceland Gull
|
Saylorville Dam
|
Saylorville Res., Polk Co.
|
large reservoir
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent and Jim Fuller were submitted later. Another observer includes Chuck Fuller. | Elimination of similar species: The three most similar species are Herring, Thayer's, and Glaucous gulls in first-basic plumage. The latter was eliminated by its larger size and longer, heavier, bicolored bill. First-basic Herring Gull is much darker overall with primaries darker than the upperwing coverts, a pale window on the inner primaries, and rectrices that are all black. First-basic Thayer's Gull is the hardest to eliminate. Thayer's always show primaries that are as dark or darker than the rest of the wing. The dark tail band of Thayer's is always darker than the mantle and apparently matches the color of the wingtips (Kaufman 1990). | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/13:10:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-02-29
|
1994-10-18
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on February 29, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, two photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
|
Iceland Gull
|
Saylorville Lake
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA
|
Near boat marina on shore and swimming with Ring-billed Gulls at wide part of reservoir.
|
The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Bob Cecil was submitted. Other observers include John Cecil, Bob Myers, and Maridel Jackson. | Elimination of similar species: The small size, small head and bill, and all dark bill exclude Glaucous Gull. The lack of any dark in the wing or tail exclude Thayer's Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 12:30:00/13:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Lock and Dam 14 near Le Claire, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-01-04
|
1994-10-18
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Iceland Gulls at Lock and Dam 14 near Le Claire in Scott County, IA on January 4, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, two photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
|
Iceland Gull
|
Lock and Dam 14
|
Lock and Dam 14, Scott Co. Iowa
|
Mississippi River
|
The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Peter C. Petersen was submitted later. Other observers include Dan Dorrance and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: The overall size, head size, bill size, and lack of dipped-in-ink effect on the bill tip exclude Glaucous Gull. I excluded Thayer's Gull because both of these birds had very light primaries (not dark webs on the outer primaries). Neither had a secondary bar or in fact any distinctive marking on the wings. The lack of tail band in the first year bird also excludes Thayer's Gull. I was impressed by the paleness of the gray mantle in the second-year bird, but have too little experience with older Thayer's Gulls to make a comparison. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/12:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Lock and Dam 14, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-01-04
|
1994-10-18
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Iceland Gulls at Lock and Dam 14 in Scott County, IA on January 4, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life article, four photographs, and seven documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
|
Iceland Gull
|
Lock and Dam 14
|
Lock and Dam 14, Scott Co. Iowa
|
Mississippi River
|
The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Robert Cecil, James Fuller, Ann Johnson, Peter C. Petersen, Raymond Cummins, Randall Pinkston were submitted later. Other observers include Beth Brown, Dan Dorrance, Ross Silcock, Tanya Bray, Pete Wickham, Tim Schantz, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: The overall size, head size, bill size, and lack of dipped-in-ink effect on the bill tip exclude Glaucous Gull. I excluded Thayer's Gull because both of these birds had very light primaries (not dark webs on the outer primaries). Neither had a secondary bar or in fact any distinctive marking on the wings. The lack of tail band in the first year bird also excludes Thayer's Gull. I was impressed by the paleness of the gray mantle in the second-year bird, but have too little experience with older Thayer's Gulls to make a comparison. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/12:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Lock and Dam 14 near Le Claire, 1991
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-12-31
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Lock and Dam 14 near Le Claire in Scott County, IA on December 31, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
|
Iceland Gull
|
Lock and Dam 14
|
Lock and Dam 14, Scott Co., IA
|
Mississippi River
|
The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Jim Fuller was submitted later. Other observers include Pete Wickham, John Daniel, Chuck Fuller, Bill Dawes, and John Rutenbeck. | Elimination of similar species: At first I thought the bird might be a Glaucous Gull, but the all black bill quickly excluded that possibility. Later I confirmed that the bird was smaller than Herrings and had a bill that was too small and too short for a Glaucous. I believe that the tail band also argues against Glaucous. I next considered Thayer's Gull, but decided that the tail band was not extensive enough, that there was no secondary bar, that the wing tips were too light (both in flight and on the standing bird), and that the tertials were not dark enough on the standing bird. All of the findings were a good fit for first-winter Iceland Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:35:00 on December 31, 1991 and 08:55:00/10:20:00 on January 1, 1992.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Credit Island, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-11-23
|
1993-07-21
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a California Gull at Credit Island in Scott County, IA on November 23, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence about the sighting from Louise Augustine to Carl Bendorf, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Augustine, Louise
|
California Gull
|
Credit Island
|
Credit Island - Davenport, Iowa - Scott County
|
This is an unfamiliar Area for me - I have never birded there before - The Place Credit Island - Backwater of Mississippi River - There was some ICE and open water - Many Gulls were in this Backwater area - on ice and in water. Probably around 1,500 Gulls -
|
The documentation form by Louise Augustine forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Peter C. Petersen and Jim Fuller were submitted. Other observers include Randy Pinkston, Mary Lou Petersen, Jerome Augustine, David Augustine, and Julie Augustine. | Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull - darker mantle - Dark eye - Leg Color - ashy-green gray not Pink - smaller size - slimmer build Ring-billed Gull - mantle too dark - dark eye - Bill had only a spot Leg Color not yellow - This bird larger than Ring-billed gulls - | The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/13:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
1
|
|
Records committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Campbell's Island in East Moline, 1974
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1974-12-02
|
1993-09-03
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Campbell's Island in East Moline in Rock Island County, IL on December 2, 1974. Includes record review documents with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, summary of the review, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Fawks, Elton
|
Iceland Gull
|
Campbells Island
|
From my residence, Campbell's Island, East Moline, Ill. 3 miles downstream from Lock & Dam 14, Mississippi River
|
First seen at mouth of Honey Creek, flowing into Miss. R.
|
The documentation form by Elton Fawks forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ernie Salder was submitted. Other observer includes Mark Henderson and unidentified individuals on a Christmas Bird Count. | Elimination of similar species: Glaucous Gull | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/12:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull near Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport, 1985
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Tables (documents)
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1985-12-22
|
1993-09-03
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Iceland Gull near Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 22, 1985. Includes record review documents with votes, articles in Illinois Birds and Birding as well as American Birds, correspondence about the bird sighting, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Petersen, Peter C.
|
Iceland Gull
|
Lock and Dam 15
|
Location: Davenport. County: Scott
|
General: Chanel [sic] of Miss. R., near middle of river when standing. Specific: 1/2 - 3/4 mi. above Lock + Dam 15.
|
The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Ann Barker, Mary Lou Petersen, and Bill Barker were submitted. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, Paul Martsching, Pete Wickham, Mark Brogie, Lewis Blevins, Corey Blevins, Brett Ashford, and Dale Dickinson. | Elimination of similar species: Glaucous Gull eliminated by size, wing extention [sic] well beyond tail. Flight, headshape, all emphasized by direct comparison with Glaucous Gulls. The next afternoon Bill Barker compared this bird to two different sized Glaucous Gulls and it was smaller than the smaller Glaucous Gull. Plumage lighter than Glaucous also. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:40:00/12:10:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Saylorville Dam, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-12-07
|
1993-08-06
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on December 7, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, a photocopy of a photograph on the cover page of Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Saylorville Dam
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.
|
large reservoir
|
The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: The size, uniform body and wing color, pale underside of the flight feathers, and tail band eliminates Herring and Glaucous/Iceland gulls, the most likely candidates for confusion. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:04:00/16:42:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
3
|
|
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 Thayer's Gull at Lake Manawa, 1981
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1981-03-19
|
1993-08-26
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on March 19, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence and comments about the sighting, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Silcock, W. Ross
|
Thayer's Gull
|
Lake Manawa
|
Lake Manawa, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
|
|
The documentation form by Ross Silcock is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Peter C. Petersen, and Robert K. Myers were submitted later. Other observers include Tom Shires, James Kovanda, Sandra Kovanda, Tanya Bray, Babs Padelford, Loren Padelford, B.J. Rose, and four unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: The above description separates by direct comparison first-year Thayer's and Herring Gulls, the most similar species present. Thayer's may be confused in first year plumage with Kumlien's form of Iceland Gull, but the Thayer's had primaries slightly darker than the mantle (from above), whereas the opposite occurs in Iceland Gull (Lehman). Lehman also notes that some first-year Western Gulls may show translucent primaries from below in certain light, but these observations took place in excellent light at fairly close range. | The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 09:30:00/11:00:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
3
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Mini-Wakan State Park, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-09-06
|
2000-11-22
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a California Gull at Mini-Wakan State Park in Dickinson County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
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Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann
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California Gull
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Mini Wakan State Park
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Spirit Lake, north end, Dickinson Co., IA
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Lakeshore
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The documentation form by Jim Bangma and Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: Ring-billed is ruled out by the solid gray mantle combined with the extensive molt of the flight feathers. Ring-bills and similar 3 year gulls obtain the gray mantle during a post-juvenal molt. Flight feathers are not molted at this time. Flight feathers are molted after one year, at which time the body of a Ring-bill would be much whiter. Also, the mantle was a much darker shade of gray than any Ring-bill present. Additionally, Ring-billed Gull's bill is proportionally smaller and thinner, with more curve. Herring Gull would be larger. The mantle of a Herring Gull would be paler gray, nearly the same shade as that of the Ring-bills. The bill would be proportionally heavier with a more marked gonydeal angle. Herring Gulls may show a black tipped bill, but the black normally blends into the pink of the base or runs in along the cutting edges of the bill. The bill and legs would be brighter pink. Other similarly sized extralimitals can be ruled out by the mantle color as well as bill pattern and shape. A striking feature of this bird was its leg length. In an effort to better understand this, Bangma paid a visit to the American Museum of Natural History and examined specimens of Herring, Ring-billed and California Gulls. Measurements were made of a representative selection of specimens. The following chart shows the results. [Chart] While there is some overlap between these species, it is interesting to note that the breaking point between California Gull and the other two is very near the ratio of 1.5. While not diagnostic by itself, the length of this bird's tarsus relative to the culmen as estimated by us in the field is indicative of California Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:40:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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1
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Runnells Wildlife Area, 1995
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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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1995-09-03
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2000-11-20
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a California Gull at Runnells Wildlife Area in Marion County, IA on September 3, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, two photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Dinsmore, Stephen J.
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California Gull
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Red Rock Wildlife Area
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1 mi e. of Swan, Marion Co. (Runnells W.A.)
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pool of shallow water
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The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Sinclair, Thomas H. Kent, and Jim Fuller were submitted later. | Elimination of similar species: Ring-billed and Herring gulls are the two most likely species of confusion. Ring-billed Gull never shows this much brown in any plumage, has a dark tail band in immature plumages, has a different wing pattern, and is structurally different from California Gull. Herring Gull is more similar in first-basic plumage, but always shows a pale window on the inner primaries, lacks the double dark bar effect in the innerwing, is larger, and very rarely shows a strongly bicolored bill. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:55:00/12:24:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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1
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Saylorville Dam, 1993
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1993-12-06
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1995-07-08
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a California Gull at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on December 6, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Pinkston, Randall, 1956-
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California Gull
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Saylorville Dam
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Saylorville Reservoir dam, Polk County, Iowa
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The documentation form by Randy Pinkston is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore was submitted later. Another observer includes Susan Grove. | Elimination of similar species: I am uncomfortable committing to California Gull given the brief and distant view I had, and my limited past experience with the species. My fear is that this was just a small Herring Gull. Herring can be quite variable in overall size, bill size, and in terms of color and shade of the first-winter plumage. Supposedly 10-15% of first-winter Herrings' can have a "dipped-in-ink" bill in the fall (Harrison 1983 or Grant 1986?). | The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/15:30:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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1
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Carter Lake, 1993
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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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1993-11-21
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1995-07-08
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a California Gull at Carter Lake in Pottawattamie County, IA on November 21, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Bray, Tanya
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California Gull
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Carter Lake
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Carter Lake, Pottawattamie County
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The documentation form by Tanya Bray forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Loren and Babs Padelford, and Ross Silcock were submitted. Other observers include Jerry Toll and B.J. Rose. | Elimination of similar species: Both Ring-billed and Herring Gulls are eliminated by bill coloration, size, slightly darker mantle, and eye color. Western, Lesser-black backed would be darker mantled, different bill coloration. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:58:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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1
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1990
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1990-10-27
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1993-07-17
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a California Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 27, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, two articles in Iowa Bird Life, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.
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Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
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California Gull
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Babcock Access
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Babcock Access, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson County, Iowa
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shallow, open area of reservoir
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The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Randy Pinkston, Carol Thompson, and Carl J. Bendorf were submitted later. Other observers include Timothy Dwyer, John Cordell, James Huntington, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, and Rick Hollis. | Elimination of similar species: First-year Ring-billed Gulls were all in first winter plumage with gray mantle and were much lighter overall. The only other species considered is juvenile Herring Gull. The size is small for Herring Gull. The elongated appearance and short legs fit California Gull. Most young Herrings that I see in early fall have mostly dark bills that are larger than that of this bird. The double inner wing bar and lighter tertial tips fit California Gull. The overall relatively uniform and relatively light brown color without windows in the inner primaries also made this bird look different from Herring Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:15:00/16:55:00 on October 27, 1990 and from 19:10:00/22:30:00 and 15:00:00/16:00:00 on October 28, 1990.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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1
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Oak Grove Beach at Saylorville Reservoir, 1990
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1990-09-08
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1993-07-17
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a California Gull at Oak Grove Beach at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on September 8, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and the article California Gull at Saylorville Reservoir in Iowa Bird Life 61:20 by Stephen Dinsmore reviewed by the committee.
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Dinsmore, Stephen J.
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California Gull
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Oak Grove Recreation Area
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[...] Oak Grove Beach Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County.
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The article by Stephen J. Dinsmore forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: [...]The bird was similar in size to the largest Ring-billed Gulls, but slightly larger than others. I approached closer and noted that, when compared to a Ring-billed Gull, the bird had duller yellow legs, a stouter bill with black and red spots near the tip of the lower mandible, and a darker gray mantle. [...] The bird was slightly larger than most of the Ring-billed Gulls, although one or two of the biggest Ring-billed Gulls were as large as the bird I was studying. Proportionately, the bird was heavier and larger-headed than a Ring-billed Gull. [...] I estimated the mantle color to be about midway between those of Ring-billed Gull and a Lesser Black-backed Gull. [...] The bill was heavier than the bill of a Ring-billed Gull and had a distinct gonys. The legs were pale gray-green, unlike the bright yellow legs of a Ring-billed Gull. Leg length appeared similar to a Ring-billed Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/09:27:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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1
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