|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull at Sandpiper Beach at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-05-10
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Laughing Gull at Sandpiper Beach at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on May 10, 1996. Includes one record review document with votes, a photograph, correspondence about bird sighting, an Iowa Bird Life Article, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Laughing Gull
|
Sandpiper Recreation Area
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA
|
resting on beach with other gulls
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: The bird was clearly one of the "hooded" gulls. The combination of size, mantle color, and upperwing pattern eliminates all of the hooded gulls except for Franklin's Gull. The larger size, less obvious white eye crescents, larger and longer bill, and extensively dark tips to the underwings eliminated Franklin's Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/13:10:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
18
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull at Runnells Area, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-08-17
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Laughing Gull at Runnells Wildlife Area in Marion County, IA on August 17, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a photograph, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Laughing Gull
|
Red Rock Wildlife Area
|
Runnells W.A., Marion Co., IA
|
large lake
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ray Cummins was submitted later. Other observers include Jim Sinclair. | Elimination of similar species: The combination of size, brown coloration, and bill and leg color eliminated other gull species. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/10:35:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
18
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Little Gull near Jester Park in Saylorville Reservoir, 1988
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1988-10-27
|
1997-10-03
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Little Gull near Jester Park in Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 27, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence requesting reevaluation of record, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Little Gull
|
Jester Park
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-near Jester Park
|
flying and feeding over reservoir with other gulls
|
The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ann Johnson was submitted later. | Elimination of similar species: The small size, black "W" across the back of the wings, lack of a lighter "window" on the inner primaries, and slightly blunter wingtips eliminates all other gulls. | The original documentation form event lasted from 16:22:00/18:05:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
20
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Little Gull at Sandpiper Beach at Saylorville Reservoir, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-10-08
|
1996-01-25
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Little Gull at Sandpiper Beach at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 8, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence about the request for reevaluation of record, a photograph, photocopy of two photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Little Gull
|
Sandpiper Recreation Area
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-seen off Sandpiper Beach Recreation Area
|
seen flying over large reservoir with several Ring-billed Gulls
|
The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Pam Allen and Reid Allen were submitted later. | Elimination of similar species: The bird was obviously too small to be one of the larger gulls, like a Ring-billed or a Herring gull. The very pale mantle, dark spot behind each eye, and lack of black on the top of the primaries eliminates Franklin's and Laughing gulls. The black underside of the flight feathers, pale gray mantle and wings, white wingtips, and rounded wings eliminates Bonaparte's and Sabine's gulls and kittiwakes. The square tail and wing pattern eliminates Ross' Gull. The smaller size, black underside of the flight feathers, lack of a white "wedge" on the upper surface of the outer primaries, rounder wings, and lack of black on the upper surface of the primaries eliminates Common Black-headed Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:34:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
20
|
|
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 Little Gull at Big Creek Lake, 1994
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1994-11-14
|
1996-04-25
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Little Gull at Big Creek Lake in Polk County, IA on November 14, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes, two photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and nine documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Little Gull
|
Big Creek Lake
|
Big Creek Lake
|
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 Jim Dinsmore, Thomas H. Kent, Ann Johnson, Jim Fuller, Mark Proescholdt, Beth Proescholdt, Ray Cummins, and Chris Edwards were submitted later. Other observers include Bob Myers, Chris Caster, Carol Thompson, Jim Sandrock, Tim Schantz, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, Fred Brink, Phil Walsh, Dick Tetrault, Hank Zaletel, Dennis Thompson, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Jane Clark, and many unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: gulls. The black underwings eliminated all other gulls except Ross', which has a smaller bill and an obvious wedge-shaped tail. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:52:00/13:08:00 and 16:20:00/16:44:00 on November 14, 1994.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
20
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Little Gull at Black Hawk Lake, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-04-21
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Little Gull at Black Hawk Lake in Sac County, IA on April 21, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and two documentations submitted to the committee.
|
Ernzen, Peter
|
Little Gull
|
Black Hawk Lake
|
[...] south east corner of Blackhawk Lake in Sac Co.
|
|
The documentation by Peter Ernzen forms the basis of this record. A documentation form by Jim Fuller was submitted. | Elimination of similar species: [...] The other five hooded gulls were eliminated for a variety of reasons. Franklin's and Laughing Gull would be larger, darker mantled and have a prominent eye ring. Sabine's Gull would've had a bicolored bill, forked tail and different - white triangular - pattern to its wings. The larger Common Black-headed Gull looks like a larger version of a Bonaparte's Gull with a brownish hood and a red bill. The associated Bonaparte's Gulls were darker mantled and larger. The wings were more angular in appearance with a white leading edge and black wing tips. I have observed all but the Laughing Gull - though the Sabine's Gulls were immature, the distinctive wing pattern is present in both adults and immatures - and feel confident in calling this an adult Little Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:30:00 and 11:00:00/11:08:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
20
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Common Black-headed Gull at Cherry Glen Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-11-02
|
1993-08-05
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Common Black-headed Gull at Cherry Glen Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 2, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, photocopies of four photographs, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Black-headed Gull
|
Cherry Glen Recreation Area
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-off Cherry Glen Rec. Area
|
large reservoir
|
The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by B.J. Rose was submitted later. Other observers include Doug Rose, Roger Rose, and Ken Lowder. | Elimination of similar species: Because of the fairly small size and conspicuous dark spot behind each eye, the bird must have been a Bonaparte's, Little, Common Black-headed, or Ross' gull, or a kittiwake. Separation from Bonaparte's Gull is discussed above. Little Gull eliminated by its smaller size, dark bill, lack of any black color on the upperwing, and uniformly dark underside to the flight feathers. Ross' Gull eliminated by tail shape, bill size and color, and darker underwing. Both kittiwakes eliminated by bill color, lighter mantle color, and differences in wing pattern. | The original documentation form event lasted from 16:17:00/16:42:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
21
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-headed Gull at Spirit Lake and Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area, 1994
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1994-08-02
|
1998-06-09
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Black-headed Gull at Spirit Lake and Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area in Dickinson County, IA on August 2, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a photograph, and thirteen documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Black-headed Gull
|
Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area Spirit Lake
|
n. end of Spirit L., Dickinson Co., IA
|
large lake
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore for the 11:25 AM sighting forms the basis of this record. A second form by Stephen J. Dinsmore for the 12:12 PM and 5:40PM sighting was submitted as well. Other documentation forms by Lee A. Schoenewe, Pete Ernzen, Jim Fuller, Thomas H. Kent, Peter C. Petersen, Ed Thelen, Babs Padelford, Loren Padelford, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, Beth Proescholdt, and Mark Proescholdt (two separate forms) were submitted later. Other observers include LaVonne Foote, Nancy Schoenewe, Beth Brown, Tim Schantz, Brian Blevins, Corey Blevins, Bob Livermore, Roland Barth, Kim Eckert, Russ Widner, Phil McFadden, Bill Huser, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. | Elimination of similar species: The combination of red bill and legs, brown hood, size, very pale gray mantle and upperwings, and black undersides to the inner primaries eliminates several similar species, including Franklin's, Laughing, Little, Bonaparte's, and Ross' gulls. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:25:00/11:42:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
21
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-headed Gull at Big Creek State Park, 1994
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1994-11-17
|
1998-06-09
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Black-headed Gull at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 17, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Cummins, Raymond L.
|
Black-headed Gull
|
Big Creek Lake
|
Big Creek State Park Polk Co.
|
Open water
|
The documentation form by Ray Cummins forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Stephen J. Dinsmore and Jim Dinsmore were submitted. Other observers include Dennis Thompson and Susan B. Grove. | Elimination of similar species: see above [...] The setting gull in direct comparison to the two Bonaparte's was lighter mantled, larger, whiter headed, the bill was longer and heavier, and the bill was reddish black not pure black like the Bonaparte's. In flight the gull had the same upper wing pattern as the Bonaparte's. [...] The underwing was not totally black like the Little Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:36:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
21
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-headed Gull at Jemmerson Slough Wildlife Management Area, 1997
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-07-16
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Black-headed Gull at Jemmerson Slough Wildlife Management Area in Dickinson County, IA on July 16, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Proescholdt, Mark
|
Black-headed Gull
|
Jemmerson Slough Wildlife Management Area
|
Jemmerson Slough area - Dickinson County
|
Small water area with land for gulls to roost on
|
The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer is Ed Thelen. | Elimination of similar species: No other gull quite like this one. A Bonaparte's Gull is smaller, has a black bill, and lacks the dark smudge on the underwings. | The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:20:00/11:05:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
21
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mew Gull at Lock and Dam 14, 1982
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1982-12-19
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Mew Gull at Lock and Dam 14 in Scott County, IA on December 19, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a summary of the review, comments and correspondence on the sighting, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
|
Laughing Gull
|
Lock and Dam 14
|
Lock and Dam 14, Scott Co. Iowa
|
Mississippi River
|
The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas J. Staudt, Peter C. Petersen, Tim Dwyer, and Francis L. Moore were submitted. Other observers include Don Moeller, Jean Moeller, Mary Lou Petersen, Bob Linden, Clark Scott, and Larry Linder. | Elimination of similar species: Separated from Ring-bill by gray head and mantle, wing-tip, size, character of terminal tail band, and bill color and shape. Separated from Franklin's by wing tip pattern (in face of nearly white tail, ie 2nd year bird) | The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 09:40:00/09:50:00 and 14:15:00/14:45:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
23
|
|
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 Mew Gull at Lakeview Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, 1993
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1993-12-20
|
1996-01-25
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Mew Gull at Lakeview Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on December 20, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Mew Gull
|
Lakeview Recreation Area
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA-on jetty at Lakeview Rec. Area
|
perched on jetty with other gulls
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Susan Grove, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. | Elimination of similar species: On the basis of size and general plumage characters, this species could only be confused with Ring-billed Gull, hundreds of which were available for direct comparison. The combination of slightly smaller size, distinct head shape, bill color and shape, dark eye, and slightly darker mantle and upperwings are sufficient to eliminate Ring-billed Gull. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:42:00/16:53:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
23
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mew Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1994
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1994-12-11
|
1996-04-25
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Mew Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on December 11, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Mew Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
below Red Rock Reservoir dam, Marion Co., IA
|
spillway
|
The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Sinclair, Ray Cummins, and Thomas H. Kent were submitted. Other observers include Tim Schantz, Jim Fuller, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: The only species with which this bird could be confused is Ring-billed Gull. The tail and wing patterns, generally darker coloration, large eye, and smaller bill all eliminate first-winter Ring-billed Gull. Identification to subspecies was based on tail pattern and more extensive dark color on head and underparts. | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:20:00/08:30:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
23
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mew Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1996-11-29
|
2000-11-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review of a Mew Gull at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 29, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Mew Gull
|
Saylorville Lake
|
Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA
|
large reservoir
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: The wing pattern, size, and lack of black marks on the face eliminated any of the smaller gulls (i.e. Bonaparte's). The small size and smaller bill size eliminated California Gull. Ring-billed Gull was eliminated on the basis of the darker mantle and upperwings, large, dark eye, and bill color and shape. | The original documentation form event lasted from 16:03:00/16:41:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
10
|
23
|
|
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 California Gull at Oak Grove Beach at Saylorville Reservoir, 1990
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1990-09-08
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
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.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
California Gull
|
Oak Grove Recreation Area
|
[...] Oak Grove Beach Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County.
|
|
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.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
1
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1990
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1990-10-27
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
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.
|
Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
|
California Gull
|
Babcock Access
|
Babcock Access, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson County, Iowa
|
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 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 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 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 Mini-Wakan State Park, 1996
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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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1996-09-06
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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 Thayer's Gull at Lake Manawa, 1981
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1981-03-19
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1993-08-26
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Rare birds documentation form
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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.
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Silcock, W. Ross
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Thayer's Gull
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Lake Manawa
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Lake Manawa, Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
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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.
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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 a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1985
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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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1985-12-10
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1993-09-03
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Rare birds documentation form
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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.
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Bendorf, Carl J.
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Thayer's Gull
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Red Rock Dam
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Red Rock Res. Tailwater
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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.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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11
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3
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