Documents • Iowa State University • Avian Archives of Iowa Online

Title	Genres	Topics	Date (Start)	Date (End)	Type	Description	Creator/Author	Birds	Locations	Locality	Habitat	Remarks

Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Common Poorwill at Waubonsie State Park, 1982	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-06-22	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Common Poorwill at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, IA on June 22, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, a letter from Jean B. Braley to Tom Kent, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Braley, Jean B.	Common Poorwill	Waubonsie State Park	Fremont County, IA., 2 1/2 miles nort of NW corner Waubonsie St. Park	Open field bounded by wooded hills, small stream	The documentation form by Jean B. Braley is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Ruth Phipps and Betty Walters were submitted later. Other observers include Mary Beth Vaughn, Barbara Cunningham, John McNeilly, and Doris McNeilly. \| Elimination of similar species: Call differs from that of Whip poor will (heard in rear by area same evening) and that of Chuck Will's widow, recorded regularly in recent years at Waubonsie Park University. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/09:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	20
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Caribbean Coot at Burr Oak Lake, 1992	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1992-04-26	1994-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Caribbean Coot at Burr Oak Lake in Emmett County, IA on April 26, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Harold White to Tom Kent regarding the sighting, and a documentation letter with a supplement submitted to the committee via Thomas Kent.	White, Harold W.	Caribbean Coot	Burr Oak Lake Wildlife Management Area	lake access to Burr Oak Lake, located in section 21 of High Lake Township, Emmet County.		The documentation letter by Harold L. White is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Sallie White. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Unlike the expected American Coot, this coot had a large and circular raised forehead which was yellow. The yellow was restricted to the raised portion. [...] This coot lacked the reddish circular protrusion at the top base of the bill. This coot was otherwise undistinguisable [sic] from the American Coots.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	15
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Bullock's Oriole at Cedar Falls, 1981	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1981-12-20	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Bullock's Oriole at Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County, IA on December 20, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes, photographs, e-mail correspondence between Jon Dunn, Jim Fuller, James Rising, David Sibley, and Paul Lehman, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Myers, Robert K.	Bullock's Oriole	Cedar Falls	Cedar Falls, Iowa - Black Hawk County	coming to feeder in residential area	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers includes Don Irwin and Paulina Irwin. \| Elimination of similar species: The 'Baltimore' subspecies has the yellow-orange on breast going down the breast thru belly and has a more yellowish back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	11
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-legged Kittiwake at Estherville, 1980	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-11-02	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Estherville in Emmet County, IA on November 2, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence about bird sightings and the review, and field notes submitted to the committee.	Henrickson, Dennis	Black-legged Kittiwake	Estherville	RR4 Estherville, Iowa 51334		The field notes by Dennis Henrickson are the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Most were mature and immature Franklins with a few Ring billed. Eventually one appeared within 20 ft of the tractor that was different. During its first pass I noticed its size between a Franklin and Ring billed, a dark spot and streak behind the eye and that the upper wing front was blackish.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	10
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Woodpecker Marsh, 1999	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-09-07	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Woodpecker Marsh in Wayne County, IA on September 7, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes, two letters from Charlotte Scott to Thomas Kent, and a letter from Thomas Kent to Charlotte Scott.	Scott, Charlotte	Black-headed Grosbeak	Woodpecker Marsh	on a country road near Woodpecker Marsh			Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Warren County Conservation Board Headquarters, 1996	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-12	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Conservation Board Headquarters in Warren County, IA on May 12, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Ken Brock to Tom Kent and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Sinclair, Jim	Black-headed Grosbeak	Lake Ahquabi State Park	Warrren Co. Conservation Board Headquarters	small deciduous trees	The documentation form by Jim Sinclair is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was David Youngblut. \| Elimination of similar species: Several [female symbol] Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were present for comparison. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:45:00/07:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Rush Lake, 1982	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-05-20	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Rush Lake in Palo Alto County, IA on May 20, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, a letter from Ann Sernett to Thomas Kent, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Harms, Ronald	Black-headed Grosbeak	Rush Lake	South side Rush Lake, Palo Alto Co. and Mable [sic] Grous grove, Pocahontas Co.	Open woods	The documentation form by Ronald Harms is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers were Ann Luther, Mabel Grous, Ken Sernett and Ann Sernett. \| Elimination of similar species: there were many [female symbol] Rose-brested [sic] around to compare.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Marble Rock, 1983	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-05-09	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Marble Rock in Floyd County, IA on May 9, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Bruce Peterjohn to Tom Kent, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Knoop, Pearl	Black-headed Grosbeak	Marble Rock	Floyd county, about a mile south of Marble Rock, along river	Narrow tree and shrubby area along the Shellrock. This type of habitat extends along the river on both sides. More bushy in some places than others. There are nearby cultivated fields and tree areas.	The documentation form by Pearl Knoop is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: female rose-breased [sic] grosbeak. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Little Swan Lake, 1982	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-07-14	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Little Swan Lake in Dickinson County, IA on July 14, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, a letter from Bruce Peterjohn to Tom Kent, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Harr, Douglas C.	Black-headed Grosbeak	Christopherson Slough / Little Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area	Woods, N. edge Little Swan Lake, Dickinson Co., Iowa (near Superior)	General: woodlands near lakeshore. Specific: bare branch understory of plum thicket (deep shade), at edge of planting of 25 ft. Austrian pines and black walnut trees.	The documentation form by Douglas C. Harr is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Rose-breasted grosbeak (female)--little or no yellow-tan color to breast & more heavily spotted or streaked. Blue Grosbeak (female)--a more uniform, unstreaked brown or tan. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:22:00/13:23:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Elkhart, 1982	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-11-23	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Elkhart in Polk County, IA on November 23, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Bruce Peterjohn to Tom Kent, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Mosman, Dean	Black-headed Grosbeak	Elkhart	2 M.E. Elkhart, IA	in wooded area	The documentation form by Darwin (Dean) Mosman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Mosman and Diane Mosman. \| Elimination of similar species: Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak only species close to same appearance. No voice heard, behavior and habitat the same. Color and streaking only difference. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:15:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Decorah, 1982	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-07-29	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Decorah in Winneshiek County, IA on July 29, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Bruce Peterjohn to Tom Kent, a summary of the review, and a letter from Jeri McMahon to Tom Kent.	McMahon, Jeri	Black-headed Grosbeak	Decorah	Trout River, near Decorah		A letter from Jeri McMahon to Tom Kent forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The female rose-breasted grosbeak, plus juveniles, were also present that day, so I could compare the 2 species very well. It was not an im. male rose-breasted, although I saw several of those.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Amana Woods, 1982	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-05-10	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Amana Woods in Iowa County, IA on May 10, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Bruce Peterjohn to Tom Kent, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Silcock, W. Ross	Black-headed Grosbeak	Amana Woods	Amana Woods	Deciduous woods. Trail through woods along ridge.	The documentation form by W. Ross Silcock is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Thomas Kent was submitted later. Other observers include Tom Staudt and Carl Bendorf. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:30:00/18:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-billed Magpie at Hitchcock Wildlife Area, 1999.	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-09-27	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-billed Magpie at Hitchcock Wildlife Area in Pottawattamie County, IA on September 27, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes, an e-mail from Sue Mattix to Jim Fuller, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Mattix, Sue	Black-billed Magpie	Hitchcock Nature Area	Hitchcock Wildlife Area, Crescent, IA	forest	The documentation form by Sue Mattix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Howard Mattix. \| Elimination of similar species: Only similar species would be yellow billed magpie - this one had a black bill \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	45
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black Scoter at Volga Lake, 1980	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-11-21	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black Scoter at Volga Lake in Fayette County, IA on November 21, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Tom Kent to Joe Schaufenbuel, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Black Scoter	Volga Lake	Northwest a rea [sic] of Volga Lake, in the Volga Lake Recreation Area, Fayette County, Iowa.		The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The only bird that this duck reminded me of was a Ruddy Duck female, but this bird was difinitely [sic] not this species, and is mentioned because of vague plumage characteristic similarities. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:20:00/14:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	20
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for American Swallow-tailed Kite at Creston in 1872	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds Birds--Collection and preservation Zoological specimens	1988-03-22	1997-10-03	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Records Committee review for an American Swallow-tailed Kite at Creston in Union County, IA on August 25, 1872. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Mark Robbins to James Dinsmore, a letter from Thomas Kent to the Curator of Birds at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and a letter from Raymond A. Paynter, Jr. to Thomas H. Kent.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Records Committee	Swallow-tailed Kite	Creston				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	24
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Amazilia species at Des Moines, 1998	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-09-11	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Amazilia species at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on September 11, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes, photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, two letters from Carole Stolz to T.H. Kent, a letter from Louis Bevier to Tom Kent, e-mail exchanges, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Amazilias	Des Moines	512 SW 60th St., Des Moines, Polk Co., IA	Rather open urban area on southwest side of Des Moines in bottom land. There is a large deck behind the house with hummingbird feeder hanging from the eve and crab apple tree behind the deck and adjacent to the garage. A large vacant field is behind the property.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Don Stolz, Carole Stolz, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, Ann Johnson, Jim Dinsmore, Jim Fuller, Bob Cecil, and Aaron Brees. \| Elimination of similar species: My experience and references of Buff-bellied Hummingbird suggest that the cinnamon color, extent of this color toward the throat, cinnamon rump/back, and white eye spot do not fit this species. I believe that the features shown in the photo of the Arizona 'mystery' bird in Field Notes are a perfect fit for the Des Moines bird. I do not know of specific information on bird trafficking in Iowa. We had a Yellow Grosbeak north of Des Moines in December 1990, the origin of which was never explained. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:50:00/08:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	21
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for a Hummingbird species in Le Claire, 1998	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-03-31	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Hummingbird species at Le Claire in Scott County, IA on March 31, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Don Moeller to Tom Kent and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Schmitz, John A.	Hummingbirds	Le Claire	Le Claire, Iowa		The documentation form by John A. Schmitz is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event occurred from 14:00:00/14:04:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	22
Records Committee review for Anhinga at Lake Darling State Park, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-09-17	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for an Anhinga at Lake Darling State Park in Washington County, IA on September 17, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in the Iowa Bird Life, an article from the Loon, correspondence by mail and e-mail, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Anhinga	Lake Darling State Park	Lake Darling S.P., Washington Co.	soaring high over lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Cormorants are the only birds likely to be confused with an Anhinga. I have seen thousands of Double-crested Cormorants and I have never seen one soar in this manner. Also, a Double-created Cormorant has a neck which is always longer than the tail (in flight) and looks conspicuously large-headed and thick-necked when seen overhead. Neotropic Cormorant is much smaller and, although it is longer-tailed than a Double-crested, the tail is still shorter than the neck in flight. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:42:00/16:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	14
Record Book of the Iowa Ornithologists' Association	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence	Ornithology--Societies, etc Meetings Societies--History, organization, etc	1894-06-15	1898-01-16	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Record book for the Iowa Ornithological Association. The book covers the period from the group's founding as the Iowa Ornithologist's Association on June 15, 1894 to January 16, 1898. The record book includes meeting minutes, copies of the organization's constitution, financial reports, officer and membership lists, and letters regarding the Iowa Ornithological Association.	Iowa Ornithological Association		Iowa City Iowa Mount Vernon Salem Manchester				Iowa Ornithological Association Records \| MS 581	1	1
Peter P. Laude letter to Frederic Leopold regarding the acceptance of the invitation to speak at the Iowa Ornithologists' Union convention, February 13, 1952	Correspondence	Congresses and conventions Ornithology--Societies, etc Ornithology--Study and teaching	1952-02-13	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Peter P. Laude to Frederic Leopold regarding the acceptance of the invitation to speak at the Iowa Ornithologists' Union convention, February 13, 1952. The letter gives details on the expectations for the address. Laude also expresses interest in a trip to Burlington to see the Wood Ducks. This document is continuation of a previous conversation between Laude and Leopold: https://avian.lib.iastate.edu/documents/3077/view and https://avian.lib.iastate.edu/documents/3078/view.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Laude, Peter P.	Wood Duck	Burlington Iowa City				Frederic Leopold Papers \| MS 113	2	6
Peter P. Laude letter to Frederic Leopold regarding an invitation to speak at the Iowa Ornithologists' Union convention, January 10, 1952	Correspondence	Congresses and conventions Ornithology--Societies, etc Ornithology--Study and teaching Meetings	1952-01-10	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Peter P. Laude to Frederic Leopold regarding an invitation to speak at the Iowa Ornithologists' Union convention, January 10, 1952. The letter details the interest in having Leopold appear on the program for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union convention after members of the Cedar Rapids Bird Club read an article by Ries Tuttle describing Leopold's Wood Duck experiences. This document is related to a response from Frederic Leopold: https://avian.lib.iastate.edu/documents/3077/view	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Laude, Peter P.	Wood Duck	Burlington Iowa City				Frederic Leopold Papers \| MS 113	2	6
Oscar Allert letter to Mary Lou Petersen regarding honorary membership in the Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Correspondence	Ornithology--Societies, etc	N/A	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Undated letter from Oscar Allert to Mary Lou Petersen. Allert thanks Petersen and the Iowa Ornithologists' Union for granting him honorary membership during the Union's most recent annual meeting. This document is in response to a letter from Petersen: https://avian.lib.iastate.edu/documents/10089/view	Allert, Oscar P.		Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	45	7
Opal Uher letter to James J. Dinsmore regarding a request to purchase a Peter C. Petersen publication, August 9, 1988	Correspondence Field notes	Bird feeders Bird watching Birds--Nests Birds--Research Ornithology--Societies, etc Birds--Infancy	1988-08-09	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Opal Uher letter to James J. Dinsmore regarding a request to purchase a copy of a publication by Peter C. Petersen. The letter includes field notes on House Finch nesting. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of summer 1988.	Uher, Opal	House Finch	Waterloo				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	23	6
Note to Ames Audubon members regarding an Audubon Wildlife Film, February 1972	Correspondence Announcements	Ornithology--Societies, etc Wildlife conservation Hunting--Moral and ethical aspects	1972-02-01	1972-02-29	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	A note to Ames Audubon members regarding the last Audubon Wildlife Film for the 1971-1972 season on February 14, 1972. Members were encouraged to attend the film which promises to be educational entertainment for the entire family.	Ames Audubon Society		Ames				Big Bluestem Audubon Society \| MS 592	3	2
Neil Bernstein letter to James J. Dinsmore regarding personal papers, summer 1988	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Research Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-06-01	1988-07-31	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Neil Bernstein is interested in Jim's personal papers regarding photography measurement studies and species population wetland studies. The letter also includes bird sightings. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of summer 1988.	Bernstein, Neil	American White Pelican Black-crowned Night Heron American Coot	Dan Green Slough Wildlife Management Area Jemmerson Slough Wildlife Management Area Rush Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	23	6