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

Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope north of Lake View, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-04-26	1996-06-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Phalarope north of Lake View in Sac County, IA on April 26, 1996.	Thelen, Rob	Red-necked Phalarope	Lake View	little pond 1/4 m No. of Lake View	Shed water in a pasture by a creek	The documentation form by Rob Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marty Thelen. \| Elimination of similar species: It was smaller than Wilsons had dark legs + dark back. short bill \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Rare bird documentation form for Thayer's Gull at Island View at Rathbun Reservoir, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-12-20	1986-12-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Thayer's Gulls at Island View Park at Rathbun Reservoir in Appanoose County, IA on December 20, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Thayer's Gull	Island View Park	Rathbun Reservoir, Appanoose Co. (Island View East and West Areas)	sitting on ice and feeding on open water 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 Ray Cummins. \| Elimination of similar species: The first-year birds were separated from first-year Iceland Gull by the distinct tail band and the darker primaries and from first-year Herring Gull by head shape, bill size, more uniform body color, and the silvery-white underwing. The adult bird was separated from an adult Iceland Gull by size, bill shape, and more black (still not too much, though) in the wingtips and from an adult Herring Gull by head shape, bill size, and paler wingtips. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:05:00/10:30:00 and 13:30:00/13:54:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	35
Rare bird documentation form for Herring Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-01-04	1991-01-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Herring Gull at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on January 4, 1991.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Herring Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion County, Iowa	Des Moines River below dam, water mostly open with ice on edges	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller and Tim Barksdale. \| Elimination of similar species: The color of the back and obvious window in the inner primaries, as well as the rest of the feather tracts, all fit 2nd winter Herring Gull and seem to exclude Lesser Black-backed Gull. The soft parts were somewhat atypical, but I was not bothered much by this because I have seen much variation in Herring Gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:25:00 and 12:45:00/13:00:00 (approximate)	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	34
Rare bird documentation form for Herring Gull at MidAmerican Energy Ponds near Council Bluffs, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-05-24	1985-06-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Herring Gull at MidAmerican Energy Ponds near Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County, IA on May 24, 1985.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Herring Gull	MidAmerican Energy Ponds	IPL Settling Ponds, Council Bluffs, Iowa		The documentation form by Barb L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Similar to most of the other large immature gulls of the world. Mantle too light for Black-backed group. Wingtips, even in their folded condition, too dark for Glaucous, Glaucous-winged, etc. that leaves a whole mess of light-mouthed large gulls with dark wing tips. Description seems to match young Herring Gull (second summer ?) well enough. Eye color would probably be becoming pale in a Herring of this plumage, but perhaps not, + it might not show at the distance. I have trouble eliminating California Gull, but it is even harder to support that species.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	34
Rare bird documentation form for Bonaparte's Gull at the Mississippi River at Keokuk, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-31	1988-01-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bonaparte's Gull at the Mississippi River at Keokuk in Lee County, IA on December 31, 1987.	Cecil, Robert I.	Bonaparte's Gull	Keokuk	Miss. River at Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa	Lock and Dam 19 Tailwaters	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Black-headed has dark underwings. I would have noticed this. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:05:00/14:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	33
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-02-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Franklin's Gull at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on February 1, 1991.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Franklin's Gull	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-at spillway below dam		The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The dark gray wings separated from the black wingtip by a white bar, broad white eye crescents, stocky bill lacking a pronounced gonys and rounder wings eliminate Laughing Gull. The combination of the black head and dark gray mantle eliminates other dark-headed gulls such as Bonaparte's and Common Black-headed gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:10:00/17:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Jolly Rogers Campground at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-16	1990-12-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Franklin's Gull at Jolly Rogers Campground at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on December 16, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Franklin's Gull	Jolly Rogers Campground	Coralville Reservoir (Jolly Roger), Johnson Co., IA	wide part of reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Carol Thompson, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: Bonaparte's [handwritten note - 'neither is Franklins!] not hooded at this time of year and has lighter wing with white leading edge. In the last several years, Franklin's Gulls in alternate plumage have been recorded in the midwest in winter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:45:00 estimate.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-16	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Franklin's Gull at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on December 16, 1990.	Bendorf, Carl J.	Franklin's Gull	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson County		The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas Kent, Randy Graesser, John Van Ryebroek, Carol Thompson, and Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Laughing Gull: White in wingtips of adult gull doesn't fit. Bonaparte's Gull: Mantel color seemed too dark for adult bird and white tertial mark on mantel indicates a white trailing edge to wing which doesn't fit. Common Black-headed Gull: same problems as with Bonaparte's. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-02	1987-12-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Franklin's Gulls at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on December 2, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Franklin's Gull	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-above dam	resting with other gulls on 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 dark hood and wing pattern eliminate all other gulls except Laughing Gull. The small bill and white bar separating the black wingtip from the rest of the wing eliminates Laughing Gull (in adult plumage). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:40:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Laughing Gull at Saylorville Lake, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-06-29	1987-06-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Laughing Gull at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on June 29, 1987.	Thompson, Dennis	Laughing Gull	Saylorville Lake	New Beach (sw of marina) Saylorville Lake Polk Co. Ia	Sandy beach	The documentation form by Dennis Thompson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Franklin's gull - bird had a completely different build. I had the advantage of a direct comparison with ring-billed. This bird was smaller, but still larger than a Franklin's. I would say it was half-way between a Ring-bill + Franklin's in size. White was almost non existent [sic] in the wing-tips, both at rest + in flight. The most obvious difference was the structure of the bird. As soon as I saw it, I knew it wasn't a Franklin's. The long neck, size, long legs, long bill, + pot-bellied look caught my eye immediately. I guess another way to describe it was upright-looking. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:30:00/06:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	31
Rare bird documentation form for Laughing Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-08-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Laughing Gull at Babcock Access at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on August 10, 1999.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Laughing Gull	Babcock Access	Babcock Access, Coraville Res., Johnson Co., Iowa	Open, wide part of reservoir with mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Huntington and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: 1st year Franklin's Gull has more pattern to wings and more extensive tail band. 2nd year Franklin's would have less black in outer wing and more of a half-[illegible]. This bird was not close enough to see the bill well on details on the tail band. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:05:00/18:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	31
Rare bird documentation form for Laughing Gull at Saylorville Dam, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-16	1999-04-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Laughing Gull at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on April 16, 1999.	Thompson, Dennis	Laughing Gull	Saylorville Dam	Below Saylorville Dam, Polk Co. Ia		The documentation form by Dennis Thompson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Franklin's + this bird were swimming side by side. Bill longer, bulkier. No white in the wing tips while resting. Stretched its wings once, with no white visible in the primaries nor any white bar separating the gray wing from the black primaries. White spots + bar visible in nearby Franklin's. Direct size comparison noted above. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	31
Rare bird documentation form for Laughing Gull at Sandpiper Recreation Area at Saylorville, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Laughing Gulls at Sandpiper Recreation Area at Saylorville in Polk County, IA on May 22, 1999.	Engebretsen, Bery	Laughing Gull	Sandpiper Recreation Area	Saylorville, parking lot at Sandpiper		The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I could see both Laughing + Franklin's standing side by side. Laughing were clearly 20-25% larger, as was bill. A more prominent 'gonys' made the bill appear somewhat more hooked. In flight, the wing tips were black + more extensive than Franklins, both above + below. I looked carefully for any trace of white between tip + rest of wing, as well as for any white on the head, and there was none. The eye ring was broken on the front, less so in the back. The Franklin's had a rounder appearance to the head than did the Laughing. In flight, the Laughing's tail was pure white. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:05:00/08:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	31
Rare bird documentation form for Long-billed Dowitcher at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-23	1984-09-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for ten Long-billed Dowitchers at Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on September 23, 1984.	Newlon, Michael C.	Long-billed Dowitcher	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	pond E of Dupont Br. Rd, Hawkeye WA Johnson Co IA	muddy pool on reservoir floodplain	The documentation form by Michael Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: scapular pattern, blurry chest markings (rather than 'speckles'), soft edges to side-bars, tail pattern, date, indicate long-bills. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 16:00:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope at Big Spirit Lake, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-09-15	1991-09-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Phalarope at Big Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on September 15, 1991.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Red-necked Phalarope	Spirit Lake	North shore of Big Spirit Lake	Open, protected bay between large lake and marsh	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dennis McFarland. \| Elimination of similar species: Bill shorter than Wilson's but thin. White wing stripes and white highlights distinguished from other phalaropes. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:14:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-07-26	1988-07-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Red-necked Phalaropes at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on July 26, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Phalarope	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co.	Swimming in shallow water with other shorebirds	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: The behavior and body shape eliminates all other shorebirds except phalaropes. The combination of a short, slender bill, a dark eye patch, and light streaks on the back eliminates Wilson's and Red Phalaropes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope east of Colo, 1982.	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Red-necked Phalaropes east of Colo in Story County, IA on May 23, 1982.	Martsching, Paul	Red-necked Phalarope	Colo	pothole 2 1/2 miles East of Colo, Story Co, Iowa	agriculture land - with 'trash' + 'stubble.' pothole	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Nolan. \| Elimination of similar species: Wilson's Phalarope - does not have white stripe down wing. head not so dark. Sanderling has white stripe down wing - details seen when swimming rule it out. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope at Willow Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-05-24	1980-05-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for seven Red-necked Phalaropes at Willow Slough in Mills County, IA on May 24, 1980.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Red-necked Phalarope	Willow Slough State Game Management Area	Willow Slough, Mills County, Iowa.		The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The more common Wilson's Phalarope is eliminated by hood pattern, wing stripe, + dark rump. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:20:00/19:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope at Gilmore City Sewage Pond, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-09-20	1979-12-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Phalarope at Gilmore City Sewage Pond in Pocahontas County, IA on September 20, 1979.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Red-necked Phalarope	Gilmore City	Gilmore City Sewage Pond, Gilmore City, Iowa	Sewage lagoon edge of algae about 15 yards from shore	The documentation form by Raymond L. Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:05:00/08:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Rare bird documentation form for Wilson's Phalarope at Coralville Reservoir, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-10-17	1997-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Wilson's Phalarope at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 17, 1997.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Wilson's Phalarope	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir (Greencastle Ave.), Johnson Co., IA	old backwater now without trees, narrow mud flats	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rita Goranson, Al Goranson, Jim Fuller, and John Rutenbeck. \| Elimination of similar species: At first I thought the bird was a Wilson's, but the date seemed odd. However, the size, lack of back streaks, lack of dark auricular patch, and long thin bill eliminate Red-necked and Red phalaropes, both of which would be more likely at this date. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	29
Rare bird documentation form for Wilson's Phalarope at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-10-17	1997-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a WIlson's Phalarope at Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on October 17, 1997.	Goranson, Rita	Wilson's Phalarope	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Greencastle ave no. of F28 Johnson Co. Hawkeye Wildlife Area		The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Red necked Phalarope has a very distinctive black + gray + white coloring in winter Red Phalarope has a different bill \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	29
Rare bird documentation form for Wilson's Phalarope at Riverton Wildlife Area, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-03-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Wilson's Phalarope at Riverton Wildlife Area in Fremont County, IA on March 28, 1991.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Wilson's Phalarope	Riverton Wildlife Management Area	Riverton W.A., Fremont Co., IA		The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tanya Bray. \| Elimination of similar species: The body shape, bahavior, [sic] and plumage identify the bird as a phalarope. Bill shape eliminates other phalaropes, which would be even more unlikely on this date. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	29
Rare bird documentation form for Wilson's Phalarope at Riverton Game Management Area, unknown year	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	N/A	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Wilson's Phalaropes at Riverton Game Management Area in Fremont County, IA on July 15, unknown year.	Silcock, W. Ross	Wilson's Phalarope	Riverton Wildlife Management Area	Riverton GMA, Fremont County	It was feeding near the shoreline in dead weeds, mostly on foot, but occasionally in deeper water.	The documentation form by Ross Silcock is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers and Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: Other species we considered (albeit briefly) were: Ruff: eliminated by bill size and shape (thin and straight, rather than fairly heavy and thick-based with a slight droop); also eliminated by phalarope feeding actions. Some far out of range Tringa (eg Wood Sandpiper or juv Redshank): legs relatively short; also phalarope feeding actions.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	29
Rare bird documentation form for Common Snipe at Washington Township, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-06-12	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Common Snipe at Washington Township in Winneshiek County, IA on June 12, 1986.	Dietzenbach, Mark A.	Common Snipe	Washington Township	County: Winneshiek Block: Not in survey block Location in detail: Washington Township, section one, two miles south of Calmar. One hundred yards west of Hwy 150 where it crosses concrete bridge.	Wet meadow, sedgy areas, low woody growth nearby, pasture.	The documentation form by Mark A. Dietzenbach is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: American Woodcock; not quite their normal habitat, Plumper, rounded wings, they produce a whisting [sic] sound when flushed. Upland Sandpiper: shorter bill, no stripes on head or back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 20:42:00/20:42:05.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	27
Rare bird documentation form for Long-billed Dowitcher at Swan Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-11-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Long-billed Dowitchers at Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on November 25, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Long-billed Dowitcher	Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area	Swan L., Johnson Co., IA	small natural marsh with low water, mud flats, no vegetation	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: These birds did not have the bold streaking of a snipe. I wouldn't believe a Short-billed Dowitcher at this date if I saw it myself. At any rate, the gray neck and some retained thin rufous edge on wing feathers is typical of molting juvenile Long-billed Dowitcher at this date in Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26