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 sighting for Merlin at Des Moines in 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-01-24	1988-02-26	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird sighting for for a Merlin at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on February 17, 19, and 26, 1988; also includes additional species sighting information.	Martsching, Paul	Short-eared Owl Merlin Northern Shrike	Des Moines Doolittle Prairie State Preserve Hendrickson Marsh Wildlife Management Area				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Field Sparrow near Lehigh in 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Rare birds	1988-01-02	1988-01-09	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for six Field Sparrows near Lehigh in Webster County, IA on January 2, 1988.	Landes, Mina	Field Sparrow	Lehigh				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	51
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 Black-legged Kittiwake at Saylorville, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-12	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Black-legged Kittiwakes at Saylorville in Polk County, IA on December 12, 1987.	Engebretsen, Bery	Black-legged Kittiwake	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville	lake n. end of Saylorville, near 17 bridge	The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Bonapartes - see above [...] larger than Bonaparte's it was with. Dark bill, dark spot, dark bar on nape of neck. More prominent on one bird, than the other. White on trailing edge of wing extended to secondaries, and dark on leading edge of wing more extensive than Bonaparte's. Dark bar on proximal wing more defined than imm. Bonaparte's. Dark trailing edge of tail. Sabines - imm. wing pattern distinctly different \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-09	1988-02-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on December 9, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Black-legged Kittiwake	Jester Park	Saylorville Reservoir - N. end of Jester Park	Wide River area - tree branch for perching	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore and Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: An immature Bonaparte's Gull lacks the dark black bar across the nape and the dark lines on its back are lighter than a Kittiwake. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:40:00/13:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
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 Black-legged Kittiwake at Saylorville Reservoir in 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-01	1987-12-18	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA from December 1 to 15, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Saylorville Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Pectoral Sandpiper at Big Creek State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-01	1987-12-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pectoral Sandpiper at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on December 1, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Pectoral Sandpiper	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk Co.	mudflat area at north end of lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bart Ballard. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, yellowish legs, and well defined 'necklace' eliminates all other shorebirds except Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. The fact the the [sic] eyeline did not broaden behind the eye and the streaked rather than buffy breast eliminates Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:35:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	23
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Cardinal Marsh, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-winged Scoters at Cardinal Marsh in Winneshiek County, IA on November 29, 1987.	Dietzenbach, Mark A.	White-winged Scoter	Cardinal Marsh State Wildlife Area	Cardinal marsh Winneshiek Co.	Large open water area of water	The documentation form by Mark Dietzenbach is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Marty. \| Elimination of similar species: We had no reservations about identification. \| The original documentation form event lasted almost an hour.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Saylorville Reservoir in 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-29	1987-12-02	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 29, December 1 and 2, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Saylorville Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Randall D. Williams letter to Thomas H. Kent regarding a Snowy Owl sighting in Sioux City, November 26, 1987	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Photography of birds Rare birds Owls--Behavior	1987-11-26	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Randall D. Williams to Thomas H. Kent regarding a Snowy Owl sighting in Sioux City, November 26, 1987. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of fall 1987. This document is related to a field report contributed by Jack Jones that contains a photograph of the Snowy Owl sighting in Sioux City: https://avian.lib.iastate.edu/documents/4015/view	Williams, Randall D.	Snowy Owl	Sioux City				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	23	2
Rare bird documentation form for Barn Swallow at Red Rock Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-21	1987-11-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Barn Swallow at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 21, 1987.	Moore, Francis L.	Barn Swallow	Lake Red Rock	N.E. side of St. Hwy 14 bridge across Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co.	Partially frozen water near bridge, near weedy back waters	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent, Bob Cecil, and Bob Myers. \| Elimination of similar species: No other swallow has long swallow tail, forked, pointed on outer retrices, dark blue-black color on back and medium tan to cinnamon color below.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	87
Documentation of American Bittern and Black-crowned Night Heron sightings, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Rare birds	1987-11-21	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Documentation of two separate bird sightings. Document includes an American Bittern at Forney's Lake, Fremont County, IA on November 21, 1987 and a Black-crowned Night Heron at Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County, IA on November 8, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	American Bittern Black-crowned Night Heron	Forneys Lake Saylorville Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	17
Rare bird documentation form for Long-billed Dowitcher at Big Creek State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Long-billed Dowitcher at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 19, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Long-billed Dowitcher	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park-north end	muddy area along lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Short-billed Dowitcher eliminated by the birds call note (should be softer notes for Short-bill) and by the combination of gray/brown underparts, gray back with light feather edgings, and barred undertail coverts. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:05:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Black Scoter sighting details contributed by Barbara L. Wilson, November 14, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-14	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Field notes contributed by Barbara L. Wilson detailing the sighting of a Black Scoter at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 14, 1987.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Black Scoter	Saylorville Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Dowitcher species at Red Rock Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Dowitchers at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 13, 1987.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Dowitchers	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir at #14, Marion Co. IA	mud flat on large reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lack of stripes and upright posture eliminate Common Snipe. Typical dowitcher profile. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Semipalmated Sandpiper at Red Rock Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for sixteen Semipalmated Sandpipers at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 13, 1987.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Semipalmated Sandpiper	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Res, Marion Co, IA	mud flats, large reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I judged birds to be small peeps. Too small and gray to be Pectorals. Dunlin would be more likely, but bills not long enough or droopy + body too small. Did not have brown color on bill to suggest Least. Date would be second latest for Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/11:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	17
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three White-winged Scoters at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 13, 1987.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	White-winged Scoter	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Res., Cherry Glen boat access, Polk Co., IA	large reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: No other duck is all dark with white wing patches. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Barn Swallow at Red Rock Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Barn Swallow at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 13, 1987.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Barn Swallow	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Res. #14 bridge, Marion Co. IA	Large Reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Behavior and landing place clearly made it a swallow. Red on throat and forked tail, eliminate all other species. Only tree swallow would be likely at this date. Actually, I knew what the bird was as soon as I got my binoculars on it. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:48:00/11:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	87
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-10	1987-11-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation forms for a Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co-above dam	swimming 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: Other grebes eliminated by the large size and light crescent on the cheek. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the late afternoon.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Great Black-backed Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-07	1987-11-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Great Black-backed Gull at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 7, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Great Black-backed Gull	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-off Jester Park	feeding with other gulls on large reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Andrew S. Fix. \| Elimination of similar species: The large size and dark wingtips eliminates all gulls except Western and Yellow-footed. The massive, dark bill, tail pattern, and pale body color eliminates these. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	38
Rare bird documentation form for American Woodcock at Bronson in 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-01	1987-12-20	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for two American Woodcocks at Bronson in Woodbury County, IA on November 1 and December 20, 1987.	Wheelock, Douglas A.	American Woodcock	Bronson				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	28
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-01	1987-11-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 1, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-above dam	resting on large reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engebretsen. \| Elimination of similar species: The size and shape eliminates loons and all other grebes except Western Grebe. The bill shape, light mark on the cheek, and the position of the wing patch eliminates Western Grebe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Birds: verifying documentation of an extraordinary sight record for Red-Necked Grebe, November 1, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Rare birds	1987-11-01	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe by Bery Engebretsen at Saylorville in Polk County, IA on November 1, 1987.	Engebretsen, Bery	Red-necked Grebe	Saylorville				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-10-31	1987-11-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for six Black Scoters at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on October 31, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Black Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto NWR, Harrison Co.-seen on both Iowa and Nebraska sides of oxbow at the Lakeview overlook	swimming on lake with other ducks	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Andy Fix and fourteen members of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society. \| Elimination of similar species: Other scoters eliminated by the white patch on the throat and by the dark wings (seen on only one bird). Note that we had four Surf Scoters for direct comparison. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13