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 Peregrine Falcon at Diamond Lake, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-09-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Diamond Lake in Poweshiek County, IA on September 21, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Peregrine Falcon	Diamond Lake	Diamond L., Montezuma Iowa (Poweshiek Co)	Artificial Lake with lightly wooded edge. Lake drained to produce mud flats. Diamond L.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Newlon, Carol Newlon, and Tom Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Heavy marking and lack of dark axillaries rules out Prairie Falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 16:00:00/16:03:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Gyrfalcon at Bettendorf, 1992.	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1992-01-20	1994-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Gyrfalcon at Bettendorf in Scott County, IA on January 20, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Timper, Edward	Gyrfalcon	Bettendorf	Devils Glen & Middle Road, Bettendorf, Hwy Z30 & Indiana Ave, Rural Scott Cty.	Residential with fields, and rural farm area with picked fields	The documentation form by Edward Timper is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I am a master falconer, and have handled and flown many large falcons, including gyrfalcons, peregrines, prairie falcons, and large exotics such as saker falcons and lanners. I am positive that this is a gerfalcon [sic]. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	4
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of King Eider at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge, 1985	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1985-11-10	1993-09-03	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a King Eider at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County on November 10, 1985. Includes a record review document with votes, diagrams and drawings, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence over the sighting and identification, and nine documentation forms submitted to the committee. Within the documentation forms, sightings of both King Eider and Common Eider are reported.	Bray, Tanya	King Eider	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto NWR, Washington County, Ne.--Harrison County, Ia.		The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Dinsmore, Stephen Dinsmore, Robert K. Myers, Jim Fuller, Francis L. Moore, Beth & Mark Proescholdt, W. Ross Silcock, Tom Kent, Peter C. Petersen, and Babs Padelford were submitted later. Other observers include Mark Dixon, Scott Patton, B.J. Rose, Loren Padelford, and Emil K. Nattalle. Elimination of similar species: Larger than White-winged Scoter in direct comparison. This bird also seemed "heavier" and more massive than the scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	17
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
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Barrow's Goldeneye at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1989	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-01-02	1993-08-05	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Barrow's Goldeneye at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on January 2, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, photographs of the bird, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Silcock, W. Ross	Barrow's Goldeneye	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto NWR	Oxbow Lake, Partly open	The documentation form by Ross Silcock is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Steve Dinsmore and Jim Fuller were submitted later. Other observers include Ann Johnson, Ruth Green, and Tanya Bray. \| Elimination of similar species: See above - all features eliminate Common Goldeneye. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	21
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-11-07	1982-11-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Ross' Geese at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 7, 1982.	Dinsmore, James J.	Ross' Goose	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto NWR	see below	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Dinsmore, Steve Dinsmore, and George Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Geese- smaller, in size, bill smaller and shorter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:02:00 for first sighting and 15:00:00/15:05:00 for second sighting.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Brant at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge, 1980	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-11-02	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Brant at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 2, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life article, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, James J.	Brant	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Natl. Wildlife Refuge, Harrison Co (shot in NE corner on Iowa side of refuge)	Shot in field on refuge	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Randall G. Sease and Maury J. Muhm were submitted later. Other observers include John Kounas. \| Elimination of similar species: Canada Goose-size of hutchin's race but no white cheek patch, otherwise bill size, neck proportions, and overall size matched Hutchins. Brant-not adult because lacked white necklace, not dark race because belly was light. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	9
Records committee review for rare bird sighting of Brown Pelican at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge, 1992	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1992-05-06	1994-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Brown Pelican at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on May 6, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in the Nebraska Bird Review about the sighting, two photographs, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Rose, B.J.	Brown Pelican	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Harrison County, IA, and Washington County, NE. It was on the south end of the oxbow, just above the dam.	Missouri River oxbow lake	The documentation form by B.J. Rose is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Jim Fuller, and Peter C. Petersen were submitted later. Other observers include Babs Padelford, Ross Silcock, Dick Tetrault, and Brian Blevins. \| Elimination of similar species: White Pelican is white with black wing tips; some were present for comparison. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	11
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-08	1981-11-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 8, 1981.	Klaas, Erwin E	Prairie Falcon	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	Open Country, Cropfields, scattered trees	The documentation form by Erwin E. Klaas is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ben Klaas. \| Elimination of similar species: See above. Presence of dark axillar markings distinguished it from immature peregrine falcon. Underparts were light with a few dark streaks. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-16	1985-11-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 16, 1985.	Proescholdt, Beth	Surf Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend, Horseshoe Bend, Lakeview	horseshoe bend, center of channel, + nearing Iowa shore.	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller, Mark Proescholdt, Jim Dinsmore, Steve Dinsmore, and Mark Dixon. \| Elimination of similar species: White-winged Scoter - by the difference in shape of white facial spot by bill - the much large, much whiter spots, + perpendicular to bill, not oval, we decided it was a Surf Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-11	1985-11-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 11, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Surf Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend NWR, Harrison County	large oxbow lake along major river	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Dinsmore, Mark Dixon, and B.J. Rose. \| Elimination of similar species: Other scoters eliminated by uniform dark wing, large bill, two white spots on cheek, and white path on back of head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-05	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Washington County, NE on November 5, 1981.	Bray, Tanya Kovanda, Sandra Padelford, Babs	Prairie Falcon	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend NWR (Nebr. portion)	Missouri River Bottomland; Cottonwood trees and fields	The documentation form by Tanya Bray, Babs Padelford, and Sandy Kovanda is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: This bird had distinct black axillaries, unlike either Peregrine Falcon or Merlin. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-22	1986-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 22, 1986.	Fuller, James L	Surf Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend NWR	Lake	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Charles Fuller, Jane Fuller, and refuge staff. \| Elimination of similar species: White Winged Scoter - no white wing area, and the white spot on face just behind bill was vertical. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:35:00 and 14:20:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1980	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-25	1980-12-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for five Ross' Geese at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 25, 1980.	Johnson, Rex R.	Ross's Gull	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge Harrison County, Iowa	Habitat - Cornfield within 30m of refuge lake, near road that runs through refuge.	The documentation form by Rex R. Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Robert Frederick. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Shrike at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-02-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Shrike at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on February 24, 1983.	Bray, Tanya Kovanda, Sandra Padelford, Babs	Northern Shrike	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge		The documentation form by Tanya Bray, Sandy Kovanda, and Babs Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Mockingbird sized but heavier-bodied. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	75
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-02-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for eleven Greater Scaups at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on February 24, 1983.	Bray, Tanya	Greater Scaup	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge		The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Sandy Kovanda and Babs Padelford. \| Elimination of similar species: These bird were determined to be Greater rather than Lesser Scaup on the following characteristics: Rounded heads with large, very broad bills. Pure white sides and pale gray backs. Almost size of Mallards.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Baird's Sparrow at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1976	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-04-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Baird's Sparrow at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on April 27, 1976.	Bray, Tanya	Baird's Sparrow	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend N. Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley, Iowa	River Bottom Land - Nat. Wildlife Refuge Plowed strip with road on one side, small trees and underbrush bordering it on the other.	The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marian Meier.\| Elimination of similar species: This bird had no yellow above eye as in Savannah. Also the breast stripes were confined to necklace. No noticable [sic] white on tail as in Vesper. No buff on breast as in Lincolns, LeContes, or Henslows. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:50:00/12:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	7
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Prairie Falcon at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge, 1981	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1981-12-20	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Prairie Falcon at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on December 20, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Prairie Falcon	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto	Farming and in cropland	The documentation form by Barb Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rick Wright and Dave Menke. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	6
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-12-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on December 20, 1981.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Prairie Falcon	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto	Farmyard in cropland	The documentation form by Barb Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rick Wright and Dave Menke. \| Elimination of similar species: Pigeon size or bigger. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Tanager at Des Moines, 1971	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1971-11-04	1999-04-02	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Western Tanager at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on November 4, 1971. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Brown, Woodward H.	Western Tanager	Des Moines	Des Moines, IA	Well-kept back yard of apartment in the heart of Des Moines	The documentation form by Woodward H. Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Mary Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: Too large for goldfinch, wing bars eliminate Summer or Scarlet Tanagers which would not be here at this time. Bill obviously not oriole or finch. \| The original documentation form event lasted briefly, mid-afternnon [sic].	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	29
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Boreal Chickadee at Des Moines, 1976	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1976-11-17	1996-04-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Boreal Chickadee at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on November 17, 1976. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph, multiple articles from Iowa Bird Life, a request for reconsideration of record, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Brown, Woodward H.	Boreal Chickadee	Des Moines	Des Moines, IA	General: urban, residential Specific: large back yard with both evergreen and deciduous trees and large stand of yew adjacent to feeders	The documentation form by Woodward H. Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Mooney, Nicholas Halmi, Lurene Warters, and many unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Superficially similar to any of the chickadees \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	49
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Greater Yellowlegs south of Saylorville Dam, 1984	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1984-12-15	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Greater Yellowlegs at Sayloville Dam in Polk County, IA on December 15, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Engebretsen, Bery	Greater Yellowlegs	Saylorville Dam	Des Moines River, Just S. of Saylorville Dam	DSM river, sandbar	The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser has smaller, thinner bill and no upturn \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	21
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle near Saylorville Dam, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-12-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle over the Des Moines River near Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on December 4, 1985.	Engebretsen, Bery	Golden Eagle	Saylorville Dam	Des Moines River, just below Saylorville Dam	Des Moines river channel below Saylorville Dam - Open water, modest sized maple, cottonwood, mallards and few other ducks in area (goldeneye, C. merganser)	The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White in wing of imm. Bald in less vivid, blotchy and on coverts, not base of primaries. Also white on tail not so vivid or banded as was this one. Body color was darker than Bald. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Gull at the Des Moines River in Des Moines, 1993	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1993-12-21	1995-07-08	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at the Des Moines River in Des Moines in Polk County, IA on December 21, 1993. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Cecil, Robert I.	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Des Moines	Des Moines River, Downtown Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa	River	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Most other dark mantled gulls have pink legs. Yellow-footed gull is larger in size than Herring. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	5
Rare bird documentation form for Hooded Merganser at Fraser Dam, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-01-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hooded Merganser at Fraser Dam at Fraser in Boone County, IA on January 1, 1999.	Healy, Kevin Healy, Rosanne Niyo, Kayleen Gardner, Anna	Hooded Merganser	Fraser	Des Moines River just below Fraser Dam		The documentation form by Kay Niyo, Rosanne Healy, Kevin Healy, and Anna Gardner is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Similar species could be Common Merganser, but the bird seen was much smaller with no white breast. Also, Bufflehead would have white on the breast and sides and white behind the eye and no crest. Redbreasted Merganser would be much larger than the bird seen and would have an orange bill and some white on breast. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:50:00 and 13:30:00/13:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	15