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 Merlin at Cone Marsh Wildlife Area, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-04-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Cone Marsh Wildlife Area in Louisa County, IA on April 21, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Conesville Marsh Louisa Co. Iowa	wet grassy field and wooded edge. Conesville Marsh between lakes	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include T.K. Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel, Sharp-shinned Hawk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:40:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Co. Rd. W48 in Johnson County, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1979-03-18	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Co. Rd. W48 in Johnson County, IA on March 18, 1979.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Co. Rd. W48, Johnson Co., Iowa	over flooded fields, tailwaters of Coralville Reservoir	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - slimmer, flight less direct and powerful. Sharp-shin: Rounded wings, relatively longer tail, more flapping flights \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:00:15.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Cayler Prairie State Preserve, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-07-09	1999-07-11	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Cayler Prairie State Preserve in Dickinson County, IA on July 9, 1999.	Harr, Douglas C.	Merlin	Cayler Prairie State Preserve	1/2 mi. N. of Cayler Prairie State Preserve, Dickinson Co., IA	Mostly open grasslands w/ scattered trees & brush; Little Sioux River	The documentation form by Douglas C. Harr is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Kestrel -- larger; different color & patterns, different flight pattern, no hovering. N. Harrier -- Smaller; Sharper wings, different body pattern, no white rump patch, no hovering or lazy, low soaring. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:46:00/14:49:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Brookside Park, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1978-03-20	1978-04-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Brookside Park in Ames in Story County, IA on March 20, 1978.	Johnson, Ellen J.	Merlin	Brookside Park	Brookside Park, Ames, Story County, Iowa	park near Iowa State University. Deciduous woods with many trails - flew over Squaw Creek	The documentation form by Ellen Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ornithology Class (Pam Keigley, Pam White, John Hemphill, and Robin Bruegman). \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - too large for a kestrel. Sharp-shinned hawk - it had more pointed wings. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Boone County, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-01-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Boone County, IA on January 1, 1999.	Havlik, Mike	Merlin	Boone County	Boone County	Bird was spotted flapping about 1 foot off of the ground, landed in the corner of a corn field and began feeding on an unidentified bird.	The documentation form by Michael Havlik is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Schmitz and Jason O'Brian. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel - no black mustache marks, no rufous on back. Sharp-shinned Hawk - pointed wings, dark eye, wide tail band, open field habitat. Peregrine and Prairie Falcon - smaller size, lack of bold mustache. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Big Sioux Recreation Area, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-09-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Big Sioux Recreation Area in Sioux County, IA on September 7, 1994.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Merlin	Big Sioux Reacreation Area	[...] South Pits just south of Hawarden in western Sioux County.		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: My first thought was that I was looking at a Kestrel. A second look, however, immediately revealed the absence of the facial markings characteristic of a Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Big Sand Mound, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-08	1984-10-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Big Sand Mound in Muscatine County, IA on September 8, 1984.	Newlon, Michael C.	Merlin	Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve	Big Sand Mound Muscatine Co.	extensive sandy prairie w/ scattered small trees	The documentation form by Mike Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: falcon shape, banded tail, lack of distinct face pattern yield ID. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Big Marsh, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-04-29	1983-04-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Big Marsh in Butler County, IA on April 29, 1983.	Myers, Robert K.	Merlin	Big Marsh Wildlife Area	Big Marsh - Butler Co.	Marsh	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrels Tails do not have the bold black bands, and show reddish on tail + back (NOT overall blue-gray). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Bay's Branch Wildlife Management Area, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-20	1989-01-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Bay's Branch Wildlife Management Area in Guthrie County, IA on December 20, 1988.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Merlin	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bay's Branch WMA, Guthrie Co.	grassy field bordered by pine and cedar shelder belts	The documentation form by Ray Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Hoogerheide. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel by tail pattern, heavy breast, and did hover during flight. Eurasian Kestrel female by tail was squared not wedged. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Bangor Township in Marshall County in 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-08	1982-11-30	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Bangor Township in Marshall County, IA on October 8 and 21, 1982.	Sommerlot, Ramona R.	Merlin	Bangor Township				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Babcock Lake Road in Hawkeye Wildlife Area in unknown year	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	N/A	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Babcock Lake Road in Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on October 10, unknown year.	Newlon, Michael C.	Merlin	Babcock Access				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Andover, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-27	1998-01-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Andover in Clinton County, IA on December 27, 1997.	Blevins, Brian L.	Merlin	Andover	Andover, IA. Jackson Co. Iowa	Open country, the bird was in only tree at farm house were he was watching smaller birds at a pole birdfeeder.	The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Corey Blevins and Ann Barker. \| Elimination of similar species: Eliminate Kestrel by size and coloring. Eliminate Peregrine by size and lack of dark head cap. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:23:00/09:24:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Ames, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-01-31	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Ames in Story County, IA on January 31, 1991.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Merlin	Ames	Ames, Story Co.		The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Falcon-like appearance eliminates other raptors. The smaller size, white axillars, and tail pattern eliminates other falcons. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:47:00/15:54:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Marsh Wren at Cooper Prairie Marsh, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-31	1982-11-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Marsh Wrens at Cooper Prairie Marsh in Story County, IA on October 31, 1982.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Marsh Wren	Cooper Prairie Marsh	Coopers Marsh, Story County	Small Cattail Marsh 1-2 ft water	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kraig Downs. \| Elimination of similar species: Sedge Wren - lacks the white eye stripe - shorter tail \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:30:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	3
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit north of Waterloo, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit north of Waterloo in Black Hawk County, IA on May 2, 1984.	Moore, Francis L.	Marbled Godwit	Waterloo	4 mi. North of Waterloo (U.S. Hwy 20) at ponds along Wagner Rd. Black Hawk Co., IA	Flooded field, farmland	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit usually darker on sides and breast with a white rump patch. The Hudsonian does not have cinnamon wing linings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:02:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit in Missouri Valley, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-04-10	1978-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Marbled Godwits in Missouri Valley in Harrison County, IA on April 10, 1978.	Gochenour, Ruth A.	Marbled Godwit	Missouri Valley	3 miles North of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Harrison County	Wet meadow	The documentation form by Ruth A. Gochenour is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Naomi Svenningsen and Justin Gochenour. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit. Extremely large shore bird - this bird was lacking white rump-and black tail, chestnut under parts - The cinnamon wing linings were easily seen. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit east of Colo, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-08-15	1982-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit east of Colo in Story County, IA on August 15, 1982.	Moore, Francis L.	Marbled Godwit	Colo	Pond alongside the road about 2 to 3 mi East of Colo, Story County, Iowa	Pond starting to dry up alongside a hard surface road.	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit has a white upper tail area with a dark terminal area on the tail. The Hudsonian also does not have the Cinnamon underwing coverts as this bird had. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at Willow Slough, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-05-19	1981-05-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mabled Godwit at Willow Slough in northeast Mills County, IA on May 19, 1981.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Marbled Godwit	Willow Slough State Game Management Area	Willow Slough, N.E. Mills County, Iowa	Standing in shallow water in drying slough.	The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit is similar, but has contrasting rump + wing stripe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:00:00/06:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at Secret Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-04-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for eighteen Marbled Godwits at Secret Lake in Fremont County, IA on April 21, 1994.	Fuller, James L	Marbled Godwit	Cooper Creek Wildlife Management Area	Secret Lake near Percival (Fremont County)		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers are unnamed and not counted. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at northeast Mills County, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-04-24	1984-05-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit at northeast Mills County, IA on April 24, 1984.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Marbled Godwit	Mills County	NE Mills County, Iowa (Former Tom Axtell farm, recently purchased by a Stortenbecker)		The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Other large shorebirds Hudsonian Godwit: White wingstripe + in rump Dowitchers: white rump + back Long-billed Curlew: similar I think the bill was straight but am eliminating this mainly by probability. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/07:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at MidAmerican Energy Ponds in 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds Wildlife conservation	1982-04-24	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit at MidAmerican Energy Ponds in Pottawattamie County, IA on April 24, 1982.	Moore, Francis L.	Marbled Godwit	MidAmerican Energy Ponds				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at Forney's Lake, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-05-16	1985-06-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four Marbled Godwits at Forney's Lake in Fremont County, IA on May 16, 1985.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Marbled Godwit	Forneys Lake State Wildlife Management Area	Forney's Lake, Fremont 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: Hudsonian Godwit has white wing stripe + rump. Long-billed Curlew has decurved bill + would be most unusual here. most [sic] sandpipers are smaller than dowitchers.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at Council Bluffs, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-04-24	1982-04-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit at Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County, IA on April 24, 1982.	Myers, Robert K.	Marbled Godwit	Council Bluffs	Cooling ponds south of Council Bluffs, Ia.	sandy mudflat	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore and Ross Silcock. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit would have had a white rump. Hudsonians would also be grayer if in winter plumage and rustyer [sic] red if in spring. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at Big Marsh near Parkersburg, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-04-05	1981-04-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit at Big Marsh near Parkersburg in Butler County, IA on April 5, 1981.	Moore, Francis L.	Marbled Godwit	Big Marsh Wildlife Area	Big Marsh near Parkersburg, IA (Butler County)	Marsh, Shallow and mostly drained marsh	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers, Jody Hines, Antoinette Camarata, and Russell Hays. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit has white upper-tail coverts and no cinnamon in the under-wing linings \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:01:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Marbled Godwit at Big Marsh in 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds Wildlife conservation	1981-04-05	1981-04-15	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit at Big Marsh in Butler County, IA on April 5, 1981.	Myers, Robert K.	Marbled Godwit	Big Marsh Wildlife Area				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14