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

Form for reporting Iowa Christmas bird counts to Iowa Bird Life, Ramona R. Sommerlot, December 29, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Identification Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1986-12-29	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Iowa Christmas bird counts of regular and uncommon species found in Eldora contributed by Ramona R. Sommerlot, December 29, 1986. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of winter 1986-1987.	Sommerlot, Ramona R.	American Crow Blue Jay Northern Cardinal Common Pigeon House Sparrow Northern Saw-whet Owl Tufted Titmouse Black-capped Chickadee Northern Shrike Common Starling	Eldora				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	22	6
Form for reporting Iowa Christmas bird counts to Iowa Bird Life, Ruth Phipps, December 29, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1986-12-29	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Iowa Christmas bird counts of regular and uncommon species found in Shenandoah contributed by Ruth Phipps, December 29, 1986. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of winter 1986-1987.	Phipps, Ruth O.	Short-eared Owl House Sparrow American Wigeon Redhead Greater Scaup Long-eared Owl Northern Saw-whet Owl Snow Goose American Coot Northern Pintail Northern Shoveler Greater White-fronted Goose Mallard	Shenandoah				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	22	6
Form for reporting Iowa Christmas bird counts to Iowa Bird Life, Mark Widrlechner, January 1, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1987-01-01	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Iowa Christmas bird counts of regular and uncommon species found in Boone County contributed by Mark Widrlechner, January 1, 1987. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of winter 1986-1987.	Widrlechner, Mark	Red-headed Woodpecker Bald Eagle American Crow White-breasted Nuthatch Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird White-throated Sparrow House Sparrow Common Snipe Northern Saw-whet Owl Winter Wren Black-capped Chickadee Red-winged Blackbird American Robin Dark-eyed Junco Horned Lark American Goldfinch Brown Creeper Common Starling	Boone County				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	22	6
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 19 in Keokuk, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-01-03	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 19 in Keokuk in Lee County, IA on January 3, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Moore, Francis L.	Thayer's Gull	Lock Number 19	Below lock and dam 19, Keokuk, Lee Co., Iowa	Open water below lock and dam 19	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Steve Dinsmore was submitted. Another observer includes Robert Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull has more black in the primaries with a grayer mantle, a larger bill and heavier and bigger head. The under surface of the primaries of a Herring is also darker and has the darkness well into the primaries from the tips. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-01-03	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on January 3, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Thayer's Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Res., Marion Co., Iowa	reservoir, partly frozen	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Staudt, Steve Dinsmore, and unidentified other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: The uniform coloration and lack of dark wing tips were the main marks used to separate it from Herring Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 13:30:00/13:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Form for reporting Iowa Christmas bird counts to Iowa Bird Life, Robert I. Cecil, January 3, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1987-01-03	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Iowa Christmas bird counts of regular and uncommon species found in Keokuk contributed by Robert I. Cecil, January 3, 1987. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of winter 1986-1987.	Cecil, Robert I.	Killdeer Ring-billed Gull Thayer's Gull American Crow Carolina Wren Ring-necked Duck House Sparrow Eurasian Tree Sparrow Common Loon Redhead Greater Scaup Hooded Merganser Ruddy Duck Bufflehead Gadwall Mallard Common Starling	Keokuk				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	22	6
Form for reporting Iowa Christmas bird counts to Iowa Bird Life, Mina Landes, January 4, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1987-01-04	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Iowa Christmas bird counts of regular and uncommon species found in Fort Dodge contributed by Mina Landes, January 4, 1987. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of winter 1986-1987.	Landes, Mina	Northern Flicker Rough-legged Hawk American Crow House Sparrow Barred Owl Purple Finch Fox Sparrow Red-breasted Nuthatch Black-capped Chickadee Dark-eyed Junco Northern Harrier Brown Creeper Common Pheasant Sharp-shinned Hawk Common Starling	Fort Dodge				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	22	6
Form for reporting Iowa Christmas bird counts to Iowa Bird Life, Larry Farmer, January 4, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1987-01-04	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Iowa Christmas bird counts of regular and uncommon species found in Westfield contributed by Larry Farmer, January 4, 1987. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of winter 1986-1987.	Farmer, Larry K.	Cedar Waxwing Common Pigeon House Sparrow Common Redpoll Barred Owl American Tree Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Belted Kingfisher Black-capped Chickadee Brown Creeper Common Starling	Westfield				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	22	6
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Painted Bunting at Bettendorf, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-01-06	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Painted Bunting at Bettendorf in Scott County, IA on January 6, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Petersen, Peter C.	Painted Bunting	Bettendorf	1213 Broadlawn, Bettendorf, Scott Co. IA	urban yard near woods	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ann Barker was submitted later. Other observers include Brian Blevins, Corey Blevins, Betty Hunt, Gil Sandvick, and Leah Levin. \| Elimination of similar species: Nothing is similar in anyway. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/09:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	5
Rare bird documentation form for Savannah Sparrow at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-01-08	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Savannah Sparrow at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area in Guthrie County, IA on January 8, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Savannah Sparrow	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bays Branch WMA, Guthrie Co. (NW parking lot)	walking around on parking lot and mowed grassy area next to the lot	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Grasshopper Sparrow (very unlikely in winter) was eliminated by the longer tail and lack of a flat crown. Vesper Sparrow eliminated by the yellow lores, streaking across the entire breast, and lack of white outer tail feathers. Song Sparrow eliminated by smaller size, yellow lores, and overall lighter coloration. All longspurs eliminated by the lack of any white on the tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	55
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Franklin's Gull at Lock and Dam 19 in Keokuk, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-01-16	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Franklin's Gull at Lock and Dam 19 in Keokuk in Lee County, IA on January 16, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Kleen, Vernon M.	Franklin's Gull	Lock Number 19	Hamilton (Hancock Co), Il. + Keokuk, Iowa	The bird was flying over + around the pool of the Mississippi River just below the lock and dams at Keokuk. The water was open.	The documentation form by Vernon Kleen forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Robert Cecil was submitted. Other observers include Doug Reeves, Kathy Andrews, Mary Grapperhans, Joel Greenberg, and other unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: white windows in wing eliminated Laughing; lack of extensive white in wing eliminated Bonaparte's and Black-headed or Sabines \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	19
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Dickcissel at Davenport, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-01-24	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Dickcissel at Davenport in Scott County, IA on January 24, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Barker, Ann M.	Dickcissel	Davenport	on ground near feeder @ RR3 Box 190, Davenport	Short grassy area under feeder, near bushes & Scotch Pines	The documentation form by Ann Barker is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Bill Barker. \| Elimination of similar species: House Sparrow - Lap. Longspur. Field marks - this bird had definite black bib, bright yellow on breast, yellow eye line, chestnut shoulders. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	6
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Gull on the Iowa River in Iowa City, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-01-31	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of Lesser Black-backed Gull on the Iowa River in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on January 31, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Iowa City	Iowa River - Iowa City	River	The documentation form by Jim Fuller forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf was submitted. Another observer includes Cal Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: I question bill color. Wings + mantle not dark enough for great black backed + too dark for California Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:55:00/10:00:00, 10:10:00/10:15:00, and 13:35:00/13:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Gull near the Ben Butterworth Parkway, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-02-04	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Lesser Black-backed Gull near the Ben Butterworth Parkway in Rock Island County, IL on February 4, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fuller, Charles R.	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Ben Butterworth Parkway	seen from Riverside Park Moline (Bettendorf IA)	River	The documentation form by Chuck Fuller is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Peter C. Petersen was submitted later. Other observers include Mary Lou Petersen, Ann Barker, Jane Fuller, Gerry White, and Tim Dwyer. \| Elimination of similar species: Western - Slatybacked - Yellowlegs Greater Black Backed - size- leg color. difference in mantle color \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	5
Letter to W. Ross Silcock regarding data tables for the Christmas bird count report, February 5, 1987	Correspondence Field notes Tables (documents)	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology	1987-02-05	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter to W. Ross Silcock regarding data tables for Christmas bird count report, February 5, 1987. Several rough drafts of the tables with locations, species and count are included. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of winter 1986-1987.		Thayer's Gull Great Black-backed Gull Brewer's Blackbird Black Scoter Black-legged Kittiwake Sedge Wren Burrowing Owl	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	22	6
Rare bird documentation form for Sandhill Crane north of Amana, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-02-10	1987-02-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sandhill Crane north of Amana in Iowa County, IA on February 10, 1987.	Bendorf, Carl J.	Sandhill Crane	Amana	1 Mile N. of Amana	Large corn stubble field in open country	The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Lanny Haldy and A. Lockridge. \| Elimination of similar species: Whooping Crane eliminate [sic] by gray overall color and lack of noticeable black in wings. Great Blue Heron elimiated [sic] by red patch on forehead and bustle-like tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	1
Doug Reeves letter and photograph to W. Ross Silcock regarding Breeding Bird Atlas special documentation forms and a Barn Owl nest, February 12, 1987	Correspondence Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Birds--Nests Ornithology--Methodology Birds--Infancy	1987-02-12	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter and photograph from Doug Reeves to W. Ross Silcock regarding Breeding Bird Atlas special documentation forms and a Barn Owl nest, February 12, 1987. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of summer 1987.	Reeves, Doug	Barn Owl Northern Goshawk	Boone Tabor Wayne County				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	23	1
Form for reporting Iowa Christmas bird counts to Iowa Bird Life, Mina Landes, January 3, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1987-03-01	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Iowa Christmas bird counts of regular and uncommon species found in Lehigh contributed by Mina Landes, January 3, 1987. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists Union Quarterly field report of winter 1986-1987.	Landes, Mina	Northern Flicker Rough-legged Hawk Red-tailed Hawk American Kestrel American Crow White-breasted Nuthatch Northern Cardinal Common Pigeon House Sparrow Great Horned Owl Purple Finch Hairy Woodpecker Black-capped Chickadee Red-bellied Woodpecker Dark-eyed Junco American Goldfinch Downy Woodpecker Common Starling	Lehigh				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	22	6
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Liscomb Sewage Lagoon, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form fro eight Greater Scaups at Liscomb Sewage Lagoon in Marshall County, IA on March 4, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Greater Scaup	Liscomb	Liscomb Sewage Lagoon - (Marshall Co.)	Open water area away from road with some brush around	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup have the bold white wing stripe on secondaries only, a more angular-shaped head, and a purple gloss for head color. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Turkey Vulture near Donnelson, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-07	1987-03-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Turkey Vulture near Donnelson in Lee County, IA on March 7, 1987.	Pilliod, Christopher	Turkey Vulture	Donnellson	Lee County, north of Donnelson [sic]	open farmland	The documentation form by Christopher F. Pilliod is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Northern Harrier. This bird was too large for a harrier. Wrong underside wing color and pattern for harrier. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	26
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Cone Marsh, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-12	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 12, 1987.	Fuller, James L	Black-legged Kittiwake	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone Marsh	Marsh	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Ring Billed Gull - leg color + tail shape Sabines - size, leg color, + wing pattern \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:16:30.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Eurasian Tree Sparrow at West Branch, 1987	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-03-14	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Eurasian Tree Sparrows at West Branch in Cedar County, IA on March 14, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, a summary of the review, and eight documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Veal, Sally	Eurasian Tree Sparrow	West Branch	in my backyard in West Branch		The documentation form by Sally Veal is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by James Sandrock, Carl Bendorf, Thomas Kent, James Fuller, Peter Petersen, Thomas Staudt, and Francis Moore were submitted later. Other observers include Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Walter Zuurdeeg, Ann Barker, Mary Lou Petersen, and Gerry White. \| Elimination of similar species: As I was filling my bird feeders I noticed two birds in the silver maple behind the house that at first glance appeared to be house sparrows. I was struck by the neat appearance and greater activity of these particular birds and by the fact that they were not associating with the flock of house sparrows near the bird feeders. Even without binoculars I was able to see the black spots on the birds faces. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00 through the afternoon.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	18
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-14	1987-05-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form with additional notes for a White-winged Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on March 14, 1987.	Fix, Andrew S.	White-winged Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	Iowa part of DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge	water, along shore until alerted, then swam further out and finally flew off	The documentation form by Andrew S. Fix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Craig Harms. \| Elimination of similar species: By general shape, bill characteristic, and color this bird was identified as a scoter. The white/creamish spot between the cere and eye and lack of pale cheeks and throat ruled out the Black Scoter; the bill was Also too extended up the forward part of head for a Black Scoter. I did not feel comfortable differentiating Surf from White-winged based on the morphology of the head. No white wing patch was evident while this bird was on the water. In my experience (see #14), the white patches on the heads of female and immature scoters are very unreliable and highly variable. Fortunately the two key characteristics were plainly visible when the bird flew; paddling along the water for a short distance (confirmed scoter), and prominent white secondaries (confirmed white-winger scoter) \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Barrow's Goldeneye at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge, 1987	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-03-14	1996-04-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Barrow's Goldeneye at De Soto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on March 14, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes, a request for reconsideration of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fix, Andrew S.	Barrow's Goldeneye	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	Iowa portion of DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge	water - central portion of large body of water at DeSoto Bend NWR	The documentation form by Andrew S. Fix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Craig Harms. \| Elimination of similar species: Only species for possible confusion is Common Goldeneye, which was readily separable by the lack of dark lateral breast band in Common Goldeneye. Lack of dark back with linear row of white spots parallel to midline in Common Goldeneye and the overall whiter appearance of the Common Goldeneye. The final spot of the Barrow's is supposedly a cresent [sic] however this was not clearly evident in this bird, as the spot it had was suggestive of a cresent [sic] when compared to the nearby Common Goldeneye. Voice and behavior were not helpful in separation in this case. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	21
Rare bird documentation form for Horned Grebe at New Lake, 1987	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-27	1987-08-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Horned Grebe at New Lake in Woodbury County, IA on March 27, 1987.	Livermore, Bob	Horned Grebe	New Lake	New Lake, Woodbury County, Iowa	small Mo. River oxbow with marshy borders	The documentation form by Bob Livermore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Huser and Jerry Probst. \| Elimination of similar species: Eared Grebe: The tuft was starting on a line from the eye and above. Also since the bird was mostly in winter plummage [sic] it still had a very light neck down to water line. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	12