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

Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Hitchcock Nature Area, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-11-24	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species bird at Hitchcock Nature Area in Pottawattamie County, IA on November 24, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and two copies of a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Orsag, Mark	Jaegers	Hitchcock Nature Area	Hitchcock Nature Area Hawkwatch	Missouri River Valley Floodplain	The documentation form by Mark Osrag is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Sue Mattix. \| Elimination of similar species: Dark immature gulls were eliminated by flight pattern, body-to-wing shape profile (as above), and the well seen identical translucent patches on the wings. Other jaeger species were eliminated by the bird's size. It thermalled above a wetland area beyond HNA's 'Westridge' with a group of Ring-billed Gulls. Size comparison was perfect-revealing a noticeably larger, heavier-bodied bird. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:45:00/14:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Rare bird documentation form for Hudsonian Godwit at Spring Run, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-10-19	1995-12-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hudsonian Godwit at Spring Run in Dickinson County, IA on October 19, 1995. Letter from Ed Thelen to Tom Kent about a video of the sighting on unknown date.	Thelen, Ed	Hudsonian Godwit	Spring Run Complex Wildlife Management Area	Spring Run - Dickinson County	Wetlands - mudflat	The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White rump eliminated marbled godwit.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	13
Rare bird documentation form for Hudsonian Godwit at Amana Lake, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-28	1994-11-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hudsonian Godwit at Amana Lake in Iowa County, IA on October 28, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Hudsonian Godwit	Lily Pond	Amana L., Iowa Co., IA	large shallow lake at low water with extensive mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Marbled Godwit is eliminated by the white rump, wing stripe, and lack of cinnamon or brownish coloration. Black-tailed Godwit is eliminated by the contrasting and dark underwing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	13
Rare bird documentation form for Hudsonian Godwit at Harrier Marsh, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-10-26	1996-10-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Hudsonian Godwit at Harrier Marsh in Boone County, IA on October 26, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Hudsonian Godwit	Harrier Marsh	Harrier M., Boone Co., IA	shallow pond	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James J. Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: The large size and slightly upturned, bicolored bill identified the bird as a godwit. In flight, the combination of a white rump and black wing linings ruled out other godwit species (Marbled, Black-tailed, and Bar-tailed). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:52:00/18:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	13
Rare bird documentation form for Hudsonian Godwit at Saylorville Reservoir, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-08-09	1997-08-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for twenty-six Hudsonian Godwits in Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on August 9, 1997.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Hudsonian Godwit	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA	islands at upper end of reservoir	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The large size and bill shape identified the birds as godwits. The black wing linings, white wing stripe, and white rump eliminate other godwit species (Marbled, Bar-tailed, and Black-tailed). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:20:00/16:06:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	13
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at West Okoboji Lake, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-12-18	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at West Okoboji Lake in Dickinson County, IA on December 18, 1993.	Harr, Douglas C.	Black Scoter	West Okoboji Lake	NW side of West Okoboji Lake, Dickinson County, Iowa	Open lake	The documentation form by Douglas C. Harr is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Lee Schoenewe. \| Elimination of similar species: larger than nearby Lesser Scaup. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/15:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at West Lake Okoboji, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-12-18	1993-12-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at West Lake Okoboji in Dickinson County, IA on December 18, 1993.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Black Scoter	West Okoboji Lake	West Lake Okoboji, Dickinson Co.	open water	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Douglas C. Harr. \| Elimination of similar species: Ruddy Duck - carriage of head, bill shape and longer body. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/15:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at West Okoboji, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-12-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at West Okoboji Lake in Dickinson County, IA on December 13, 1993.	Harr, Douglas C.	Black Scoter	West Okoboji Lake	West Okoboji Lake, Dickinson County	Open Lake	The documentation form by Douglas C. Harr is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Lee A. Schoenewe. \| Elimination of similar species: Other Scoters -- other species all have swollen base of bill; other female scoters lack prominent off-white on neck, cheeks, throat & chin. Female Redhead--browner in overall color, light colors on throat ,etc. not prominent. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/15:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Davenport, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-12-20	1992-12-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 20, 1992.	Bryant, Robert R.	Black Scoter	Davenport	Miss. River along S. Concord at corner Wapello Ave. Davenport, Scott Co.	Miss. River near outlet of sewage treatment plant.	The documentation form by Bob Bryant is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dan Dorrance and Leroy Sowl. \| Elimination of similar species: Ruddy Duck - smaller, wide bill, one was nearby for a while for comparison. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Sprague's Pipit at Waterman Creek Area, 1998	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-02-22	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Sprague's Pipit at Waterman Creek Area in O'Brien County, IA on February 22, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Sprague's Pipit	Waterman Creek	Waterman Creek Area O'Brien Co	Open, weedy field with old corn stubble	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Nancy P. Schoenewe. \| Elimination of similar species: Smith's Longspur - song in flight [...]s rattle call Water Pipit and Vesper Sparrow - call note and song in high, circling flight light underwings with buffy body \| The original documentation form event occurred around 14:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Sprague's Pipit at Kettleson's Hogback Wildlife Management Area, 1994	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-04-09	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Sprague's Pipit at Kettleson's Hogsback Wildlife Management Area in Dickinson County, IA on April 9, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes, a follow up letter from Lee Schoenewe to the IOU Records Committee, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Sprague's Pipit	Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area	Kettleson's Hogsback WPA., Dickinson Co.	Grassland along shallow marsh	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was LaVonne Foote. \| Elimination of similar species: American Pipit - Leg color; Behavior; Breast color + streaking; streaked back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Sprague's Pipit north of Missouri Valley, 1978	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1978-04-11	1994-01-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Sprauge's Pipit north of Missouri Valley in Harrison County, IA on April 11, 1978. Includes a record review document with votes, a request for reconsideration of record, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Gochenour, Ruth A.	Sprague's Pipit	Missouri Valley	Two miles north of Missouri Valley, Iowa	Plowed field - corn stubble - Soil wet from rain - deep grassy ditches on both sides of rd.	The documentation form by Ruth Gochenour is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Naomi Svenningsen. \| Elimination of similar species: American Pipit, Vesper Sparrow - Legs-flesh colored - not clark - Lacked cinnamon shoulder patches - and streaking on back as described in #6. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Sprague's Pipit southwest of Delhi, 1977	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1977-05-01	1994-01-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Sprague's Pipit southwest of Delhi in Delaware County, IA on May 1, 1977. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation submitted to the committee.	Serbousek, Lillian	Sprague's Pipit	Delhi	[...] 7 miles N.E. of Ryan - 5 miles S.W. of Delhi on plowed corn field adjacent to hayfields and pasture		The documentation form by Lilian Serbousek is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [..] -seen with Water Pipits, Vesper Sparrow and Golden Plover and Horned Larks - looked quite similar to Vesper Sparrow-white outer tail feathers, buffy above and streaked, white below with streaks on breasts & sides (couldn't see bill well at this distance) [...] close enough to see bill was long and slender (like Vesper's pushed down and forward) also was pinkish and dark at tip (lower mandible was lightest) was sure it wasn't a Water Pipit because of streaked back, breast coloration and leg coloration - bird walked and ran, Savannah and Vesper Sparrow that were also on the ground hopped, flight was undulating and was more graceful compared to low buzzy flights of the two sparrows, the wings appeared pointed and long (as a whole the bird looked more slender) not as vocal as the Water Pipits, notes were higher and thinner (1 syllable instead of two) then Water Pipits	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Great Cormorant at Rice Lake, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-09-08	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Cormorant at Rice Lake in Worth County, IA on September 8, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Bangma, Jim	Great Cormorant	Rice Lake	Rice Lake	Lake	The documentation form by Jim Bangma is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Ann Johnson was submitted later. \| Elimination of similar species: Double-crested is smaller, with a much thinner neck. There is a noticeable transition from the thin neck to the larger head. In this bird, there was no noticeable widening from the neck to the head. Additionally, Double-crested has a proportionally much smaller and weaker bill. Double-crested's forehead slopes more evenly into the bill. While these differences may be difficult to see in single birds without comparative experience, in direct comparison they are significant. Additionally, the orange facial skin combines with the gular pouch to accentuate the overall orange color of the face. Other extralimital black cormorants can be ruled out on size alone, additionally, most have thinner necks and smaller bills than even Double-crested. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Spirit Lake, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-11-17	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Jaeger species bird at Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on November 17, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Jaegers	Spirit Lake	Spirit L., Dickinson Co., IA	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James J. Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of size, dark coloration, and white in the primary shafts eliminated the possibility of a juvenile gull. Despite the great distance and lack of a good view of the wing pattern, I believe the bird was a Pomarine Jaeger. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/14:43:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Record Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Lake Manawa, 1995	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-09-24	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Jaeger species bird at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, Iowa in September 24, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren	Jaegers	Lake Manawa	Lake Manawa, Pottawattamie County, Iowa		The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] We saw a gull like bird sitting on the water. We identified it as a jaeger by the all brown coloration and black, hooked bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted about a minute at an undisclosed time.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Oak Grove Recreation Area at Saylorville Lake, 1994	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-09-22	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species bird at Oak Grove Recreation Area at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on September 22, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Armstrong, Eugene	Jaegers	Oak Grove Recreation Area	Saylorville Lake- off Oak Grove Beach	Beach and Lake	The documentation form by Eugene Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Not a pomarine because it was not large enough Bill too long for a Longtail Bird much smaller and lighter bodied than a Pom. * Had a light weight body - small fairly long bill with a sharp hook on the end with little going angle. All brown - central tail feathers not visible. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger Species at Lake Manawa, 1976	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1976-09-04	1994-02-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species bird at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on September 4, 1976. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation account reviewed by the committee.	Hoffman, Thomas A.	Jaegers	Lake Manawa State Park	Lake Manawa		The documentation form by Thomas A. Hoffman is the only one reviewed and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] I am relatively sure, from its actions, its size and shape (not heavy like a typical Pomarine, nor as small as a Long-tailed - it was close to the size of the Ring-billed Gull), and place (Parasitics are more common inland than the other two), that it was a Parasitic Jaeger. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:00:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Jaeger species at Rice Lake, 1966	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1966-09-04	1994-02-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species at Rice Lake in Winnebago County, IA on September 4, 1966. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation account reviewed by the committee.	Sutter, B.E.; Sutter, Barton	Jaegers	Rice Lake	[...] shore of Rice Lake [...]		The documentation form by Barton E. Sutter is the only account reviewed and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Mark Sutter. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] one characteristic had been very noticeable-the great amount of white color that flashed as the bird flew, both on the upper- and undersides of the wings. At the time I did not realize the importance of this detail, but I recorded it along with my other field notes as I knew from past reading that distinguishing between Long-tailed and Parasitic Jaegers could be tricky. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 18:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger Species at Riverview Cemetery in Algona, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-10-29	1993-07-21	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Jaeger species birds at Riverview Cemetery in Algona in Kossuth County, IA on October 29, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Jaegers	Riverview Cemetery	Riverview Cemetery Algona, Ia.	fly-over hill overlooking Des Moines River valley	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Wrong color for a gull, no terminal tail bands, no gray, no white except for the lightness at the base of primaries, no darker primaries (black wingtips). Bill was gull-like, but hooked mail different. May have been exagerated [sic] by a darker color than basal portion. Flight was direct and strong, a "confident" feel I get from birds of prey. \| The original documentation form event occurred around an estimated 11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Saylorville Lake, 1988	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-11-19	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Jaeger species at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on November 19, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation letter submitted to the committee.	Fix, Andrew S.	Jaegers	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Lake		The documentation form by Andrew S. Fix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] I ruled out other gulls, especially A [sic] young Herring Gull (1st yr) because of the location of the white (belly & wings) as well as the deep rowing flight. In addition, I had the opportunity to observe the Pomarine Jaegers earlier this fall at the same location and the markings were similar, except this bird was darker with a white belly. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:40:00/14:40:25.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Saylorville Reservoir, 1988	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-09-28	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Jaeger species at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on September 28, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Armstrong, Eloise	Jaegers	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Lake	Lake	The documentation form by Eloise Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Bigger than a coot that he made 3 passes at and tried to kill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Jaeger species at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-10-27	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Jaeger species bird at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 27, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Jaegers	Jester Park	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-off Jester Park	landed with other gulls roosting on reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The body color and wing pattern eliminates all other larids. I was not able to identify the bird to species because of the poor light. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:56:00/17:21:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Virginia Rail at Brown's Lake in Woodbury County, 1998	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-01-01	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Virginia Rail at Brown's Lake in Woodbury County, IA on January 1, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Virginia Rail	Browns Lake	Brown's L., Woodbury Co., IA	marsh with open water	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was much too small to be a King Rail. Bill shape and pattern on the underparts eliminated Sora, the only other likely species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:23:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Tundra Swan at Red Rock Reservoir, 1988	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-12-18	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Tundra Swan at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 18, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Ann	Tundra Swan	Red Rock Dam	Des Moines River below Red Rock Dam - Marion Co., Iowa	river with sandbars	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Steve Dinsmore was submitted later on Jan 6, 1989. Other observers include Erik Munson, Wyman Borts, and Jim Sinclair. \| Elimination of similar species: Mute swan immature eliminated by bill color. Trumpeter swan eliminated by the presence of many white feathers at this date and concave bill shape. Unable to determine size difference. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	13