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 Great Black-backed Gull near the Ben Butterworth Parkway in Moline, 1986	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1986-12-21	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Black-backed Gull near the Ben Butterworth Parkway in Moline in Rock Island County, IL on December 21, 1986. Includes a record review document with votes, summary of review, and six documentations submitted to the committee.	Sandvick, Gil	Great Black-backed Gull	Ben Butterworth Parkway	Ben Butterworth Parkway Miss. River - Il. side		The documentation by Gil Sandvick is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentations by Thomas H. Kent, James Fuller, Carl Bendorf, Mary Lou Petersen and Peter C. Petersen, and Francis Moore were submitted later. Other observers include Doris Sandvick, Carol Rogers, Tim Dwyer, Al Hahn, Cal Knight, Ann Barker, Betty Hunt, Kelly McKay, Lewis Blevins, Brian Blevins, Corey Blevins, and other unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] It was standing with approx eight Herring gulls. "It really stood out." [...] 1. Using Robbins + Peterson books confirming Herring. Great Black-Backed and Lesser Black Gull we eliminated by size to 24"-26". 2. His overall appearance including bill, head and body seemed much larger and fuller than the Herring gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:35:00/16:05:00 on December 21, 1986 and 10:00:00/11:00:00 on December 23, 1986.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	8
Rare bird documentation form for Swainson's Thrush at Sioux Center, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-06-08	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Swainson's Thrush at Sioux Center in Sioux County, IA on June 8 ,1997.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Swainson's Thrush	Sioux Center	Sioux Center		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Wendy and Susan Van Dyk. \| Elimination of similar species: Gray-cheeked Thrush: The eye-ring and buff on face and upper breast were unmistakable. Veery: The spots on the breast were bold and clear, and the upper parts showed no tan or reddish hue. Wood Thrush: The upperparts were clear -- no heavy round spots like the Wood thrush, and no reddish upperparts. Hermit Thrush: No reddish tail, and no sign of the characteristic tail-wagging. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the morning.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	8
Rare bird documentation form for Swainson's Thrush at Des Moines, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-11-14	1996-11-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Swainson's Thrush at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on November 14, 1996.	Cecil, Robert I.	Swainson's Thrush	Des Moines	1315 41st St. Des Moines, IA	Urban Residential	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The uniformity of color on the bird's upper parts in conjunction with the conspicuous eyering [sic] eliminates all other thrushes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	8
Rare bird documentation form for Swainson's Thrush at Laurens, 1985	Field notes	Bird banding Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-11	1985-11-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Swainson's Thrush at Laurens in Pocahontas County, IA on November 11, 1985.	Carlson, Judith	Swainson's Thrush	Laurens	318 W. Garfield - Laurens	Town yard - many high bush Canberry [sic] bushes	The documentation form by Judith Carlson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ron Harms. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	8
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Yellowlegs at Big Creek Wildlife Area, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-25	1988-11-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Yellowlegs at Big Creek Wildlife Area in Polk County, IA on November 25, 1988.	Johnson, Ann	Lesser Yellowlegs	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek Wildlife Area, Polk Co., IA	Mudflats at end of freshwater lake	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include unknown number with unknown names. \| Elimination of similar species: The long, yellow/orange legs eliminated most other shorebirds. In order to differentiate from the greater yellowlegs, I compared body size to the killdeer with which it was feeding and the bill size to the head. Both field marks eliminated the greater and confirmed the lesser. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:10:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	8
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Yellowlegs at Big Creek State Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Yellowlegs at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on November 19, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Lesser Yellowlegs	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek S.P., Polk Co.-north end	feeding in shallow water adjacent to large mudflat	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include many other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: The body shape, yellow legs, small, slender, straight bill, and small size compared to Dunlin eliminates Greater Yellowlegs. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:35:00/16:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	8
Field notes contributed by Hank Zaletel, summer 1981	Field notes Reports	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Emberizidae \| Sparrows	1981-06-01	1981-07-31	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Summer report of birds contributed by Hank Zaletel. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of summer 1981.	Zaletel, Hank	American Kestrel Pied-billed Grebe Orchard Oriole Franklin's Gull Black-crowned Night Heron Wood Duck Canada Goose Great Blue Heron	Deweys Pasture State Game Management Area Hendrickson Marsh Lake Jemmerson Slough Wildlife Management Area Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife Management Area Ledges State Park Rush Lake Silver Lake Story County Trumbull Lake West Hottes Lake Garlock Slough Wildlife Management Area McFarland Lake Park				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	19	8
Barbara L. Wilson letter to Thomas H. Kent regarding summer bird sightings and populations, July 31, 1981	Correspondence Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird populations Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Nests Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Weather	1981-07-31	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Barbara L. Wilson to Thomas H. Kent regarding summer bird sightings, July 31, 1981. Population reports covering 1978-1981 for Warbling Vireo, Red-headed Woodpecker, House Sparrow and Cardinal are included. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of summer of 1981.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Red-headed Woodpecker American Kestrel Warbling Vireo Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird House Sparrow Great Horned Owl Cattle Egret American Woodcock Lark Sparrow Dickcissel Tree Swallow	Mills County Pottawattamie County Shenandoah Waubonsie State Park Riverton Hastings Willow Slough State Game Management Area				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	19	8
Irene Van Nieuwenhuyse letter to Peter C. Petersen regarding a Ringed Turtle-Dove sighting, May 28, 1981	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Rare birds	1981-05-28	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Irene Van Nieuwenhuyse to Peter C. Petersen regarding a Ringed Turtle-Dove sighting in her backyard, May 28, 1981. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of summer 1981.	Van Nieuwenhuyse, Irene	Ringed Turtle-Dove	Clinton				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	19	8
John Van Dyk letter to Thomas H. Kent regarding no summer bird sightings, August 2, 1981	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Rare birds	1981-08-02	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from John Van Dyk to Thomas H. Kent regarding no summer bird sightings, August 2, 1981. A request to devote additional effort into locating the Smith's Longspur in Iowa is included. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of summer 1981.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Smith's Longspur	Sioux Center				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	19	8
Field notes contributed by Robert E. Thornburg, summer 1981	Field notes Reports	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology	1981-06-01	1981-07-31	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Summer report of birds contributed by Robert E. Thornburg, summer 1981. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of summer 1981.	Thornburg, Robert E.	American Kestrel Upland Sandpiper Yellow-breasted Chat Eastern Bluebird Orchard Oriole Lark Sparrow Great Blue Heron	Lake Red Rock Pleasantville Warren County Monroe County				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	19	8
Charlotte Scott letter to Thomas H. Kent regarding summer bird sightings, July 30, 1981	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Nests Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology	1981-07-30	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Charlotte Scott to Thomas H. Kent regarding summer bird sightings, July 30, 1981. Delayed spring sightings of interest are also reported. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of summer 1981.	Scott, Charlotte	Upland Sandpiper Turkey Vulture Bell's Vireo Cattle Egret Scarlet Tanager Great Blue Heron Mourning Dove	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park Rathbun Lake Wayne County Seymour				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	19	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Great Black-backed Gull at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-11-07	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Black-backed Gull at Jester Park at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 7, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Great Black-backed Gull	Jester Park	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-off Jester Park	feeding with other gulls on large reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer includes Andy Fix. \| Elimination of similar species: The large size and dark wingtips eliminates all gulls except Western and Yellow-footed. The massive, dark bill, tail pattern, and pale body color eliminates these. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:15:00/10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	8
Record Committee review for rare bird sighting of Yellow-billed Loon at Clear Lake, 1988	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-11-13	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Yellow-billed Loon at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on November 13, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Walter, Janice L.	Yellow-billed Loon	Clear Lake	West end of Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo Co. Ia off Harbor Inn parking lot	Sheltered, shallow end of large lake	The documentation form by Jan L. Walter is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Walter and Curt Nelson. \| Elimination of similar species: Large bill, thicker at the base, and painted, not hooked at the tip eliminated immature Double-crested Cormorant. Larger size, bill shape and absence of white crescent from white chin to behind eye eliminated winter plumage Red-necked Grebe. Larger size and bill size, shape, and color eliminated winter plumage Pacific and Red-throated Loons. Heavy yellow bill, head paler than back, narrow area of crown and nape color, and brown appearance eliminated Common Loon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Great Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1986	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1986-12-03	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 3, 1986. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation submitted to the committee.	Petersen, Peter C.	Great Black-backed Gull	Lake Red Rock	Seen from Hwy 14 bridge across Red Rock Res.		The documentation by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer includes Gil Sandvick. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Herring Gull eliminated by large size, small amount of dark brown on tail, light head + rump. Also lacked light area on inner primaries noted in the nearby Herring Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:35:00/14:35:30.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Great Black-backed Gull at Triboji Beach at West Okoboji Lake, 1982	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-07-14	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Black-backed Gull at Triboji Beach at West Okoboji Lake in Dickinson County, IA on July 14, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, summary of review, an article of Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Hinshaw, Linda	Great Black-backed Gull	Triboji Beach	N. end of West Okoboji Lake in an area called Triboji Beach on the end of the dock of Earl Rose 1/2 block east of Lee's Resort. Saw same bird fly out into the water.	Large fresh water "blue lake" with sandy shore. Shoreline all developed in housing + resorts.	The documentation form by Linda Hinshaw forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Douglas Harr was submitted. Other observers include Earl Rose, Fleta Rose, Robert Hinshaw, Gwen Hedin, Curt Hedin, Loraine Wallace, Pearle Osher, LaVonne Foote, and Nina Loehr. \| Elimination of similar species: It was too large to be a lesser Black Backed Gull + legs were flesh colored, not yellow. Also much too large to be the Western Gull listed in the Golden Field Guide - 'Birds of North America." \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:30:00/18:50:00 and 19:30:00/20:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Great Black-backed Gull at Lake Manawa, 1978	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1978-12-06	1993-08-19	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Great Black-backed Gull at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on December 6, 1978. Includes a record review document with votes, articles in Nebraska Bird Review, Iowa Bird Life, and American Birds, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Green, Ruth	Great Black-backed Gull	Lake Manawa	Lake Manawa, Council Bluffs, Iowa	Most of Lake Manawa was frozen over at this time but there were small patches of open water. The bird was standing on the ice at the edge of one of these patches.	The documentation form by Ruth Green forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Sandra S. Kovanda and James Kovanda, Jr. was submitted. \| Elimination of similar species: There were only two gulls at this time there--this bird and the glaucous. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 16:30:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Greater Black-backed Gull at George Wyth State Park, 1980	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-04-03	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Greater Black-backed Gull at George Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County, IA on April 3, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Stone, Tom, Jr.	Great Black-backed Gull	George Wyth Memorial State Park	George Wyth S.P.	Wooded area and open lakes, river. Specific - George wyth lake about 10 acres marshy nearby ponds and lakes, and the Cedar River.	The documentation form by Tom Stone, Jr. is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: second year Herring Gull is alot smaller and has a two-tone coloring of the beak. And beak is not as heavily built. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 17:00:00/17:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Buff-Breasted Sandpiper at Cone Marsh, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-03-29	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 29, 1996 Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Buff-breasted Sandpiper	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone Marsh (Louisa County)		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Comparisons to Pectoral and Baird's Sandpipers have been made during description. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ross' Goose at Cone Marsh, 1990	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-03-11	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Ross' Goose at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 11, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Ross' Goose	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone M., Louisa Co., IA	Marsh	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Goose - see above. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:15:00/14:33:00	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ross' Goose at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-03-02	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Ross' Goose at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 2, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life article, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Ross' Goose	Coralville Lake	West overlook, Coralville Res., Johnson Co., Iowa	reservoir above dam	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Size, bill shape and size, head shape used to separate from Snow Goose. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ross' Goose at Willow Slough, 1980	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-03-21	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Ross' Goose at Willow Slough in Mills County, IA on March 21, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Ross' Goose	Willow Slough Dam	Willow Slough, Mills County, Iowa		The documentation form by Barb Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Goose! Seemed to differ in size, head shape, bill shape, color of bill (darker in Ross' goose) and lack of black grin mark. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ross' Goose at Forney Lake, 1980	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1980-03-19	1993-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Ross' Goose at Forney Lake in Fremont County, IA on March 19, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Ross' Goose	Forneys Lake	Forney L. Fremont Co. IA	large shallow lake-marsh Forney L.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow goose \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:35:00/15:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Yellow-billed Loon at Little Wall Lake, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-12-02	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Yellow-billed Loon at Little Wall Lake in Hamilton County, IA on December 2, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes, a print of four photos, and six documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Yellow-billed Loon	Little Wall Lake	Little Wall Lake, Hamilton Co., IA	Natural lake in glaciated area. All open water.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Chris Edwards, Jim Dinsmore, Stephen J. Dinsmore, and Mark Proescholdt were submitted later. Other observers include Kevin Healy, Dick Tetrault, Reid Allen, Pam Allen, Eloise Armstrong, Eugene Armstrong, Beth Proescholdt, Kay Niyo, Eric Haley, and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: The size and thick bill exclude Red-throated and Pacific Loons. The features that favor Yellow-billed over Common Loon include the bill shape, dark line to mid culmen, small eye, auricular patch, and the pattern of the foreneck and face (little extension of white and mottled color). The back pattern (wavy white lines rather than fuzzy white lines with dark bars) and paleness of the auricular patch indicate a juvenile. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Yellow-billed Loon at Clear Lake, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-04-18	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Yellow-billed Loon at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 18, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Walter, Janice L.	Yellow-billed Loon	Clear Lake	North side of Clear Lake, Clear Lake, Iowa	Large open lake, no reeds or rushes in this area	The documentation form by Jan L. Walter is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Curt Nelson, and Carolyn Fischer. \| Elimination of similar species: Color, plumage, and bill shape eliminated Cormorants. Size eliminated Red-throated and Pacific Loons. Basic and immature plumage. Common Loon eliminated by straight, yellow aulmen, very pale tannish face, brown auricular patch, overall pale appearance of head and neck, and brown, not black, body. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	8