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 Snowy Egret at Forney Lake, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-07-14	1985-07-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Snowy Egret at Forney Lake in Fremont County, IA on July 14, 1985.	Cecil, Robert I.	Snowy Egret	Forneys Lake	Forney Lake, Fremont, County, Iowa	Marshy lake with cat-tails, other emergent vegetation	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include W. Ross SIlcock, Francis L. Moore, Steve Dinsmore, Mark Proescholdt, and Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: Immature Little blue is similar. This bird, however, had dark/black bill, conspicuous yellow feet--features not shared by the Little blue. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:00:00/09:00:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	19
Rare bird documentation form for Ibis species at Huxley, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-09-09	1990-09-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Ibis species at Huxley in Story County, IA on September 9, 1990.	Cecil, Robert I.	Glossy Ibises	Huxley	About 1 mile west of Huxley in Story County, Iowa	Shallow pond	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/09:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Iowa City, 1992	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1992-06-13	1994-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Mississippi Kite at Iowa City on Johnson County, IA on June 13, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Berry, Robert	Mississippi Kite	Iowa City	The north edge of Iowa City, near the Rochester Hy-vee.	Above a wooded residential area.	The documentation form by Robert Berry is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Glorine Berry and Diane Amundson. \| Elimination of similar species: I consulted three books and Jim Fuller. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Clear Lake, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-20	1999-08-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 20, 1999.	Goranson, Rita	Red-throated Loon	Clear Lake	Clear Lake, Iowa - on lake north side	water	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jan Walter and Carolyn Fischer. \| Elimination of similar species: Common loons were out further but darker with dark around face and around neck, bill larger & darker. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Clear Lake, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-21	1999-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Red-throated Loons at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 21, 1999.	Fischer, Carolyn J.	Red-throated Loon	Clear Lake	Clear Lake, Clear Lake Ia	Large lake, northside	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Curt Nelson, Jan Walter, and Carolyn Fischer. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Loon - was also present, could see larger loon, heavy bill, Pacific Loon - straight bill, black cap extends to eye -	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Silver Lake, 1994	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-05-12	1994-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Silver Lake in Worth County, IA on May 12, 1994.	Goranson, Rita	Red-necked Grebe	Silver Lake	Silver Lake Worth Co Iowa	on the lake	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carolyn Fischer and Pat Hansen. \| Elimination of similar species: Eared grebes also in water so could eliminate species. Western grebe also in water.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Trumpeter Swan at Clear Lake, 1994	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-17	1994-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Trumpeter Swan at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on October 17, 1994.	Goranson, Rita	Trumpeter Swan	Bluewing Marsh	a marsh on 230th st., 1/4 mi east of Cardinal ave, north of Clear Lake	a marsh approx: 600 ft x 600 ft with 2 ponds	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I really looked at Book & looked at Bird for marks since I'm not that familiar with the bird. It was gone the next day. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Rare bird documentation form for Mute Swan at the Mississippi River near Le Claire, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-02-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mute Swan at the Mississippi River near Le Claire in Scott County, IA on February 21, 1982.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Mute Swan	Le Claire	Miss. River between I80 & Le Clair [sic]		The documentation form by Rick Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent and Carl Bendorf. \| Elimination of similar species: The points about (#2-4) eliminate both the Whistling & Trumpeter Swans. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:20:00/08:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	29
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at the Mehaffey Bridge area at Coralville Reservoir, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-19	1989-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Mehaffey Bridge area at the Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 19, 1986.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Red-necked Grebe	Mehaffey Bridge	Coralville Reservoir - Mehaffey Br. Area - Johnson Co.	lake	The documentation form by Richard Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller and Carol Thompson. \| Elimination of similar species: After ruling out Horned & Eared Grebes due to bill size & color & shape the only possibilities for this bird are Western Grebe and smaller loons. 1. Red-throated loon seems ruled out by shape of bill. 2. In fact all loons & W. Grebe seem ruled out by bicolored bill. 3. Posture & Build were slimmer than most loons I've seen. 4. Neck which definitely was grey (in past) all the way around in front also seems to rule out there. I am puzzled by 2 things & although I'm sure it is a RN Grebe I wonder if it is in some intermediate plummage [sic]. 1 White patch at waterline in front. I saw this distinctly & sketched it on 11/9 as well as on a brief look at the bird on 11/16. 2 Dark cap seems to extend farther down the head than any of the plates would lead me to expect. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/08:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1980	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-11-25	1980-12-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for five Ross' Geese at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 25, 1980.	Johnson, Rex R.	Ross's Gull	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge Harrison County, Iowa	Habitat - Cornfield within 30m of refuge lake, near road that runs through refuge.	The documentation form by Rex R. Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Robert Frederick. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Pocahontas, 1981	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-07-03	1981-07-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow-crowned Night Heron at Pocahontas in Pocahontas County, IA on July 3, 1981.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Yellow-Crowned Night Heron	Pocahontas	Pocahontas, Iowa	residential area of Pocahontas	The documentation form by Raymond L Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Wallace Jardine and Larry Braby. \| Elimination of similar species: Although the bill shape, eye color, and long neck support the ID. The longer or at least less firsthand. Upper-legs and leg-feet external during flight are less subjective. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/18:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	23
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Swainson's Hawk at Stone Park, 1991	Administrative reports Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-12-14	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Swainson's Hawk at Stone Park in Plymouth County, IA on December 14, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Williams, Randall D.	Swainson's Hawk	Stone State Park	1 mile north of west entrance to Stone State Park on highway 12	hovering above loess bluff; overlooking Big Sioux River Floodplain	The documentation form by Randall D. Williams is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Franken. \| Elimination of similar species: Red-tailed Hawk: wings held flat when soaring; presence of red tail patagial patches present, no bib. Rough-legged Hawk: dark belly-band or girdle. carpal wing patches present. Dark band on trailing edge of wing (immature). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	32
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mississippi Kite at Peterson Pits, 1994	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1994-05-22	1996-04-25	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Mississippi Kite at Peterson Pits in Story County, IA on May 22, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Pinkston, Randall, 1956-	Mississippi Kite	Peterson Pits Recreation Area	"Peterson Pits" Mine Reclamation Area, Story County, Iowa		The documentation form by Randall "Randy" Pinkston is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Mark Proescholdt was submitted later. Other observers include Dan Dorrance, Mary Kuhlman, Carlyn Fischer, Jan Walter, Daniel Pinkston, Dorothy Zehr, and Sibyl Sand. \| Elimination of similar species: Falcons also have pointed wingtips but wings typically appear more sickle-shaped, less plank-like. Falcon not expected to sail so effortlessly on fixed wings for so long. Dark slate-gray plumage and white head seen in good light does not fit with any North American falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:50:00/07:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	26
Rare bird documentation form for Eared Grebe at Lake Anita State Park, 1981	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-11-06	1981-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Eared Grebes at Lake Anita State Park in Anita in Cass County, IA on November 6, 1981.	Hensley, R. Craig	Eared Grebe	Lake Anita State Park	Lake Anita State Park, located one(1) mile south of Anita	Large, open lake	The documentation form by R. Craig Hensley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The pied-billed grebe is the only other relative that is commonly encountered in Cass County. This species was ruled out due to body size and proportions and the different beak. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	14
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Lower Pine Lake, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-09-20	1982-11-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Lower Pine Lake in Eldora in Hardin County, IA on September 20, 1982.	Harris, Phyllis J.	Red-necked Grebe	Pine Lake State Park	Lower Pine Lake, Eldora, Hardin County	Lower Pine Lake is small, surrounded by trees, marshy habitat in the upper end of the lake. Small island in the middle. Bird was observed between the island and the marshy area.	The documentation form by Phyllis Harris is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Loon, because of the size of the neck and head in comparison to the rest of there body. They have larger body. Western Grebe, has thinner bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at Forneys Lake, 1984	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-03-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Ross' Geese at Forneys Lake in Fremont County, IA on March 25, 1984.	Petersen, Peter C.	Ross' Goose	Forneys Lake	Forney's Lake	Forneys Lake, W. end of lake, away from s. shore	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Paul Johnsgard, Lewis Blevins, Corey Blevins, Brian Blevins, Joe Schaufenbuel, and Stephen Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Bird 1 much smaller size separates from Snow Geese flying with it. Bird 2 & 3 - small size, bill entirely pink and blue area at base separates from accompanying Snow Geese. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 13:00:00 for first bird and 13:15:00/13:20:00 for 2nd and 3rd birds.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Mute Swan at Mississippi River in Scott County, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-12-21	1986-12-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mute Swan at Mississippi River downriver from Alcoa pumping house in Scott County, IA on December 21, 1986.	Petersen, Peter C.	Mute Swan	Scott County	Mississippi River just downstream from Alcoa pumping house Scott Co.	River shoreline - mid-river	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mary Lou Petersen and Tim Brush. \| Elimination of similar species: Tundra and Trumpeter Swans have almost entirely black bills. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:45:00 on December 21, 1986 and 14:07:00/14:10:00 on December 24, 1986.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	29
Rare bird documentation form for Trumpeter Swan at Mississippi River in Davenport, 1991	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-12-06	1991-12-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Trumpeter Swans at Mississippi River near Enchanted Island in Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 6, 1991.	Petersen, Peter C.	Trumpeter Swan	Horse Island	Miss. River along S. Concord St. near Enchanted Island on Davenport, IA	Miss River + adjacent shore	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kelly McKay, Weir Nelson, Jim Durbin, Joyce Durbin, and Dawn Fisher. \| Elimination of similar species: Tundra Swan - would have yellow area between eye & bill. In addition these birds were marked & from a known Trumpeter population. \| The original documentation form event occurred in various times.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Rare bird documentation form for Glossy Ibis at Cone Marsh, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-04-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form a Glossy Ibis at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on April 23, 1990.	Petersen, Peter C.	Glossy Ibis	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	N.E. Corner Cone Marsh, Louisa Co., IA	Marsh & Mudflat, shore areas.	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Sieh, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Brian Blevins, and Ann Barker. \| Elimination of similar species: White-faced Ibis, which was present for direct comparison, had a wide white facial border around a redish-brown [sic] facial patch, eye seemed red but distance was a bit far to be positive, legs were uniformly reddish brown, bill darker & more reddish & bird seemed a bit smaller. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/09:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24
Rare bird documentation form for White-faced Ibis at Cone Marsh, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-04-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-faced Ibis at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on April 23, 1990.	Petersen, Peter C.	White-faced Ibis	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	N.E. corner of Cone Marsh, Louisa Co., IA	Marsh, mudflat & shore areas	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Sieh, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Brian Blevins, and Ann Barker. \| Elimination of similar species: Glossy Ibis which was present for direct comparison, had a narrow whitish facial patch border not extending past the eye around a grey-blue patch. Eye seemed dark, but distance great to be positive. Legs were grey with reddish area at joint only. It seemed slightly larger than the White-faced. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/09:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	25
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of White-tailed Kite at Otter Creek Marsh, 1989	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Forms (documents) Maps (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-09-18	1996-04-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a White-tailed Kite at Otter Creek Marsh in Tama County, IA on September 18, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, a request for reconsideration, map, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee. Within the original documentation, the bird is identified as a Black-shouldered Kite.	Petersen, Peter C.	White-tailed Kite	Otter Creek Marsh State Wildlife Refuge	S.E. corner Otter Creek marsh, near Chelsea, Ia.	rather dry marsh, some wooded margins	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Brian Blevins. \| Elimination of similar species: The only similar raptor would be an Osprey which is much larger, has a black mask, elbow with large black area, mottled gray underwing and on tail and dark on upper surface of wing. Gulls are closer, but wings with dark area at tips of wings on top side, shorter tail, different flight, not pursued by small birds. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	25
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Hallett's Quarry in Ames, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-19	1985-11-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four Red-throated Loons at Hallett's Quarry in Ames in Story County, IA on October 19, 1985.	Martsching, Paul	Red-necked Grebe	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Hallet's [sic] Quarry - Ames, Story County, Iowa	gravel & sand quarry pit	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, Jim Dinsmore, and Eric Munson. \| Elimination of similar species: Horned Grebe-much smaller; beak dark; in summer does not have white cheek patch; in winter has lot of white on side of head and all down neck. Eared Grebe-much smaller; beak much smaller; in summer has 'topknot' & yellow on side of head; in winter cheek dark. Pied Billed-much smaller; beak not right shape; is more brown; stripes on young not the same. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:45:00/13:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Horned Grebe at Tama, 1986	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-03-19	1986-03-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Horned Grebe at Tama in Tama County, IA on March 19, 1986.	Kubik, Nicholas A.	Horned Grebe	Tama	TAMA, IOWA. The surfaced road as it turns west from the airport.	flooded roadside ditch	The documentation form by Nick A. Kubik is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The Eared Grebe should have a gray neck in winter or a black neck in summer, but not white. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:50:00 (est.).	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	12
Rare bird documentation form for Western Grebe at Sandy Beach Area at Coralville Reservoir, 1977	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-10-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Grebe at Sandy Beach Area at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 27, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Western Grebe	Sandy Beach Public Use Area	Coralville Reservoir, E of Sandy Beach area, Johnson Co.	deep portion of reservoir	The documentation form by Nicholas Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dr. Carter, Mike Newlon, Carol Newlon, Peter Petersen, and Mary Lou Petersen. \| Elimination of similar species: Red-necked Grebe: smaller, shorter bill, ventral aspects of neck not slate but gray. Horned grebe (one nearby for direct comparison): much smaller, shorter neck and bill. White wing patch, not long stripe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:25:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	15
Rare bird documentation form for Goose species at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown, 1993	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-10-06	1993-11-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Goose species at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown in Marshall County, IA on October 6, 1993.	Stegmann, Mike	Ducks, Geese, Swans	Riverside Cemetery	Riverside Cemetary [sic], Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa.	Man made pond	The documentation form by Mike Stegmann is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Garry Brandenburg. \| Elimination of similar species: Canada Goose and Snow Goose - show characteristics of both species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	27