Documents • Iowa State University • Avian Archives of Iowa Online

Title	Genres	Topics	Date (Start)	Date (End)	Type	Description	Creator/Author	Birds	Locations	Locality	Habitat	Remarks

Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Coralville Reservoir, 1975	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1975-09-12	1975-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 12, 1975.	Newlon, Michael C.	Merlin	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res.	reservoir, bordered by wide grassy flats	The documentation form by Michael C. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: dark tail, lack of face pattern elim. sparrow hawk. Small size + falcon build (long pointed wings, long squared-off tail) rule out other hawks. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Pine Siskin at Anderson Township in Mills County, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pine Siskin at Anderson Township in Mills County, IA on May 15, 1982.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Pine Siskin	Anderson Township	Ben Wilson's farm: T-73N, R-40W, Sec. 30, Mills Co., Ia.		The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Uniform brown streaks on face eliminate Purple Finch, as does the thin bill. Sparrows are similar, usually have stouter bill + are less uniformly streaked - they have dark streaks on light underparts, + this one is just streaked all over. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the afternoon for at most a minute.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	85
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Crossbill at Logan Park Cemetery in Woodbury County, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-13	1998-01-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for thirteen White-winged Crossbills at Logan Park Cemetery in Woodbury County, IA on December 13, 1997.	Huser, Bill F.	White-winged Crossbill	Logan Park Cemetery	Logan Park Cemetery, Woodbury County, IA	savannah [sic] of conifer and deciduous trees, including fruiting white (?) spruce	The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jerry Probst, Bob Moritz, and Bob Livermore. \| Elimination of similar species: The bright colored plumages eliminate Pine Siskins and all female Carpodacus finches. The male birds' rosy coloration was more extensive and uniform than that of male Carpodacus Finches. The crossed mandibles eliminate all finches including Pine and Evening Grosbeaks. The bold wing bars eliminate Red Crossbills. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	84
Rare bird documentation form for Red Crossbill northeast of Iowa City, 1996	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-07-13	1996-07-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for ten Red Crossbills northeast of Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on July 13, 1996.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Red Crossbill	Iowa City	farmstead northeast of Iowa City at feeders	Open farm land, multiple feeders, no conifers seen in area.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dave Conrads and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: None. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:40:00/17:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	83
Rare bird documentation form for House Finch at Larchwood, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-13	1988-05-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a House Finch at Larchwood in Lyon County, IA on May 13, 1988.	Harr, Douglas C.	House Finch	Larchwood	Larchwood, Iowa (Lyon County)	In trees of neighborhood lawns	The documentation form by Douglas C. Harr is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Purple Finch--has no streaked breast; color more pinkish-red and extends over entire head and neck. I have previously observed House Finches in the Seattle, WA., area. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:14:00/17:20:00 and occasionally throughout rest of evening.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation form for House Finch at Davenport, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-12-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four House Finches at Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 21, 1986.	Blevins, Scharlott Goettsch	House Finch	Davenport	2003 E. 12th St. Davenport, IA. 52803	City yard	The documentation form by Scharlott Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Brian Blevins, Corey Blevins, and Lewis Blevins. Peter C. Petersen completed the form from a phone conversation with Scharlott Blevins. \| Elimination of similar species: Purple Finch - Male a more orange-red, not cranberry, red more restricted to head, breast + rump. Female/immat. no heavy dark mark by bill, finer streaking but more streaks below. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation form for House Finch at Ledges State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-10-01	1986-10-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two House Finches at Ledges State Park in Boone County, IA on October 1, 1986.	Myers, Robert K.	House Finch	Ledges State Park	Ledges State Park - Boone Co.	Fairly open area - scattered red cedar + other trees	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] They were slightly smaller - at least thinner than house sparrows. [...] They were too thin for female purple finches and lacked any trace of a white eyeline. They were too streaked to be indigo buntings (wrong color as well). I thought of possible pine siskins but there was no yellow visible on wings on tail (wingbars of any color were not noted), the bill was short and stout-not as thin as siskin, and the tail did not show deep notch in terminal end - had fairly shallow "V" notch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:05:00/09:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation form for House Finch at State Forest Nursery, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-15	1986-09-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two House Finches at State Forest Nursery in Ames in Story County, IA on September 15, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	House Finch	Iowa State Nursery	State Forest Nursery, Ames	large pine planting	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The lack of a facial pattern eliminated a female Purple Finch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation form for House Finches at Corydon, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-07-12	1986-07-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three House Finches at Corydon in Wayne County, IA on July 12, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	House Finch	Corydon	Corydon , (Wayne County)	Residential area - (Apple Tree, Wires, Tube Feeders)	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, Jim Fuller, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Dennis Thompson, and Dorothy Clayton Pohl. \| Elimination of similar species: A female Purple Finch has the distinctive dark ear patch and light eyebrow stripe which these did not. A Pine Siskin has a different look and is smaller, slimmer, and has a thin bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:30:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation form for House Finch at Iowa City, 1986	Field notes	Bird feeders Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-05-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a House Finch at Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on May 10, 1986.	Hollis, Richard Jule	House Finch	Iowa City	Iowa City, Iowa	Suburbs - Niger [sic] feeder in Sycamore Tree	The documentation form by Richard Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Janet Hollis. \| Elimination of similar species: Purple Finch: lack of strong marking around face the pale mousey [sic] brown Rose b grosbeak: the above and size bill shape Pine Siskin - this bird showed no yellow Bill shaped wrong Pine Siskins' tails are very strongly notched Cassin's Finch. I am not familiar with this species, but from reveiwing [sic] the Field Guides it would appear to be ruled out by Bill Shape - if Cassin's really has bill as long as in Geog guide, I would have noted same. Tail of Cassins appears more notched than this bird Cassin's have more strongly marked head and the spots on Cassins the belly are darker + more distinct \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	82
Rare bird documentation for Merlin at Calamus, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1978-02-06	1978-03-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation for a Merlin at Calamus in Clinton County, IA on February 6, 1978.	Bryant, Robert R.	Merlin	Calamus	1/3 mi. north of Calamus, Ia.	open country-cornfields, grass ditches, one wooded ditch. Sitting on wire over fence line between snowcovered road ditch and cornfield.	The documentation form by Bob Bryant is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - eliminated because of size and lack of rufous coloring and black facial pattern. Sharp-shinned Hawk - eliminated because tail not long, not near any large wooded area. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at County Road W48 in Johnson County, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-03-20	1977-03-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at County Road W48 in Johnson County, IA on March 20, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Johnson County	Co. Rd W48, Johnson Co., Iowa, N of Iowa River	tall-grass fields with scattered dead or live trees. Flood plain of Coralville Reservoir (west end)	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Kestrel: no rufous on back; facial pattern of Kestrel clearly not present; chunkier bird. Sharp-shinned Hawk: head proportionately large, tail shorter, wings pointed and cuffed, not rounded. Peregrine: too small; lack of heavy black mustache. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:55:00/14:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Swan Lake, 1976	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-09-16	1976-09-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on September 16, 1976.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Swan Lake	Swan Lake, Johnson Co., Iowa	Swan L. is 1 mile south from the Coralville Reservoir. The bird was flying over the lake, the bordering mudflats and disappeared within seconds over an adjoining cornfield, continuing its rectilinear, unswerving flight.	The documentation form by Nicholas Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: In spite of the first subconscious "gestalt" impression of a Mourning Dove approaching, the square tail, lacking white, falcon wings and greater size rule this one out. The bird seen was definitely too small to be a Peregrine, and had no mustache. It did not have the distinctive facial pattern of the familiar Kestrel either, nor the rufous back and/or wings and tail; it was a dusky bird, not the way Kestrels look to me; nor have I ever seen a Kestrel flying with such blinding speed and so "purposefully". \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Holland, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-06	1990-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle southwest of Holland in Grundy County, IA on October 6, 1990.	Proescholdt, Mark	Golden Eagle	Holland	Western Grundy County - southwest of Holland	corn fields and bean fields	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Immature Bald Eagles have white in different areas and lack the white areas in the wings of a Golden Eagle. Harlan's Redtails do not have the white spots in the wings or the definite white in the tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:10:00/17:12:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Riverton Game Management Area, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-12-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Riverton Game Management Area in Fremont County, IA on December 21, 1985.	Silcock, W. Ross	Merlin	Riverton Wildlife Management Area	Boat ramp area; Riverton GMA.	Floodplain, open deciduous	The documentation form by Ross Silcock is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Barb Wilson. It was compiled by Betty Walters. \| Elimination of similar species: small, bigger than Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:10:00/11:12:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin near Knittel, unknown year	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	N/A	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin on Iowa Highway 3 four miles east of U.S. Route 63 in Bremer County, IA on December 18 in an unknown year.	Stone, Tom	Merlin	Knittel	Along Hi way (3) 4 miles east of Junction (63)	In 20 ft tree along road	The documentation form by Tom Stone is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Larger than a Kestrel, Smaller than the peregrine + did not have facial pattern like falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:55:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at IA 17 bridge over the Des Moines River, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-20	1999-01-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at IA 17 bridge over the Des Moines River in Polk County, IA on December 20, 1998.	Healy, Kevin	Golden Eagle	High Bridge	e. side of the Des Moines River about 1/2 mile n. of the IA 17 bridge.		The documentation form by Kevin Healy is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Karl Jungbluth. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was soaring above the river in the vicinity of two adult Bald Eagles. We saw a large dark buteo similar in size to the Bald Eagles. Head projected less than 1/2 the length of the tail, noticeably less than that of the adult Bald Eagles in view at that time. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:50:00/12:53:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Oak Grove Park, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-11-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Oak Grove Park in Sioux County, IA on November 6, 1998.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Golden Eagle	Oak Grove State Park	Oak Grove Park area in western Sioux County		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at YMCA Camp northwest of Boone, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-01-01	1998-01-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at YMCA Camp northwest of Boone in Boone County, IA on January 1, 1998.	Healy, Kevin	Golden Eagle	Y Camp	YMCA Camp northwest of Boone IA	Soaring above Des Moines River	The documentation form by Kevin Healy is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Turkey Vulture: similar in size, but flight different (i.e., this bird did not rock back and forth despite fairly stiff winds during time of observation). Also, wings were held flatter than what I expect for a Turkey Vulture. Harlan's Hawk: Breast and belly solid in color, no barring on tail, wing shape unlike that of Red-tailed Hawk. Size difference. Dark phase Rough-legged Hawk: No speckling on breast or belly, tail longer with thinner terminal band. Size difference. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:45:00/11:48:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Claybanks Preserve, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-11-23	1997-12-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Golden Eagles at Claybanks Preserve in Cerro Gordo County, IA on November 23, 1997.	Goranson, Rita	Golden Eagle	Claybanks Forest	on Wren ave - at Claybanks Preserve, Cerro Gordo Co	wooded & river	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Curt Nelson, Carolyn Fischer, and Jan Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: later we saw (white head white tail) adult eagles = not the coloring of the first one. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 16:10:00/16:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Rock Falls, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-05-10	1992-05-11	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Rock Falls in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 10, 1992.	Walter, Janice L.	Golden Eagle	Rock Falls	About 3/4 mi w. of S-62, 1 1/2 mi. n. of B-20, Rock Falls, Iowa	Plowed field and pasture with stream through it	The documentation form by Jan L. Walter is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim B. Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: Small head, longer tail, absence of any white in plumage eliminated Bald Eagle. Size much larger than common, familiar Red-tailed Hawk eliminated dark morph buteos as did lack of strong contrast between flight feathers and under wing linings. It did not have the 2-toned under wings, strong dihedral or rocking flight of the Turkey Vulture. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-28	1991-04-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on April 28, 1991.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Van Buren Co., Iowa	Over forested area of Des Moines River	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: Osprey, Turkey Vulture, and immature Bald Eagle are all eliminated by the distribution of white. The size and profile was typical of Golden Eagle. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle in northern Harrison County, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-08	1991-05-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle in northern Harrison County, IA on April 8, 1991.	Johnson, Ann	Golden Eagle	Harrison County	Along I29 in northern Harrison Co., IA	Primarily agricultural land in Missouri River bottom	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Brown. \| Elimination of similar species: Swainson's Hawk and other dark-morph buteos were eliminated by size and less contrast between flight feathers and underwing coverts. Turkey Vulture was eliminated by size, underwing contrast, feathered head and flight style. Bald Eagle was eliminated by lack of any white visible from below and the short head/long tail profile. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/12:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle in Decatur County, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-11-25	1990-11-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle in Decatur County, IA on November 25, 1990.	Schlarbaum, Pat	Golden Eagle	Decatur County	Decatur County, Iowa ... at my parent's farm ... T69N R24W Sec. 17		The documentation form by Pat Schlarbaum is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kathy Schlarbaum, Dale Schlarbaum, and Mildred Schlarbaum. \| Elimination of similar species: Considering the flat flight plane, size of bird, the white tail band, the white on the wings' undersides, we were convinced the bird was an immature golden eagle. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:33:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-10-18	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area in Marshall County, IA on October 18, 1990.	Proescholdt, Beth	Golden Eagle	Grammer Grove County Wildlife Area	Grammer Grove WA, n. Marshall County, central Iowa	fields adjacent to wooded ridge paralleling Iowa River	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Bald Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Rough-legged Hawk - explained above. Seeing white on the tail I thought 'Rough-leg'. But this bird had absolutely flat wings as it approached head-on, not with the Rough-legs' 'up-and-out' wing pattern. Three spots of white on an otherwise dark bird - no splotchiness as on a Bald Eagle, no dihedral as in a Turkey Vulture and I knew I was seeing an immature Golden Eagle. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:10:00/14:12:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31