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 for Black-backed Woodpecker north of Boyden, 1978	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1978-12-23	1993-08-19	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-backed Woodpecker north of Boyden in Sioux County, IA on December 23, 1978. Includes a record review document with votes, two articles in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Stravers, Jay A.	Three-toed Woodpecker	Boyden	2 1/2 miles North of Boyden Iowa on east side of county highway L14	General: 3000 m farm grove in wide open (formerly prairie) gently rolling farm land. Specific: grove is a thick growth of shrubs, weedy plants, Ash trees, and American + Chinese Elms. many of the Elms are dead and fallen. There are 2 rows (closely spaced) of Ponderosa Pine on the North side of the grove. The grove is surrounded with mature honeysuckle shrubs. Ground covered with 0.5 m. of snow in the grove.	The documentation form by Jay Stravers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Loren Stravers, Henry O. Stegeman, and Aaron Stegeman. \| Elimination of similar species: There are really no other species that could be confused other than possibly a Pileated Woodpecker who is much too large + has 4 toes instead of 3 \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 13:00:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	30
Field notes for Prairie Warbler in Iowa in unknown year	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Identification Ornithology--Technique Rare birds	N/A	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Report for a Prairie Warbler in Iowa from before May 5 to May 7 in an unknown year.		Prairie Warbler	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Iowa Ornithologists' Union, field report compiled data, Rough-legged Hawk, 1947-1983	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research	1947-05-17	1983-05-09	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Compilation of sightings data for the Rough-legged Hawk submitted to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union by members between the years 1947-1983. The document also includes the name of the observer, date, and location.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Rough-legged Hawk	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	36	30
Iowa Ornithologists' Union, field report compiled data, Red-tailed Hawk, 1979-1983	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research	1979-10-06	1983-07-11	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Compilation of sightings data for the Red-tailed Hawk submitted to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union by members between the years 1979-1983. The document also includes the name of the observer, date, and location.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Red-tailed Hawk	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	36	30
Iowa Ornithologists' Union, field report compiled data, Swainson's Hawk, 1979-1983	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research	1979-06-01	1983-05-19	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Compilation of sightings data for the Swainson's Hawk submitted to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union by members between the years 1979-1983. The document also includes the name of the observer, date, and location. Document titled "The blue list.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Swainson's Hawk	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	36	30
Iowa Ornithologists' Union, field report compiled data, Broad-winged Hawk, 1979-1983	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research	1979-09-15	1983-07-31	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Compilation of sightings data for the Broad-winged Hawk,submitted to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union by members between the years 1979-1983. The document also includes the name of the observer, date, and location.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Broad-winged Hawk	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	36	30
Iowa Ornithologists' Union, field report compiled data, Red-shouldered Hawk, 1979-1983	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research	1979-09-19	1983-07-31	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Compilation of sightings data for the Red-shouldered Hawk submitted to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union by members between the years 1979-1983. The document also includes the name of the observer, date, and location. Document titled "The blue list."	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Red-shouldered Hawk	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	36	30
Iowa Ornithologists' Union, field report compiled data, Cooper's Hawk, 1983	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research	1983-06-10	1983-07-09	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Compilation of sightings data for the Cooper's Hawk submitted to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union by members in 1983. The document also includes the name of the observer, date, and location.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Cooper's Hawk	Forneys Lake Iowa Yellow River State Forest				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	36	30
Iowa Ornithologists' Union, field report compiled data, Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1979-1983	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Counting Birds--Research	1979-12-17	1983-05-31	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Compilation of sightings data for the Sharp-shinned Hawk submitted to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union by members between the years 1979-1983. The document also includes the name of the observer, date, and location. Document titled "The blue list."	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Sharp-shinned Hawk	Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	36	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Green-tailed Towhee at West Des Moines, 1990	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-05-22	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Green-tailed Towhee at West Des Moines in Polk County, IA around May 22, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, an article and cover page from Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form with an attachment submitted to the committee.	Quinn, Christine A.	Green-tailed Towhee	West Des Moines	605-5th West Des Moines Iowa (residential city)	Open backyard wildlife habitat- under/around quince bushes	The documentation form by Christine A. Quinn is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Robert J. Naisbitt. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] This cap was quite noticeable & large (much larger than a catbird's cap). The bird seemed to be a little larger than a catbird (I have a pair nesting in my yard to [sic] I seem them a lot) and not as large as a robin. [...] He put me in mind very much of a catbird in size and contours. \| The original documentation form event lasted around "evenings and 1 morning" from around May 22 to the first week of June 1990.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Green-tailed Towhee at Storm Lake, 1975	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1975-05-05	2000-11-26	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Green-tailed Towhee at Storm Lake in Buena Vista County, IA on May 5, 1975. Includes a record review document with votes and an Iowa Bird Life article reviewed by the committee.	Crocker, Virginia R.	Green-tailed Towhee	Storm Lake	306 W. Ninth St., Storm Lake		The article by Virginia R. Crocker forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Edwin Crocker, Emily Ruth Campbell, Verne Campbell, Barney Campbell, and Georgia Campbell. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 12:00:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-backed Woodpecker at Camp Arrowhead near Ottumwa, 1985	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1985-12-28	1993-09-03	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-backed Woodpecker at Camp Arrowhead near Ottumwa in Wapello County, IA on December 28, 1985. Includes a record review document with votes and an article submitted to the committee.	Hoskins, Nelson R.	Black-backed Woodpecker	Camp Arrowhead	[...] former YMCA Camp Arrowhead, 3 miles east and 1 mile south of Ottumwa, Wapello County		The documentation form by Nelson R. Hoskins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Heusinkveld, Margorie Heusinkveld, Charles Ayres, and Darleen Ayres. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:00:00	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-backed Woodpecker east of Hull, 1979	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1979-05-13	1993-08-19	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-backed Woodpecker east of Hull in Sioux County, IA on May 13, 1979. Includes one record review document with votes and a documentation article reviewed by the committee.	Blankenspoor, Gilbert W.	Black-backed Woodpecker	Hull	[...] grove of trees on my parents' farm, located four miles east of Hull in Sioux County, Iowa		The documentation form by Gilbert W. Blankenspoor is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Identifying marks such as the golden crown, black-back and three-toed condition were clearly visible. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 13:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Harris's Hawk at South of Blairstown, 1989	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents) Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-09-10	1993-08-05	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Harris's Hawk at South of Blairstown in Benton County, IA on September 10, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, a photo and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Harris's Hawk	Blairstown	2 1/2 miles South of Blairstown (Benton Co.) along I-56	Feedlot and open grazing land (hilly)	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent were submitted later. Other observers include Keith Carris, Carl Bendorf, Jim Fuller, and Ken Lowder. \| Elimination of similar species: Hawk at one time - appeared to be about the same size. White-tailed hawk has similar shoulder patch but breast is light. Dark phase Swainson's or red tail do not have white undertail or this tail pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:45:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1991	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-03-14	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on March 14, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Ann	Thayer's Gull	Red Rock Dam	Below dam, Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA	Gravel bar and open river	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Diane Porter was submitted. Other observers include Beth Brown and Tim Schantz. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull was eliminated by the light and uniform body color, brown as opposed to blackish primaries and tail band, bill and head structure, and lack of any color to the underside of the primaries. Iceland Gull was eliminated based on the darker secondaries and wide, brown tail band. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:20:00/10:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk, 1991	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-02-16	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk in Lee County, IA on February 16, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Allen, Reid I.	Thayer's Gull	Lock Number 19	Lock & Dam #19 - Keokuk, Iowa	River channel with open water below dam extending 3/4 mile from dam	The documentation form by Reid Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Pam Allen, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: First-winter Herring gulls (many were present) had blackish wingtips. Juvenile Iceland gull wingtips lack dark edging on primaries as do those on Glaucous-winged Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:30:00/10:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1990	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-11-21	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on November 21, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Thayer's Gull	Red Rock Dam	Below Red Rock Dam- Marion County	River	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ann Johnson, Chuck Fuller, and Jane Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull (first winter) compared above. [...] I first saw this bird flying, and the underwing was translucent throughout the primaries to the end of the wing (Herring Gull had dark outer primaries, although most also had a lighter window type area medial to this dark area). The bird was about the same size or a little smaller than the Herrings. The upperwing in flight was much lighter in the primaries than the first winter herrings. [...] It had a more rounded head than the herrings. [...] It's color was more uniform than the herrings and also lighter- a brownish color. There was a dark smudge around the eye. The feather edging (whitish) provided more contrast with the brown on the back than in the herrings, and the folded tail was brownish, not black. When in flight the tail band was brownish not blackish like the herrings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Saylorville Dam, 1989	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-12-07	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on December 7, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, a photocopy of a photograph on the cover page of Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Thayer's Gull	Saylorville Dam	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.	large reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, uniform body and wing color, pale underside of the flight feathers, and tail band eliminates Herring and Glaucous/Iceland gulls, the most likely candidates for confusion. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:04:00/16:42:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-12-17	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 17, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Blevins, Brian L.	Thayer's Gull	Lock and Dam 15	Just above the Lock + Dam 15 (Davenport, Ia)	Frozen ice above the dam in the Mississippi River	The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Corey Blevins and Lewis Blevins. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull - eliminated by the dark eye and by the lack of black on the primary tips. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:42:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Saylorville Dam, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-11-28	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on November 28, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Thayer's Gull	Saylorville Dam	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-above dam	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. Other observers include Bob Myers. \| Elimination of similar species: The size, uniform body color, pale underside of the flight feathers, and dark bill eliminates othr [sic] gulls. Iceland Gull eliminated by uniform wing color without noticeably lighter wingtips. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Credit Island, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-11-24	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Credit Island in Scott County, IA on November 24, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Petersen, Peter C.	Thayer's Gull	Credit Island	Credit Island harbor	ice covered Miss. River backwater	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller, Brian Blevins, Corey Blevins, Lewis Blevins, Thomas H. Kent, John Daniels, and Ken Lowder. \| Elimination of similar species: Herring Gull - dark brown primary tips, lacked silvery below wings. lack smudge on head \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/08:50:00 and 15:30:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk, 1989	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-11-24	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Thayer's Gulls at Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk in Lee County, IA on November 24, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, four photographs, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Cecil, Robert I.	Thayer's Gull	Lock Number 19	Behind Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk in Lee County, Iowa (Iowa side)	River (Mississippi)	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Cecil, Tom Kent, and Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: Only probable similar species is Herring, which has contrasty wings - dark trailing edge and darker wingtips. The Thayer's were obviously a lighter shade of brown than any Herrings present. I judged these birds to be somewhat smaller than any Herring. I could not totally rule out first year Glaucous-winged. According to NGS, Glaucous-wing has less mottling or scalloping. The Keokuk birds were obviously mottled. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:05:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-11-08	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on November 8, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Proescholdt, Beth	Thayer's Gull	Red Rock Dam	Red Rock	below dam	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer includes Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: It was lighter + more evenly colored than a Herring Gull, larger than Ring-billed, too dark for an Iceland too small for a Glaucous. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:50:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at North Overlook Beach at Red Rock Reservoir, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-11-06	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at North Overlook Beach at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 6, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Ann	Thayer's Gull	North Overlook Park	North Overlook Beach, Lake Red Rock, Marion Co, IA	Sandy beach on man-made reservoir	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Iceland Gull - basically eliminated by darker color and narrow chocolate edges to outer primaries. Kumlien's - presence of tail band would seem to eliminate Herring - eliminated by combination of: structure and size of body and bill; shape of head; more uniform coloration above, especially lighter colored primaries; light flight feathers from below contrasting with darker wing lining; lighter color of tail band \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at IPL Ponds in Pottawattamie County, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-10-29	1993-08-06	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at IPL Ponds in Pottawattamie County, IA on October 29, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Grenon, Alan G.	Thayer's Gull	MidAmerican Energy Ponds	Iowa, Pottawattamie County, south of Council Bluffs, the north pond of the Iowa Power and Light plant's ponds, two miles north of the county line (three miles north of the Bellevue exit on I-29), just east of Interstate highway 29.		The documentation form by Alan G. Grenon forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Babs Padelford and Ross Silcock were submitted. Other observers include B.J. Rose, Doug Rose, Loren Padelford as well as four unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: The most likely similar species are Iceland and Herring Gulls. Iceland Gull (first winter) is eliminated by the combination of the following characters: wing-tip darker than body at rest; wing-tip and secondaries darker above than remainder of wing; tail marked above by a darker band covering most of the distal portion; a possible darker area around the eye. Herring Gull (first winter) is eliminated by the combination of the following characters: wing-tip at rest brown-tan, not black; wing-tip and secondary bar tan in flight, not black; primaries with thin, pale tips; tail bar tan, not black; bill all dark; bill and head delicate; bill thin. Glaucous Gull would have been larger relative to Ring-billed Gulls, with a massive bill light with a dark tip, large head, and wing-tips and secondaries would not have been darker than other upper parts. California Gull (first winter) would have black or near-black primaries, secondaries, tail, and a mostly pale bill with a black tip. Glaucous-winged Gull and hybrids thereof eliminated by bill and head structure and body size all smaller/finer in this bird, tail and wing pattern. AG. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:30:00 on October 29, 1989, from 11:30:00/12:15:00 and around 14:00:00 on the October 30, 1989.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3