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 Marbled Godwit east of Colo, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-08-15	1982-08-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Marbled Godwit east of Colo in Story County, IA on August 15, 1982.	Moore, Francis L.	Marbled Godwit	Colo	Pond alongside the road about 2 to 3 mi East of Colo, Story County, Iowa	Pond starting to dry up alongside a hard surface road.	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: Hudsonian Godwit has a white upper tail area with a dark terminal area on the tail. The Hudsonian also does not have the Cinnamon underwing coverts as this bird had. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	14
Rare bird documentation form for Long-billed Dowitcher at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-23	1984-09-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for ten Long-billed Dowitchers at Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on September 23, 1984.	Newlon, Michael C.	Long-billed Dowitcher	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	pond E of Dupont Br. Rd, Hawkeye WA Johnson Co IA	muddy pool on reservoir floodplain	The documentation form by Michael Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: scapular pattern, blurry chest markings (rather than 'speckles'), soft edges to side-bars, tail pattern, date, indicate long-bills. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 16:00:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Black Scoter at Pool 19, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-03-31	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black Scoter at Pool 19 in Lee County, IA on March 31, 1991.	Fuller, James L	Black Scoter	Pool 19	Pool #19 of Mississippi River, Lee County		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The only bird that this bird should be confused with would be ruddy duck, and they were in close proximity so that good comparisons could be made. The white area on ruddy duck's head does not extend onto the neck, they are smaller in size, have a relatively larger bill, and a stiff raised tail, all features which differ from this bird. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:35:00/06:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smew at Pool #13 in Clinton County, 1990	Administrative records Field notes Forms (documents)	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-04-22	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Smew at Pool #13 in Clinton County, IA and Carrol County, IL on April 22, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Blevins, Brian L.	Smew	Pool 13	Pool 13 on Mississippi River (Gomer's Lake, Potter's Marsh) Clinton County, Ia Carrol County, Ill.	The bird was in a big river pool situation with hundreds of other divers mostly comprising of Redheads, Scaup, Buffleheads, and Goldeneyes. This particular area offers large extensive flats adjacent to both sides of the channel.	The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Corey Blevins. \| Elimination of similar species: About the only thing that is close is the Bufflehead and they were feeding with this bird, thus contrasting them was easy. The head difference was unmistakable with the buffs having an all dark head with a white spot, where as the smew had a white head with a black patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:13:00/15:36:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	22
Rare bird documentation form for Tundra Swan at Pool 19, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-31	1989-01-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for seven Tundra Swans at Pool 19 near Montrose in Lee County, IA on December 31, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Tundra Swan	Pool 19	Pool 19 of Mississippi R. near Montrose, Lee Co., IA	resting on ice on river	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bart Ballard. \| Elimination of similar species: Neck posture and bill shape eliminates Trumpeter and Mute swan. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	1
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Thayer's Gull at Pool 19 on the Mississippi River near Montrose, 1988	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-12-31	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Thayer's Gull at Pool 19 on the Mississippi River near Montrose in Lee County, IA on December 31, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Thayer's Gull	Pool 19	Pool 19 of Mississippi R., near Montrose, Lee Co., IA	resting on ice and flying over river with other gulls	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer includes Bart Ballard. \| Elimination of similar species: wing pattern, tail pattern, rounder head, and even color of body eliminates similar Herring Gull. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	3
Rare bird documentation form for Blue-winged Teal at Pool 19, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-21	1998-12-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Blue-winged Teal at Pool 19 in Montrose in Lee County, IA on December 21, 1998.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Blue-winged Teal	Pool 19	Pool 19 of Montrose, Lee County, Iowa	river	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Aaron Brees. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of bill size, face pattern, and speculum pattern eliminates Green-winged Teal. Cinnamon Teal (very unlikely at this date) was eliminated on the basis of the dark eye, slightly smaller bill, and lack of brighter rufous or buffy color on the body. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:42:00/11:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Barrow's Goldeneye near Montrose, 1995	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-12-18	2000-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Barrow's Goldeneye near Montrose in Lee County, IA on December 18, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form (two copies) submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Barrow's Goldeneye	Pool 19	Pool 19, Montrose, Lee Co.	river	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore and John Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: The only possible confusion would be with a male Common Goldeneye, thousands of which were available for direct comparison. The bill and head shapes, shape of the white facial spot, and mantle pattern were all diagnostic of an adult male Barrow's Goldeneye. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	21
Rare bird documentation form for Rough-legged Hawk at Pool Slough, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-08	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Rough-legged Hawk at Pool Slough north of New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on May 8, 1999.	Lesher, Fred	Rough-legged Hawk	Pool Slough	Pool Slough north of Army Road, New Albin, Iowa.		The documentation form by Fred Lesher is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	30
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Port Neal, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-06-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Greater Scaups at Port Neal in Woodbury County, IA on June 6, 1982.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Greater Scaup	New Lake	Port Neal	Oxbow Lake with fringe cattail	The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup: Bird lacked peaked head was clear white on sides head rounded and wide. Speculum extended to wing tip. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:45:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for White-faced Ibis at Woodbury County, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-04-26	1990-05-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-faced Ibis at Port Neal - Iowa Public Service in Woodbury County, IA on April 26, 1990.	Huser, Bill F.	White-faced Ibis	Woodbury County	Port Neal - Iowa Public Service, Woodbury County	shallow lake with sandbars & sandy shores	The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jerry Probst. \| Elimination of similar species: decurved bill eliminates all waders, & shorebirds except curlews, limpkin & whimbrel. Dark plumage -blackish wings back ;dark (reddish) head, shoulders, neck - eliminated these. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:00:00/07:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	25
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope east of Colo, 1982.	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Red-necked Phalaropes east of Colo in Story County, IA on May 23, 1982.	Martsching, Paul	Red-necked Phalarope	Colo	pothole 2 1/2 miles East of Colo, Story Co, Iowa	agriculture land - with 'trash' + 'stubble.' pothole	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Nolan. \| Elimination of similar species: Wilson's Phalarope - does not have white stripe down wing. head not so dark. Sanderling has white stripe down wing - details seen when swimming rule it out. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Smith's Longspur east of Larson Marsh, 1983	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1983-04-17	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for eight or more Smith's Longspurs east of Larson Marsh in Story County, IA on April 17, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Martsching, Paul	Smith's Longspur	Larson Marsh	pothole one eigtth [sic] mile east of Larson Marsh in Story County, Iowa	General: near pothole in cornfield. Specific: grassy areas along waterfilled roadside ditch	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Fred Whitford. \| Elimination of similar species: Lapland longspur - has less white on tail edges, much whiter below; male reddish patch on back of neck & fairly heavy black streaks on sides - most of the males were more or less changed to breeding plumage, altho few had completely changed. Vesper Sparow does not have orange tan breast + belly or white shoulder patch. [...] had more or less black faces \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:40:00/11:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	42
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper east of Colo, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-05-14	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Sandpiper east of Colo in Story County, IA on May 14, 1986.	Martsching, Paul	Western Sandpiper	Colo	pothole one mile east of Colo, Iowa (on old highway 30)	pothole in plowed field	The documentation form by Paul Martsching is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sandpiper article in American Birds shows both Semipalm and Western with spooned bills and partial webbing between toes, but Semipalms bill is shorter and doesn't droop at end (except in extreme cases with same Semipalm females) and in any case doesn't have the orangish feathers. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:10:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Rare bird documentation form for Townsend's Solitaire in Pottawattamie County, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-12-15	1995-12-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Townsend's Solitaire in Pottawattamie County, IA on December 16, 1995.	Allen, Pam Allen, Reid I.	Townsend's Solitaire	Pottawattamie County	Pottawattamie County - .85 mile East on Applewood Drive from junction with Highway 235		The documentation form by Reid and Pam Allen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Loren and Babs Padelford. \| Elimination of similar species: The Northern Mockingbird would be eliminated because of the prominent eyering and larger size. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:50:00/13:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Clark's Grebe at Diamond Lake, 1997	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-12-13	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Clark's Grebe at Diamond Lake in Poweshiek County, IA on December 13, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, photos, an Iowa Bird Life article, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Allen, Pam Allen, Reid I.	Clark's Grebe	Diamond Lake	Poweshiek County, Diamond Lake Park		The documentation form by Pam and Reid Allen is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Mark Proescholdt, Thomas H. Kent, Phil Walsh, and Michael D. Overton were submitted later. Other observers include Jim Sinclair, Ann Johnson, Eugene Armstrong, Dixie Overton, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: The Western Grebe (Aechmorphorus occidentalis) has a much duller, greyish-greenish yellow bill and the body and flanks are blacker. Plus, the black cap extends over the eyes and lores, and there is a more solid blackish cast on the bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/14:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	9
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Pacific Loon at Saylorville Reservoir, 1986	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc Wildlife conservation	1986-11-01	1996-04-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Pacific Loon at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 1, 1986. Includes a record review document with votes, revotes on sighting, correspondence regarding sighting from Ronald E. Goetz to Thomas H. Kent, article from Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Pacific Loon	Saylorville Lake	Prairie Flower Recreation Area, Saylorville Reservoir	large body of water	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Loon eliminated by the more rounded forehead, the smaller, darker bill, the paler nape and crown, the gray necklace on the throat, and by the overall smaller size(a small Common Loon should still show the features of a normal Common Loon). Red-throated Loon was separated by the straight (not upturned) bill, the dark, unspeckled [sic] back, and the gray necklace. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	7
Rare bird documentation form for King Rail at Prairie Rail Trail County Park, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-05-22	1985-06-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a King Rail at Prairie Rail Trail County Park in Story County, IA on May 22, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	King Rail		Prairie Rail Trail County Park, Story County	along a drainage ditch surrounded by open cropland	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kraig Downs. \| Elimination of similar species: Eliminated from other rails by size, longer bill and rusty underparts. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Princeton Marsh, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-05-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Princeton Marsh in Scott County, IA on May 15, 1986.	Petersen, Peter C.	Surf Scoter	Princeton State Wildlife Management Area	Princeton Marsh	Pond near mouth of Wapsipinicon R, I mi. from Miss R. chanel [sic] Central pond, west edge of Princton [sic] Marsh State Wildlife area.	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Don Moeller, Corey Blevins, Gil Sandvick, Mary Lou Petersen, Ann Barker, and John Hoogerheide. \| Elimination of similar species: Black scoter - no white on head. Wh-wg. Scoter, has white on wing, no white on back of head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:40:00/06:55:00, 09:45:00/10:00:00, and 15:45:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Tundra Swan at Princeton Marsh, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-12-19	1992-01-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Tundra Swans at Princeton Marsh in Scott County, IA on December 19, 1991.	Barker, Ann M.	Tundra Swan	Princeton State Wildlife Management Area	Princeton Marsh 3/4 mi N of pumping station on dike	Patch of open water surrounded by ice - river backwater	The documentation form by Ann M. Barker is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Don Moeller, Diann Huysinger, and Bernie Carpenter. \| Elimination of similar species: Trumpeter Swan - immature had definite pink at base of bill, Trumpeter immature would show black at base. Both were seen straight on; white of forehead at base of bill appeared to come down between the eyes, unlike the Trumpeter, whose bill appears more straight across between the eyes. Black of bill did not include the eye as it would in Trumpeter. Mute Swan - birds in question had no knob at base of bill and necks were held straight rather than curved. Secondaries not raised. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	1
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ferruginous Hawk at Princeton Marsh, 1990	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-05-08	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Ferruginous Hawk at Princeton Marsh in Scott County, IA on May 8, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Petersen, Peter C.	Ferruginous Hawk	Princeton State Wildlife Management Area	Princeton Marsh, Scott Co., IA.	bird flying of marsh & agricultural area	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Brian Blevins and Don Moeller. \| Elimination of similar species: Red-tailed Hawk no windows from above, legs white, has breast band, tail uniform rusty red. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	1
Rare bird documentation form for King Rail in northwest Marshall County, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-05-14	1981-05-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a King Rail in northwest Marshall County, IA on May 14, 1981.	Proescholdt, Beth	King Rail	Marshall County	Private gravel pit in n.w. Marshall County	marshy area of a gravel pit - this spot not worked for a long time shallow water of small pond, surrounded by trees + brush	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Phyllis Harris, Garnita Seward, and Ramona Sommerlot. \| Elimination of similar species: Clapper Rail Virginia Rail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Worth Township in Boone County, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-02-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Worth Township in Boone County, IA on February 20, 1982.	Martin, Kevin	Prairie Falcon	Worth Township	R. 26 T83 Sec. 12 NENE	open field	The documentation form by Kevin Martin is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Martin. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel and Peregrine do not have the black arm pits or brown back. to [sic] large for a Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Coralville Reservoir, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-10-02	1983-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Ranch Corner at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 2, 1983.	Newlon, Michael C.	Peregrine Falcon	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Ranch Corner, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co IA	Reservoir flooplain with dead trees, weedy flats, willows	The documentation form by Michael Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: face pattern eliminates only similar falcons. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/13:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Eared Grebe at Rathbun Dam, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-15	1990-12-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Eared Grebes at Rathbun Dam in Appanoose County, IA on December 15, 1990.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Eared Grebe	Rathbun Dam	Rathbun Dam Appanoose Co.	Rocky shore face of dam	The documentation form by Ray Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Paul Egeland, Deb Egeland, Marjorie Heusinkveld, Bill Heusinkveld, and Mark Hoffman. \| Elimination of similar species: See above. I was convinced it would be a Horned Grebe, but all the field marks including the suttle [sic] difference in size an [sic] shape supported Eared Grebe forcing me to change my mind. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	14