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 Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-01	1987-11-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 1, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-above dam	resting on large reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engebretsen. \| Elimination of similar species: The size and shape eliminates loons and all other grebes except Western Grebe. The bill shape, light mark on the cheek, and the position of the wing patch eliminates Western Grebe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Great Black-backed Gull at Lock and Dam 14, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-01-02	1996-02-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Great Black-backed Gull at Lock and Dam 14 in Scott County, IA on January 2, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Great Black-backed Gull	Lock and Dam 14	below Lock and Dam 14, Davenport, Scott Co., IA	resting on large river	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Dinsmore and Kelly McKay. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of large size, coal black mantle and upperwings, and massive bill eliminates all other larids. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:50:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	38
Rare bird documentation form for Least Tern at Saylorville Marina, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-08-21	1986-08-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Least Tern at Saylorville Marina in Polk County, IA on August 21, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Least Tern	Saylorville Marina	Saylorville Reservoir-near marina	resting on sandy beach	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: No other tern shows the combination of yellow bill and legs, small size, white forehead, and dark outer primaries. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:10:00/15:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	44
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-02	1987-12-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Franklin's Gulls at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on December 2, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Franklin's Gull	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-above dam	resting with other gulls on 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 dark hood and wing pattern eliminate all other gulls except Laughing Gull. The small bill and white bar separating the black wingtip from the rest of the wing eliminates Laughing Gull (in adult plumage). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:40:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Four Mile Lake, 1993	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-06-09	1993-06-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Red-necked Grebes at Four Mile Lake in Emmet County, IA on June 9, 1993.	Ehresman, Bruce Flaherty, Molly	Red-necked Grebe	Four Mile Lake Wildlife Management Area	T99N, R34W, Sec 8 SE 1/4 at Four Mile Lake Restored Area. ~150 yds NW of NW corner of furthest east parking lot along County Rd. A22.	Restored wetland w/ emergent vegetation - surrounded by grassland	The documentation form by Bruce Ehresman and Molly Flaherty is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Head similar to Western Grebe, but this grebe's neck is rusty red color. Body also smaller than western grebe, and bill not as long and pointed. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Little Blue Heron at West Hottes Lake, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-09-26	1992-09-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Little Blue Heron at West Hottes Lake in Dickinson County, IA on September 26, 1992.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Little Blue Heron	West Hottes Lake	West Hottes Lake, Dickinson Co.	Restored, shallow wetland w/ low vegetation + mudflats	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dennis McFarland and Nancy Schoenewe. \| Elimination of similar species: Snowy Egret. This bird lacked the black bill and dark legs with yellow feet. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	20
Rare bird documentation form for Philadelphia Vireo at Moorehead Park in Ida County, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-10-18	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Philadelphia Vireo at Moorehead Park in Ida County, IA on October 18, 1994.	Ernzen, Peter	Philadelphia Vireo	Moorehead Pioneer Park	Moorehead Park	Riparian - shrubby	The documentation form by Peter Ernzen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Tennesse Warbler color to [sic] light thick vireo bill Red Eyed Vireo has white eye brow border above + below with black - not present on this vireo - should be darker in color throughout over -> warbling vireo is to [sic] pale in color, no yellow mark across throat. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/13:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	80
Rare bird documentation form for Little Blue Heron at Peterson Pits, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-08	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Little Blue Heron at Peterson Pits in Story County, IA on May 8, 1982.	Robinson, John C., 1959-	Little Blue Heron	Peterson Pits Recreation Area	Peterson Pits, Story County, Iowa	Riparian area with sparse vegetation and several large dug-out pits, most of which held variable amounts of water.	The documentation form by John C. Robinson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers. \| Elimination of similar species: Green Heron is smaller, has orange legs, a stouter neck and white areas on its ventral surface. Louisiana Heron shows conspicuous white areas on the ventral surface. Great Blue Heron is much larger, with a two-tone coloration in the wings, a slower wingbeat , and white areas on the upper neck and head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:35:00/12:37:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	20
Rare bird documentation form for Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 19, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-11-06	1990-11-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 19 in Keokuk in Lee County, IA on November 6, 1990.	Cecil, Robert I.	Thayer's Gull	Lock Number 19	Behind Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa	River	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Too small, to [sic] uniform in color for Herring. Slight darkening at wingtips eliminates Iceland. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/08:00:00 and 13:30:00/13:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	35
Rare bird documentation form for Caspian Tern at Lock 16, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-06-30	1999-07-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Caspian Tern at Lock 16 in Rock Island County, IL on June 30, 1999.	White, Gerald	Caspian Tern	Lock and Dam 16	Lock 16 on Mississippi River	River	The documentation form by Gerald White is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Was not a Gull because of the feeding pattern, the bird was diving in the water. Forsters Tern is smaller and has smaller bill. Royal Tern has smaller bill and tail has deeper notch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:02:00 minimum.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	41
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 28, 1990.	Porter, Diane C.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir	River	The documentation form by Diane Porter is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ann Johnson and others. \| Elimination of similar species: Most gulls don't have forked tails. Sabine's gull's mantle pattern is different, grey on inner part of wing and black only on outer part. Little gull doesn't have black legs and is very small.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Great Black-backed Gull at Keokuk Wasterwater Plant, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-12-25	1993-12-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Great Black-backed Gull at Keokuk Wastewater Plant in Lee County, IA on December 25, 1993.	Cecil, Robert I.	Great Black-backed Gull	Keokuk Wastewater Plant	Near Sewage treatment plant, Mississippi River, Keokuk, Lee Co. IA	River	The documentation form by Bob Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: All other gulls eliminated based upon size alone. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:30:00 and 16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	38
Rare bird documentation form for Glaucous Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-11-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Glaucous Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on November 21, 1990.	Fuller, James L	Glaucous Gull	Red Rock Dam	Below the dam - Red Rock Reservoir - 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: Iceland Gull is smaller; first winter bird has smaller all dark bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:34:00/13:15:00 and 14:05:00/14:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	37
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull at Ottumwa, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-01-06	1997-01-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Ottumwa in Wapello County, IA on January 6, 1997.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Ottumwa	Ottumwa, Wapello Co., IA	river	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was in the company of Ring-billed and Herring gulls which were easily eliminated on the basis of mantle color. California Gull is slightly smaller, is lighter-mantled, and shows more white in the primaries. Great-black-backed, Slaty-backed, and Western gulls are all larger and have heavier bills. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:10:00/15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-01-17	1992-01-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Thayer's Gull at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport in Scott County, IA on January 17, 1992.	Cecil, Robert I.	Thayer's Gull	Lock and Dam 15	Lock and Dam 15, Davenport, Iowa. Rusty Pelican Restaurant	River	The documentation form by Bob Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: See above discussion. [...] The wingtip pattern is what caught my attention. There was much less darkening to the outer primaries than on accompanying gulls. [...] When viewed fro [sic] underneath, the wingtips of the subject bird were white to the tips, with the exception of very narrow black tips at the tips of the primaries. This was very different from the adult Herring/Ring-bills which had substantial black towards the end of the underwings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	35
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Lock and Dam 18, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-10-21	1987-11-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation for four Surf Scoters at Lock and Dam 18 north of Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on October 21, 1987.	Cecil, Robert I.	Surf Scoter	Lock and Dam Number 18	Miss. River Lock and Dam 18 North of Burlington, Des Moines Co., Iowa	River	The documentation form by Bob Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Charles Fuller and Elizabeth Christiansen. \| Elimination of similar species: Head pattern unlike Black Scoter. Similar to White-winged, but white in wing never noted. We viewed birds at rest for sometime, and saw them rear up once or twice, so should have seen white if present. Similar to female scaup but for bill shape in relation to head.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Canvasback at Pool 19, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-06-25	1984-07-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Canvasbacks at Pool 19 near Montrose in Lee County, IA on June 25, 1984.	Cecil, Robert I.	Canvasback	Pool 19	Mississippi River, Pool 19 near Montrose, Lee County, Iowa	River	The documentation form by Robert I. Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Redhead: These had much flatter forehead than a redhead. The bill on these birds was also a uniform black, not bi-colored. (I didn't realize this was a field mark until later when I was reviewing my notes and looking through a field guide.) \| The original documentation form event occurred several times during day.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	7
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
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Dam, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on November 28, 1988.	Thomas, Michael K.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Red Rock Dam	just below Red Rock Dam - south tailwater area - Marion Co., IA	river - gravel base	The documentation form by Mike Thomas is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ann Johnson. \| Elimination of similar species: Ringbill: collar, eye patch, black pattern on wings Bonaparte's: collar, size Red-legged Kittiwake: thickness of collar, black legs/feet \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:55:00/13:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Rare bird documentation form for Brewer's Blackbird northwest of Mason City, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1998-10-13	1999-01-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for eight Brewer's Blackbirds northwest of Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA on October 13, 1998.	Goranson, Rita	Brewer's Blackbird	Mason City	Wheelerwood Drive, north + west of Mason City, 1 mile before intersection with Killdeer Ave	River + trees on one side - farm land on other side	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Had been seeing grackles - a larger bird - larger tail. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	76
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-26	1998-01-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 26, 1997 and December 30, 1997.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA (below dam)	river below dam	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James J. Dinsmore, Kay Niyo, and many other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of size, dark gray mantle, yellow legs and bill pattern eliminates other gulls, especially Great Black-backed, California, and Slaty-backed. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:05:00/16:55:00 on December 26, 1997 and 13:40:00/16:05:00 on December 30, 1997.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Lock 14, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-01-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Lock 14 in Scott County, IA on January 2, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Greater Scaup	Lock and Dam 14	Lock 14 Scott Co. IA	River below dam, Mississippi River at Lock 14, Iowa Side	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:05:00 approx.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Sand Point in Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-05-07	1985-05-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Sand Point in Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on May 7, 1985.	Knight, Calvin A.	Peregrine Falcon	Sand Point	@ North end of Sandy Point, Hawkeye Wildlife Area - Coralville Res. Johnson Co., Iowa	River Bottom but completely open because of previous high water.	The documentation form by Calvin A. Knight is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bernie Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Kestral [sic]: But no rusty tail. Merlin: But no prominent tail barring; also; the Peregrine showed the black cap with black sideburns on white background. \| The original documentation form event occurred at 19:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Eared Grebe at Cedar Lake, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-04-08	1994-04-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Eared Grebe at Cedar Lake in Linn County, IA on April 8, 1994.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Eared Grebe	Cedar Lake	Cedar L., Linn Co., Iowa	river bottom lake in city	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: The head shape and small bill on this small dark grebe caught my eye. The neck and lower face were too dark for a winter-plumaged Horned Grebe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	14
Rare bird documentation form for Baird's Sparrow at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1976	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-04-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Baird's Sparrow at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on April 27, 1976.	Bray, Tanya	Baird's Sparrow	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend N. Wildlife Refuge, Missouri Valley, Iowa	River Bottom Land - Nat. Wildlife Refuge Plowed strip with road on one side, small trees and underbrush bordering it on the other.	The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marian Meier.\| Elimination of similar species: This bird had no yellow above eye as in Savannah. Also the breast stripes were confined to necklace. No noticable [sic] white on tail as in Vesper. No buff on breast as in Lincolns, LeContes, or Henslows. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:50:00/12:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	7