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 Laughing Gull at Saylorville Dam, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-16	1999-04-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Laughing Gull at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on April 16, 1999.	Thompson, Dennis	Laughing Gull	Saylorville Dam	Below Saylorville Dam, Polk Co. Ia		The documentation form by Dennis Thompson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Franklin's + this bird were swimming side by side. Bill longer, bulkier. No white in the wing tips while resting. Stretched its wings once, with no white visible in the primaries nor any white bar separating the gray wing from the black primaries. White spots + bar visible in nearby Franklin's. Direct size comparison noted above. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	31
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Lake Cona-Toma, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-16	1999-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Lake Cona-Toma in Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 16, 1999.	Fischer, Carolyn J.	Red-necked Grebe	Lake Cona Toma	Lake Cona-Toma, Mason City	small lake with homes around it -	The documentation form by Carolyn Fischer is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rita Goranson and Jan Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: Horned Grebe - smaller size bird, no horns. Eared Grebe - smaller size, too dark all over.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Yellow-billed Loon at Clear Lake, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-04-18	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Yellow-billed Loon at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 18, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Walter, Janice L.	Yellow-billed Loon	Clear Lake	North side of Clear Lake, Clear Lake, Iowa	Large open lake, no reeds or rushes in this area	The documentation form by Jan L. Walter is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Curt Nelson, and Carolyn Fischer. \| Elimination of similar species: Color, plumage, and bill shape eliminated Cormorants. Size eliminated Red-throated and Pacific Loons. Basic and immature plumage. Common Loon eliminated by straight, yellow aulmen, very pale tannish face, brown auricular patch, overall pale appearance of head and neck, and brown, not black, body. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	8
Rare bird documentation form for Smith's Longspurs at Maynard Reese Waterfowl Production Area, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-19	1999-04-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for eleven Smith's Longspurs at Maynard Reese Waterfowl Production Area in Kossuth County, IA on April 19, 1999.	Goranson, Rita	Smith's Longspur	Maynard Reese Area	Maynard Reece [sic] Wettlands [sic], Koss Co, Iowa near Union Slough	wettlands [sic] + old bean stubble	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jan Walter and Matthew Kenne. \| Elimination of similar species: No other birds in immediate area, other than ducks, I had seen two Savannah Sparrows at beginning of area and knew these were larger than Savannah's and different coloring and marks. I have seen Laplands but they don't have this rich buffy color. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	67
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Clear Lake, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-20	1999-08-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 20, 1999.	Goranson, Rita	Red-throated Loon	Clear Lake	Clear Lake, Iowa - on lake north side	water	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jan Walter and Carolyn Fischer. \| Elimination of similar species: Common loons were out further but darker with dark around face and around neck, bill larger & darker. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Clear Lake, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-21	1999-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Red-throated Loons at Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 21, 1999.	Fischer, Carolyn J.	Red-throated Loon	Clear Lake	Clear Lake, Clear Lake Ia	Large lake, northside	The documentation form by Rita Goranson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Curt Nelson, Jan Walter, and Carolyn Fischer. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Loon - was also present, could see larger loon, heavy bill, Pacific Loon - straight bill, black cap extends to eye -	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-bellied Whistling-Duck at Columbus Junction, 1999	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-04-25	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Black-bellied Whistling-Duck at Columbus Junction in Louisa County, IA on April 25, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes, an e-mail about the bird sighting, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Black-bellied Whistling-Duck	Columbus Junction	2 miles north of Columbus Junction, Louisa Co., Iowa	A backwater slough adjacent to highway 70 and close to the Iowa River	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ted Allen, Bill Ohde, and Jim Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Fulvous Whistling-Duck lacks the gray face, orange bill, and white wing patch.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	3
Big Bluestem Flyer, Volume 34, Number 5, May/June 1999	Newsletters	Bird watching Ornithology--Societies, etc Wildlife conservation Natural areas Societies--History, organization, etc	1999-05-01	1999-06-30	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	The newsletter of the Big Bluestem Audubon Society (Ames, Iowa), Volume 34, Number 5, May/June 1999. Highlights of the newsletter include an article "Out and About in Boone County: Don Williams Park" by Joyce Bahrenfus and Jon Bahrenfus, the proposed 1999-2000 budget of the society, reports on March and April field trips, the Nominations Committee report with the slate of society officer candidates for election at the May meeting, and an update on two new wildlife areas in Hamilton and Polk Counties.	Big Bluestem Audubon Society (Ames, Iowa) Shivvers, Rebecca A.		Ames Hamilton County Paul Errington Wildlife Management Area Don Williams County Park				Big Bluestem Audubon Society \| MS 592	3	6
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-necked Stilt at Harrier Marsh, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-05-04	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Black-necked Stilts at Harrier Marsh in Boone County in May 4, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, James J.	Black-necked Stilt	Harrier Marsh	Harrier Marsh, Boone County	restored wetland	The documentation form by Jim Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Michael D. Overton, Jim Fuller, Thomas H. Kent, and Mark Proescholdt were submitted later. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt, Kevin Healy, Hank Zaletel, Reid Allen, Pam Allen, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Russ Reisz, Dixie Overton, and other unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Unmistakable. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:25:00/17:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	20
Rare bird documentation form for Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry in Ames, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-08	1999-05-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry in Ames in Story County, IA on May 8, 1999.	Overton, Michael D.	Pacific Loon	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Iowa, Story co., Ames, Hallett's Quarry	Lake in old quarry at edge of urban residential area	The documentation form by Michael D. Overton is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dixie Overton, Michael Freiberg, Kevin Healy, and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: Red-throated Loon by parallel sided bill, horizontal bill and head position, no white areas above or in front of the eye, distinct straight demarcation between light and dark areas on head and sides of neck, lack of white spots on back. Arctic Loon by presence of "chinstrap", lack of white flank patches, realistic attitude. Common Loon by smaller size, smaller parallel sided bill, rounded crown, no white areas in front of or above eye, nape lighter than back, white auricular area, distinct straight demarcation between light and dark areas on head and sides of neck. Yellow-billed Loon by smaller size, smaller parallel sided bill, rounded crown, no white areas in front of or above eye, white auricular area, distinct straight demarcation between light and dark areas on head and side of neck.\| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/17:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	9
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 Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry at Ames, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-08	1999-05-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry at Ames in Story County, IA on May 8, 1999.	Dinsmore, James J.	Pacific Loon	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Hallett's Quarry, n. edge of Ames, Story County	gravel pit	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kevin Healy, Roseanne Healy, Wolf Oesterreich, Hank Zaletel, Pam Allen, and Reid Allen. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Loon seen next to it with side-by-side comparison. 1. No chin stripe on this bird. 2. Back of head and neck uniformly dark colored 3. White on side of head extended further forward and included the eye. Also there was a white 'bump' that extended back into dark color of side of neck. 4. Bill seemed darker than other bird and was all light colored. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	9
Rare bird documentation form for Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry at Ames, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-12	1999-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry at Ames in Story County, IA on May 12, 1999.	Proescholdt, Mark	Pacific Loon	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Hallett's Quarry - north of Ames - (Story County)	Large gravel pit filled with water	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt, Hank Zaletel, Jim Dinsmore ,Tom Kent, Russ Widners, etc. \| Elimination of similar species: The chin strap, small size and small bill, and the sharp demarcation line on the side of the neck eliminate Common, Red-throated, and Yellow-billed Loons. No white flank marks eliminate Arctic Loon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:50:00/14:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	9
Rare bird documentation form for Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry at Ames, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-14	1999-05-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pacific Loon at Hallett's Quarry at Ames in Story County, IA on May 14, 1999.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Pacific Loon	Ada Hayden Heritage Park	Hallett's Quarry, Story Co., Iowa	large quarry pond	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russ Widner and the Birdline. \| Elimination of similar species: see above. The bird was not small enough for a Red-throated and did not hold the bill pointing up. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:20:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	9
Details for Prairie Falcon and King Rail sightings in spring, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-14	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Field notes from Jim Fuller describing the sighting of a Prairie Falcon north of Fairfield, IA, and a King Rail at Otter Creek Marsh.	Fuller, James L	Prairie Falcon King Rail	Otter Creek Marsh State Wildlife Refuge Fairfield				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for Bewster's Warbler at Greenwood Park in Des Moines, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-16	1999-05-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Brewster's Warbler at Greenwood Park in Des Moines in Polk County, IA on May 16, 1999.	Cecil, Robert I.	Vermivoras	Greenwood Park	Greenwood Park, Des Moines, Polk Co.	Woodland	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Sue Spieker. \| Elimination of similar species: Pure Blue-winged does not have wing bars. The song is distinctive for Blue-wing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:10:00/09:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	17
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of White-winged Dove at Waukee, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-05-20	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a White-winged Dove at Waukee in Dallas County, IA on May 20, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Schlaefer, Roger U.	White-winged Dove	Waukee	Waukee, Iowa 50263 - Songbird Park behind 1070 1st Pl.	Open grassy mowed park - several acres of tall grasses. Narrow wooded gully - beside tree lined pond - varied plated fruit trees and bushes. By Cottonwood tree & flowing stream.	The documentation form by Roger Schlaefer is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marjorie Schlaefer. \| Elimination of similar species: Morning Dove: This one hoots more in sequence, deeper sound. White on wings and tail not like Local Doves. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:00:00/19:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	10
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at Lake Ahquabi State Park, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Warren County, IA on May 20, 1999.	Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann	Prairie Warbler	Lake Ahquabi State Park	Lake Ahquabi State Park, Warren County		The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers Jim Sinclair. \| Elimination of similar species: No other warbler has the combination of black outlining the cheek and black flank streaking. The song is unmistakable and we watched this bird sing. While watching the bird we remarked on how it had overshot suitable habitat across the road and that is exactly where Jim Sinclair found this bird the following day. As we watched it forage in the treetops, it was constantly moving to the south and toward better habitat for this species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 14:30:00/14:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Northern Goshawk at Stephens State Forest, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-05-20	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Northern Goshawk at Stephens State Forest in Lucas County, IA on May 20, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann	Northern Goshawk	Stephens State Forest - Lucas Unit	Stephen's State Forest, Lucas County		The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The powerful direct flight, the longish tail, and the rounded broad wings identified this bird as an accipter. Bangma's first comment was that the width of the wings reminded him of Hook-billed Kites in So. Texas, a dramatic characteristic that allows experienced hawk watchers to identify Northern Goshawk from a distance - literally a stovepipe with broad wings. Buteos have a much shorter tail that gives them an entirely different look and feel. A gray adult male Northern Harrier would look white below and have longer wings proportionate to the body. Although we were unable to see the bird at an angle to see every characteristic of this species, other accipters would have been rufous or brown from below. Although this is certainly a late date for this species, Northern Goshawk has been seen in the winter in and near this location. In breeding areas it feeds on grouse. We speculated on the reintroduction of Ruffed Grouse in this area and what effect it might have on late migration and even potential breeding. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/13:46:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	28
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Clark's Grebe at Blue Lake, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-05-21	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Clark's Grebe at Blue Lake in Monona County, IA on May 21, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Allen, Pam Allen, Reid I.	Clark's Grebe	Blue Lake	Monona County, South Blue Lake		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 Thomas H. Kent and J. Fuller were submitted later. \| Elimination of similar species: The Western Grebes (Aechmorphorus occidentalis) had a much duller, greyish-greenish yellow bill and the body and flanks were blacker. Plus, the black cap extended over the eyes and lores. The Western Grebes seemed to be slightly smaller headed than the Clark's Grebe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:30:00/18:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	9
Rare bird documentation form for Laughing Gull at Sandpiper Recreation Area at Saylorville, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-05-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Laughing Gulls at Sandpiper Recreation Area at Saylorville in Polk County, IA on May 22, 1999.	Engebretsen, Bery	Laughing Gull	Sandpiper Recreation Area	Saylorville, parking lot at Sandpiper		The documentation form by Bery Engebretsen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I could see both Laughing + Franklin's standing side by side. Laughing were clearly 20-25% larger, as was bill. A more prominent 'gonys' made the bill appear somewhat more hooked. In flight, the wing tips were black + more extensive than Franklins, both above + below. I looked carefully for any trace of white between tip + rest of wing, as well as for any white on the head, and there was none. The eye ring was broken on the front, less so in the back. The Franklin's had a rounder appearance to the head than did the Laughing. In flight, the Laughing's tail was pure white. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:05:00/08:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	31
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Lark Bunting southeast of Scranton, 1999	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-06-06	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Lark Bunting southeast of Scranton in Greene County, IA on June 6, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes, e-mail correspondence about the documentation, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Thelen, Rob	Lark Bunting	Scranton	Greene County,1 mile south of Scranton on Highway 25 ,then 3/4 mile east.	Pasture with cows on South side, Row crops on North side	The documentation form by Rob Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Marty Thelen. \| Elimination of similar species: I don't know of any other bird of this size that has white wing patches. I couldn't find any other info in any of my bird guides. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:00:00/10:00:06.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	34
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Eurasian Collared Dove at Rutland, 1999	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1999-06-15	2000-11-28	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for six Eurasian Collared Doves at Rutland in Humboldt County, IA during late June, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Smeltzer, John F.	Eurasian Collared Dove	Rutland	Town of Rutland, Humboldt County, Iowa	Seen repeatedly and photographed at bird feeder/waterer.	The documentation form by John F. Smeltzer, Jr. is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include entire Smeltzer family (wife, daughter, son, father, mother, and brother). \| Elimination of similar species: Mourning dove.....they were too large and the wrong color. Common pigeon.....too small, wrong color as well. Ringed dove......domestic and too fragile for the environment they were surviving in.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	9
Spring 1999 late reports, June 17, 1999	Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology	1999-06-17	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	List of bird sightings dated June 17, 1999. This list contains the sightings that were submitted late for the spring 1999 season. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of spring 1999.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	White-winged Dove Cinnamon Teal Canvasback Snowy Egret Least Tern Piping Plover	Browers Lake Iowa Waukee New Lake Pool 19				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	28	3
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Spirit Lake, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-06-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on June 28, 1999.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Red-throated Loon	Spirit Lake	Spirit Lake, Dickinson County	open water	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Loon + Pacific Loon - size, upturned bill & brownish, speckled neck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:35:00/16:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8