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

Walter Rosene letter to the United States Bureau of Biological Survey regarding a 1924 bird migration report, February 7, 1925	Correspondence	Bird watching Birds--Migration Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology	1925-02-07	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Walter Rosene to the United States Bureau of Biological Survey regarding a 1924 bird migration report, February 7, 1925. Rosene mentions that he has included in his report the birds observed in Ogden and the surrounding vicinity as well as those observed on a two week trip to Stump Lake and Chase Lake, North Dakota. This document is related to a reply from Edward Alphonso Goldman: https://avian.lib.iastate.edu/documents/9137/view	Rosene, Walter, 1880-1941		Ogden Stump Lake Chase Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	38	3
Walter Rosene letter to the United States Bureau of Biological Survey regarding a 1925 bird migration report, January 18, 1926	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Migration Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology Scolopacidae \| Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and allies Vireonidae \| Vireos Parulidae \| Warblers Emberizidae \| Sparrows	1926-01-18	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Walter Rosene to the United States Bureau of Biological Survey regarding a 1925 bird migration report, January 18, 1926. Rosene mentions this is the largest single year's list that he has ever completed, which involved 74 recorded field trips and observations of 153 varieties of birds from the station in Ogden. He also includes a list of birds formerly observed but not seen in 1925 as well as a list of 16 varieties of birds observed for the first time during the year.	Rosene, Walter, 1880-1941	Bald Eagle Rough-legged Hawk Carolina Wren Western Kingbird American Woodcock	Ogden Boone County				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	38	3
Edward William Nelson letter to the bird migration observers of the Biological Survey regarding a change in reporting bird observations, March 2, 1925	Correspondence Instructions (document genre)	Bird watching Birds--Migration Birds--Research Ornithology--Methodology	1925-03-02	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Letter from Edward William Nelson to the bird migration observers of the Biological Survey regarding a change in reporting bird observations, March 2, 1925. The letter details the shortage of clerical assistance available to prepare permanent card files and requests bird observers fill out their bird sightings directly on the card. The letter provides specific instructions on how to complete and submit the cards.	United States. Bureau of Biological Survey Nelson, Edward William, 1855-1934						Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	38	3
Report of committee for selection of "State Bird", April 30, 1927	Reports	Ornithology--Societies, etc State birds	1927-04-30	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	A report from the committee that was appointed at the Iowa Ornithologists' Union annual meeting in 1926 to investigate the feasibility of selecting a state bird for Iowa. The plan from the committee suggests having members of the Iowa Ornithologists' Union nominate five birds which would be narrowed to a final nomination of five to six birds. The final nomination of birds would then be submitted to the school children of Iowa for them to vote and ultimately select the state bird. In order to cover the expense of this campaign, the committee suggests increasing membership dues by $1.00 per member.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union Palas, Arthur J. Spiker, Charles J. Wendelburg, Toni Whitney, Thomas H. Clark, Ella		Iowa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	38	21
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at Fairfield, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birds--Nests Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-13	1999-06-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Bewick's Wrens at Fairfield in Jefferson County, IA on April 13, 1999.	Porter, Diane C.	Bewick's Wren	Fairfield	City: Fairfield Co: Jefferson St/Prov: IA Nation: USA	Residential area	The documentation form by Diane Porter is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: One of them was almost as red on top as a Carolina Wren. Breast and throat were dirty white. Belly grayish, not rusty. Tail was long, loosely wagging from side to side, and bearing white patches in outer corners. \| The original documentation form event lasted from April 13, 1999 to June 4, 1999.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Keokuk, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-22	1997-12-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Keokuk in Lee County, IA on December 22, 1997.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Keokuk	along River Road n of Keokuk, Lee Co., IA	brushy area along river edge	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Gordon Brown and Jim Sinclair. \| Elimination of similar species: The small size, greenish coloration, and shape identified the birds as kinglets. One of the birds was compared directly to Golden-crowned Kinglets, and was separated from that species by the eyering and lack of yellow on the crown. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:06:00/08:19:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Shenandoah, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-01-04	1997-02-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Shenandoah in Page County, IA on January 4, 1997.	Falk, Laurence L.	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Shenandoah	Shenandoah, IA	In riparian habitat searching food in deciduous trees and shrubs from several feet off ground to 20 ft	The documentation form by Laurence L. Falk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include six people in the Christmas Bird Count group and five other people. \| Elimination of similar species: The basic question is whether these were RC or GC Kinglets. These displayed no yellow on the crown or the wings. They did not display the more contrasting light and dark of the GC. They did not have the lighter eyeline. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:45:00 for several minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Mockridge County Wildlife Preserve, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1996-12-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Ruby-crowned Kinglets at Mockridge County Wildlife Preserve in Clinton County, IA on December 20, 1996.	McKay, Kelly	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Mockridge County Wildlife Preserve	Mockridge	large pine grove surrounded by deciduous woodlots	The documentation form by Kelly J. McKay is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ulf Konig. \| Elimination of similar species: Golden-crowned Kinglet - has golden crown patch, eye lines, and a 2 or 3 note call. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:45:00/10:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Sioux Center, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-03-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Sioux Center in Sioux County, IA on March 28, 1993	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Sioux Center	Sioux Center, IA 51250		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Wendy Van Dyk. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] I quickly determined it to be a Kinglet, and, given the time of year, initially assumed it would be a Golden-crown [...] the little creature looked like a Ruby-crown. In fact, I was sure it was: I saw an eye-ring and could not detect any kind of striping on its head. But I could not be absolutely sure since I studied the bird from a distance of at least 25 yards [...] we observed the bird in a leisurely fashion: eye-ring and no stripes of any kind on its crown. A Ruby-crown, without any doubt. \| The original documentation form event lasted all day.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Lake MacBride, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-12-19	1981-12-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Lake MacBride in Johnson County, IA on December 19, 1981.	Sandrock, James P., 1929-	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Lake MacBride	North wing of Lake Macbride, Johnson County (approx. 1 mi. west of Solon in Iowa Conservation Commission Wildlife Refuge.)	Small grove of deciduous saplings in frozen marshy area.	The documentation form by James P. Sandrock is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Fall Chestnut-sided Warbler about same size with eye ring, but has longer bill, is a much brighter green, and has yellow wing bars. Fall Pine Warbler is more drab, has duller wing bars, longer bill. Obviously not Golden-crowned Kinglet. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:16:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Coralville Dam, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-12-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Coralville Dam in Johnson County, IA on December 15, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Coralville Dam	near Iowa River Below Coralville Res Dam N. of Iowa City Ia [sic]	General: residential - edge of woods along river Specific: as above	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Terry Cox and Mary Noble. \| Elimination of similar species: Golden-crowned Kinglet. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:35:00/07:37:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
1981 Decorah, Iowa CBC	Administrative reports Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-12-19	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Field notes documenting the sighting of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Whistling Swan, Golden Eagle, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and seven White-winged Crossbills seen during the Decorah Christmas Bird Count.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union	Yellow-bellied Sapsucker White-winged Crossbill Golden Eagle Ruby-crowned Kinglet Tundra Swan	Decorah Winneshiek County				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Marsh Wren at Cooper Prairie Marsh, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-31	1982-11-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Marsh Wrens at Cooper Prairie Marsh in Story County, IA on October 31, 1982.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Marsh Wren	Cooper Prairie Marsh	Coopers Marsh, Story County	Small Cattail Marsh 1-2 ft water	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: Sedge Wren - lacks the white eye stripe - shorter tail \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:30:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	3
Rare bird documentation form for Sedge Wren at Lake Panorama (water body), 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-12-06	1996-12-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sedge Wren at Lake Panorama (water body) in Guthrie County, IA on December 6, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Sedge Wren	Lake Panorama	Lake Panorama, Guthrie Co., IA	marshy spring near open water	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Marsh Wren is the only other species I considered. Marsh Wren has whiter underparts, and unmarked crown, a more conspicuous white eyeline, and a more distinct black and white pattern on the mantle. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:20:00/11:37:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	2
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1992-05-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on May 28, 1992.	Pinkston, Randall, 1956-	Bewick's Wren	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Lacey-Keosauqua St. Pk. campground, Van Buren Co., Iowa.		The documentation form by Randall Pinkston is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bill Pinkston. \| Elimination of similar species: Song and tail alone rule out House and Carolina Wrens. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:30:59.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren near the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-18	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren near the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on May 18, 1988.	Fuller, James L	Bewick's Wren	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Near Croton Unit - Shimek State Forest	Residence & Barnyard	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil and Charles Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: House Wren - Tail + back darker + white breast + eye line. Side-to-side tail movement. Song not like House Wren. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at Shenandoah, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-08	1991-05-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at Shenandoah in Page County, IA on May 8, 1991.	Braley, Jean B.	Bewick's Wren	Shenandoah	209 W. Thomas Ave., Shenandoah, IA.	Residential yard; large trees, variety of shrubs	The documentation form by Jean Bordner Braley is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include F.M. Braley. \| Elimination of similar species: Carolina Wren: I observed the bird was white on breast + throat; tail different; have not heard Carolina sing the way Bewick's did; tailflicking/switching sideways not noticed in Carolina. \| The original documentation form event occurred on and off from 07:30:00/10:00:00 .	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren north of Burlington, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-04-19	1986-04-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren north of Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on April 19, 1986.	Fuller, James L	Bewick's Wren	Burlington	YMCA Camp Road - Approximately 2 miles N. of Burlington	Hilly + partially wooded, suburban homes	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Charles Fuller, Liz Christiansen, Bob Cecil, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: House Wren- white eye line + tail edging, general color, white breast, + tail flicking. Carolina Wren - general color, white breast, + tail flicking. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:33:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-01	1986-09-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on September 1, 1986.	Cecil, Robert I.	Bewick's Wren	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit, Shimek State Forest. 2 1/2 miles west of Argyle in Lee County, Iowa	Heavily overgrown brushy area/multiflora rose, saplings, some middle maturity and older trees.	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: See above. [...] I observed a conspicuous superciliary strip but otherwise, the bird did not look right for a Carolina. The body appeared slimmer than a Carolina, and the tail was longer. [...] I heard the song a couple of times, but will not try to describe it except that it was clearly not the song of a Carolina or a House Wren. \| The original documentation form event occurred from 07:30:00/07:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren north of Burlington, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-04-16	1986-04-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren north of Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on April 16, 1986.	Cecil, Robert I.	Bewick's Wren	Burlington	appx. 2 miles north of Burlington (Des Moines County) Iowa	Brush pile near pasture and woodlot, Near farmstead.	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Elizabeth Christiansen, Dana Christiansen, James Fuller, Charles Fuller, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: Carolina Wren has heavier body, does not have white outer tail feathers, and has a comparatively shorter tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1991-04-27	1991-05-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on April 27, 1991.	Fuller, James L	Bewick's Wren	Aspen Grove Cemetery	Apsen [sic] Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Des Moines County		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Chuck Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: The completely white underparts eliminate all other wrens except rock wren. although that bird has a blush of brown along the rear sides and under the tail and it has streaking on the upper breast. No other wren has the white tail pattern, nor wags its tail side to side. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:03:00/15:14:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at Waubonsie State Park, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, IA on May 24, 1984.	Bray, Tanya	Bewick's Wren	Waubonsie State Park	Waubonsie State Park Fremont County, Iowa	Loess Hills Oak-Hickory Forest The wren was seen in a narrow strip of woodland bordered on one side by the park road, on another side by an open and mowed picnic area, and backed by an area of low shrubby tangles. Across the road was a deep, wooded ravine	The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include B.J. Rose and Babs Padelford. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Nearly size of Carolina Wren, but with a slimmer more elongated 'look'. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at Marshalltown, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1982-07-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at Marshalltown in Marshall County, IA on July 4, 1982.	Moore, Francis L.	Bewick's Wren	Marshalltown	In city of Marshalltown, Marshall Co., Ia. Jct. of Forest Blvd + Pope Blvd.	Residential; nearby shrubby fence rows; tall pine and deciduous mix	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russell Hays, Joe Schaufenbuel, and Hank Zaletel. \| Elimination of similar species: House Wren is darker brown with brown throat and belly and lacks white fringing on outer tail feathers, song is also completely different. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:10:00/10:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren north of Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1981-05-02	1981-05-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for one to two Bewick's Wren north of Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on May 2, 1981.	Moore, Francis L.	Bewick's Wren	Hickory Hill Park	Just past North boundary of Hickory Hills [sic] Park, Iowa City, IA (Johnson County)	General: Junkyard and brush piles near Graveyard abutted by wooded ravine Specific: mostly seen in brush piles in ravine or at lip of ravine.	The documentation form by Francis Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Barb Wilson, Bob Myers, Ross Silcock, and many others. \| Elimination of similar species: House Wren has gray-brown color on breast and belly: Carolina Wren has white eye-stripe but is buffy color on the belly and lacks the white-fringing on the tail; Winter Wren is brown on the breast and belly. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1
Rare bird documentation form for Bewick's Wren at Iowa City, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-04-17	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bewick's Wren at Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on April 17, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Bewick's Wren	Iowa City	Iowa City IA	General: Brush, wooded draw with junk--between yards in city Specific: N. Summit St Iowa City N. of cemetery and w. of Hickory Hill Park, behind apartments	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Huntington. \| Elimination of similar species: House wren brown, shorter tail, no eye-line Carolina Wren much redder \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:20:00/17:21:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	1