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 Surf Scoter at Ventura Marsh, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-21	1988-05-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Ventura Marsh in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 21, 1988.	Probst, Jerry	Surf Scoter	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh part of Clear Lake	Shallow lake	The documentation form by Jerry Probst is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Livermore and Wayne Livermore. \| Elimination of similar species: Obviously a mature female Surf Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:45:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Winterfeld Park, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1998-12-02	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Winterfeld Park in Sioux County, IA on December 2, 1998.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Surf Scoter	Winterfeld Boat and Fish Area	Winterfeld Park along the north side of Rock Valley in Sioux County		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I rule out any possible confusions, as follows: - White-winged Scoter has white in the wing and lacks sharp contrast between crown and face - Black Scoter has rounded forehead and lacks pale head patches - Ruddy Duck is smaller, has differently shaped bill and dark line across cheek - Female Scaups have white in the wing, differently shaped white patch at base of bill, and little contrast between crown and face. \| The original documentation form event occurred for around 20 minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Green Island Wildlife Area, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1996-05-13	1996-05-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Green Island Wildlife Area in Jackson County, IA on May 13, 1996.	Petersen, Peter C.	Surf Scoter	Green Island Wildlife Management Area	Green Island W.A. - Jackson Co.	Marsh- pond area diked from river	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: No whit [sic] on wing, eliminating wh-wg. Scoter. White much to limited for Black Scoter, also wings uniformly dark. Too large for Harlequin Duck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:15:00/06:16:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Big Spirit Lake, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1995-10-06	1995-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four Surf Scoters at Big Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on October 6, 1995.	Thelen, Ed	Surf Scoter	Spirit Lake	West side of Big Spirit Lake in Dickinson County	Glacial Lake	The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White-winged Scoter - how white-wing patch. Surf Scoter - white on side of head - these birds has 2 patches. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Field notes contributed by Randall Pinkston, May 9, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-05-09	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	List of birds contributed by Randall Pinkston. Highlights include the sighting of a Surf Scoter at Cone Marsh.	Pinkston, Randall, 1956-	Semipalmated Sandpiper White-eyed Vireo Surf Scoter Tennessee Warbler	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Davenport, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1992-12-20	1993-01-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 20, 1992.	Sowl, LeRoy W.	Surf Scoter	Davenport	I-280 Bridge, Davenport, IA	Miss. River	The documentation form by LeRoy W. Sowl is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Bryant and Dan Dorrance. \| Elimination of similar species: other scoters No white wing patch, front white facial patch had a vertical orientation and more bare bill was showing than on a white-wing. It did not have the facial pattern of a Black Scoter. Bill did not have the bump. Head not round like Black Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter west of Burr Oak in 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-09-23	1991-09-30	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for two Surf Scoters west of Burr Oak in Winneshiek County, IA on September 23, 1991.	Carter, Dennis L.	Surf Scoter	Burr Oak				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Jester Park, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1990-11-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Jester Park in Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1990.	Johnson, Ann	Surf Scoter	Jester Park	Jester Park, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co., IA	Open water	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bery Engrebretsen, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, and others from the Des Moines Audubon. \| Elimination of similar species: Most ducks were eliminated by the angle/slope of the head and bill and the size of the bill. Although there was a similarity of head profile to the Common Eider, the facial spots eliminated any eider. Black Scoter would have a more rounded head with a uniform lighter cheek area as opposed to the spots on this bird. White-winged Scoter should have shown more rounded angle form the top of the head to the bill, generally would have less distinct facial spots, and definitely would have had white wing patches when the bird raised its wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:50:00/10:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Badger Creek State Park, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-04-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Badger Creek State Park in Madison County, IA on April 19, 1990.	Fuller, James L	Surf Scoter	Badger Creek State Recreation Area	Badger Creek State Park - Madison County	Man-made Lake	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Male White Winged Scoter has white eye comma and different bill markings + forehead slope, and no large white areas on head and male Black Scoter has different bill, a dark eye and no white markings on head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:38:00/12:51:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at West Okoboji Lake, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-03	1988-12-05	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at West Okoboji Lake in Dickinson County, IA on December 3-5, 1988.	Thelen, Ed	Surf Scoter	West Okoboji Lake	South shore of West Okoboji Lake at Terrace Park, Dickinson County	Natural Lake	The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Linda Thelen. \| Elimination of similar species: White-wing Scoter - white on wings, concave head. Black Scoter - Rounder head, dark legs, pale cheeks cover larger area on angle of beak, side of head. Ruddy duck - smaller size. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at West Overlook at Coralville Reservoir, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at West Overlook at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on November 29, 1988.	Fuller, James L	Surf Scoter	Coralville Lake	West overlook - Coralville Reservoir - Johnson Co.	Reservoir	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White-winged Scoter - No white wing patch either on water or flying. Black Scoter does not have white head spots. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/07:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Mills County, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-26	1988-11-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Mills County, IA on November 26, 1988.	Toll, Jerry	Surf Scoter	Mills County	south settling pond of the Iowa Public Power Plant in Mills County Iowa		The documentation form by Gerald W. Toll is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: It was smaller than a mallard and between the sizes of male and female common goldeneye present on the pond. The lack of a white speculum present when it should have been observable, and the shape of the forespot indicated it was an adult female surf scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Ventura Marsh in 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-21	1988-05-24	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Ventura Marsh in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 21 and 22, 1988.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Surf Scoter	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-11	1985-11-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 11, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Surf Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend NWR, Harrison County	large oxbow lake along major river	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Dinsmore, Mark Dixon, and B.J. Rose. \| Elimination of similar species: Other scoters eliminated by uniform dark wing, large bill, two white spots on cheek, and white path on back of head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
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 Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-22	1986-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 22, 1986.	Fuller, James L	Surf Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend NWR	Lake	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Charles Fuller, Jane Fuller, and refuge staff. \| Elimination of similar species: White Winged Scoter - no white wing area, and the white spot on face just behind bill was vertical. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:15:00/12:35:00 and 14:20:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Lake Manawa in 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-10-19	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for four Surf Scoters at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on October 19, 1986.	Bray, Tanya	Surf Scoter	Lake Manawa				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Lake Manawa, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-10-19	1986-12-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for four Surf Scoters at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on October 19, 1986.	Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren	Surf Scoter	Lake Manawa	Lake Manawa		The documentation form by Babs and Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tanya Bray. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:45:00 and 11:30:00/11:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Polk City Wildlife Area, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-11	1986-11-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Polk City Wildlife Area in Polk County, IA on November 11, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Surf Scoter	Polk City Wildlife Area	Polk City WIldlife Area, Polk Co.	large body of water	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: White-winged Scoter eliminated by lack of white wing patch. Black Scoter eliminated by bill shape and lack of a large white cheek patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Badger Creek Lake, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-10-11	1986-10-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Badger Creek Lake in Madison County, IA on October 11, 1986.	Armstrong, Eloise	Surf Scoter	Badger Creek State Recreation Area	Badger Creek Lake - West Arm	Shallow Lake	The documentation form by Eloise Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong and Mark Dixon. \| Elimination of similar species: Other scoters 2 white vertical spots on head- no white on wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
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 Surf Scoter at Lake Manawa, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-03-14	1986-03-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on March 14, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Surf Scoter	Lake Manawa	Lake Manawa	large lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: other scoters eliminated by the white spots on the cheek and the lack of a wing patch \| The original documentation form event occurred around 16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-27	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 27, 1985.	Silcock, W. Ross Padelford, Babs	Surf Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-16	1985-11-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 16, 1985.	Proescholdt, Beth	Surf Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	DeSoto Bend, Horseshoe Bend, Lakeview	horseshoe bend, center of channel, + nearing Iowa shore.	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller, Mark Proescholdt, Jim Dinsmore, Steve Dinsmore, and Mark Dixon. \| Elimination of similar species: White-winged Scoter - by the difference in shape of white facial spot by bill - the much large, much whiter spots, + perpendicular to bill, not oval, we decided it was a Surf Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-11-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on November 15, 1985.	Moore, Francis L.	Surf Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	Oxbow near Lakeview area of DeSoto Bend N.W.R., Harrison Co., IA	Open water in Oxbow of Missouri River	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Black Scoter female has white throat and face, White-wing Scoter may have white spots on the side of the head but also has a white speculum. This bird did not have the white speculum. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:45:00/10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11