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 Barn Owl at Eden Township in Marshall County, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-10-29	1978-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Barn Owl at Eden Township in Marshall County, IA on October 29, 1978.	Jones, Greig D.	Barn Owl	Eden Township	Rhodes Farm, Iowa, Marshall Co., Eden Twnsp, T82N, R20W, Sec 20	pastured farmland scattered with woodlots, several ponds, & 1 main stream Perched in a dead cottonwood located along a run of trees which bounded a moist grassy travelway for cattle	The documentation form by Greg D. Jones is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The Barn Owl is a fairly distinctive species. Its uniformly cream breast, short neck, and dual face eliminate other species of owls & hawks commonly found in central Iowa farmlands. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:05:00/11:05:20.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	48
Rare bird documentation form for Summer Tanager at West Spencer, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-10-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Summer Tanager at West Spencer in Clay County, IA on October 27, 1991.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Summer Tanager	Spencer	Residential neighborhood along Little Sioux River in West Spencer, Clay Co., Iowa	Shrubs + trees along river	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Nancy Schoenewe. \| Elimination of similar species: Cardinal - Lacked crest + black face, longer bill Scarlet Tanager - wings and tail were red \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	44
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Clark's Nutcracker north of Pony Creek Park, 1996.	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-12-20	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Clark's Nutcracker north of Pony Creek Park in Mills County, IA on December 20, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, three photographs, an article in Field Notes, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Clark's Nutcracker	Pony Creek Park	residential area north of Pony Creek Park, Mills Co., Iowa	about a mile into the mixed wooded and open areas of the Loess Hills.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Stephen Dinsmore, and Peter C. Petersen were submitted. Other observers include Mary Lou Petersen, Brian Blevins, Roy Davis, Bobbie Davis, and many unidentified other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: none. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:07:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	44
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Brant at Whitebreast Park, 1987	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1987-10-04	1993-09-07	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Brant at near Whitebreast Park in Marion County, IA on October 4, 1987. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, James J.	Brant	Whitebreast Recreation Area	released at Polk City Wildlife Area; bird had been caught on south shore of Red Rock Reservoir, Marion County	freshwater lake	The documentation form by Jim Dinsmore is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jennifer Lancaster, Tom Miller, Steve Dinsmore, and Roger Sedlacek. \| Elimination of similar species: Canada Goose-small size eliminates all but the smallest races; the bird lacked a cheek patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/08:00:00 next day when they released the bird.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	8	9
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Dam, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-25	1991-12-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on December 25, 1990.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Red Rock Dam	Redrock dam below spillway Marion Co.	Generally stayed on the water at all times.	The documentation form by Raymond L. Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Thick black collar eliminates all others. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of California Gull at Red Rock Lake, 1998	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-10-05	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a California Gull at Red Rock Lake in Marion County, IA on October 5 to November 4, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation submitted to the committee.	Brees, Aaron	California Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock, Marion Co.		The documentation form by Aaron Brees is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] - larger than Ring-billed Gulls [...] - smaller than Herring Gulls - all first year Herrings have 75-100% dark bills - Herrings are thicker, bulkier - California sits more buoyantly on the water with tail and wingtips sitting much higher off the water	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	18
Rare bird documentation form for Herring Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-01-04	1991-01-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Herring Gull at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on January 4, 1991.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Herring Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion County, Iowa	Des Moines River below dam, water mostly open with ice on edges	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller and Tim Barksdale. \| Elimination of similar species: The color of the back and obvious window in the inner primaries, as well as the rest of the feather tracts, all fit 2nd winter Herring Gull and seem to exclude Lesser Black-backed Gull. The soft parts were somewhat atypical, but I was not bothered much by this because I have seen much variation in Herring Gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:25:00 and 12:45:00/13:00:00 (approximate)	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	34
Rare bird documentation form for Eared Grebe at Red Rock Reservoir, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-19	1999-01-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for an Eared Grebe at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 19, 1998.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Eared Grebe	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion County, Iowa	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Maridel Jackson. \| Elimination of similar species: The only species this bird could have been confused with was Horned Grebe. The combination of head shape, smaller, thinner bill, darker foreneck and cheek, and white 'crescent' mark on cheek eliminated Horned Grebe in basic plumage. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:14:00/10:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	14
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
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red-throated Loon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-11-27	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Red-throated Loon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 27, 1996. Includes a record review document and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-throated Loon	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The size and shape were clearly those of a loon. The combination of small size, thin, upturned bill, paler head, and speckled mantle eliminates other species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:23:00/16:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	7	5
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull at Red Rock Dam, 1992	Administrative records Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1992-07-21	1994-10-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Laughing Gull at Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on July 21, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, two photographs, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Laughing Gull	Red Rock Dam	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA	spillway and river below dam	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Ann Johnson, Jim Fuller, Pam Allen, and Mark Proescholdt were submitted later. Other observers include Russ Widner, David Arbour, Reid Allen, Tim Schantz, Jane Fuller, and many unidentified other observers. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was smaller and more brown than the ring-bills of the year. The other features noted above make the juvenile Laughing Gull an easy identification. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:45:00/08:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	18
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Reservoir, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-11-30	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 30, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA	large lake	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Sinclair. \| Elimination of similar species: The black collar and wing and tail patterns eliminate all other gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:05:00/15:21:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Mew Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1997	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-12-20	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Mew Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on December 20, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Mew Gull	Red Rock Dam	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA	large reservoir	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Michael D. Overton was submitted. Other observers include Maridel Jackson, Ann Johnson, Aaron Brees, Gordon Brand, and many other unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: The wing pattern, size, and lack of black marks on the face eliminated any of the smaller gulls (i.e. Bonaparte's). The small size and smaller bill size eliminated California Gull. Ring-billed Gull was eliminated on the basis of the darker mantle and upperwings, large, dark eye, and bill color and shape. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	23
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-headed Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-11-03	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Gull at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 3, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Johnson, Ann	Black-headed Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co., IA	Large lake	The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Only one other North American gull has a leading white edge to the upperwing- Bonaparte's. Size and jizz helped differentiate this bird from the Bonaparte's, but the dark underwing eliminated the smaller species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:30:00/12:33:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	21
Rare bird documentation for Western Sandpiper at Roberts Creek area in Red Rock Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-09-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation for a Western Sandpiper at Roberts Creek area in Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on September 27, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Western Sandpiper	Roberts Creek	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion co.-Roberts Creek area	feeding with other shorebirds on muddy area	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: The long, drooped bill, rufous scapulars, and feeding method rules out Semipalmated Sandpiper and other peeps. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:26:00/14:56:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Marbled Murrelet at Whitebreast Cove at Red Rock Reservoir, 1991	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-12-12	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Marbled Murrelet at Whitebreast Cove at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 12, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, field notes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Marbled Murrelet	Whitebreast Recreation Area	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co.-off Whitebreast Cove	large patch of open water on reservoir	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Brian Warson. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was clearly an alcid. The small size rules out the murres, Razorbill, and guillemots (see earlier discussion). The long, thin bill eliminates Dovekie, Ancient Murrelet, and all of the auklets. The bill shape, dark cap that included the eye, and presence of two white patches on each side eliminates all other murrelets, especially Kittlitz's. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:15:00/15:24:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	12	5
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-02-06	1988-02-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on February 6, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Prairie Falcon	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co.-near north Elk Rock State Park	perched in dead trees over ice	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: The large size eliminates American Kestrel and Merlin. The black axillaries, dark whisker, and light crown eliminate Peregrine Falcon and Gyrfalcon \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:18:00/17:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Gyrfalcon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1995	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1995-01-02	2000-11-18	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Gyrfalcon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on January 2, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Gyrfalcon	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co. above the dam	flyover the ice	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The lack of facial pattern and white throat and chest rule out peregrine, as the bird was flying almost directly into the sun (perpendicular to me). It wasn't as pale or brown as a prairie, and with shadow and distance there wasn't any dark/light pattern to the underwing. It wasn't black as a crow + the shape was wrong. Eagles were patterned and obviously larger. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	4
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Laughing Gull at Red Rock Reservoir, 1991	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1991-08-06	1995-07-08	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Laughing Gulls at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on August 6, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Laughing Gull	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co.	large mudflat along lakeshore	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers and many unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: The only species similar to a Laughing Gull is Franklin's Gull. This species was eliminated on the basis of size, bill size and shape, leg length, and wing and tail pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:21:00/13:56:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	18
Rare bird documentation form for Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Reservoir, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-30	1988-12-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 30, 1988.	Bendorf, Carl J.	Black-legged Kittiwake	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir tailwater area in Marion Co.		The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: I put my scope on the bird and saw it was noticeably smaller than the Ring-bills next to it in body bulk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	40
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-legged Kittiwake in Red Rock Dam, 1997	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1997-12-17	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Black-legged Kittiwake in Red Rock Dam in Marion County, IA on December 17, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fuller, James L	Black-legged Kittiwake	Red Rock Dam	Red Rock Reservoir Dam (Marion County)		The documentation form by Jim Fuller forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Michael D. Overton was submitted. Other observers include Chuck Fuller, Chris Fuller, Aaron Brees, Bob Domalgoski, Mark Proescholdt, Janice Walter, Chris Wood, Curt Nelson, and numerous unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Winter adult Franklin's Gull has a black bill, darker mantle, and lacks the obvious dark markings behind the eye and on the nape. Ring-billed Gull has more massive bill with black ring, yellow legs, yellow eye, and streaking on neck and head. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	11	10
Rare bird documentation form for Dowitcher species at Red Rock Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Dowitchers at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 13, 1987.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Dowitchers	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir at #14, Marion Co. IA	mud flat on large reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lack of stripes and upright posture eliminate Common Snipe. Typical dowitcher profile. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	26
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Red Rock Reservoir, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-03-15	1986-03-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Greater Scaup at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on March 15, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	Greater Scaup	Lake Red Rock	Red Rock Reservoir area - (Marion Co.)	A small farm pond on the south side of Red Rock	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Phyllis J. Harris and Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup shows bold white stripe on secondaries only. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:50:00/14:55:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Red-throated Loon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-11-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-throated Loon at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on November 3, 1999.	Fuller, James L	Red-throated Loon	Whitebreast Recreation Area	Red Rock Reservoir (Marion County) Off Whitebreast Point.		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observer includes Tom Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Pacific Loon is generally darker, shows less white on the side of the neck and face, and usually exhibits a chin strap. Winter adult Pacific does not show light flecking on the back. Common Loon is larger with a larger bill, and shows an angular head outline. The dark-white line on the side of the neck is irregular and indistinct, compared to the Red-throated. Both other loons hold their bills horizonatally [sic]. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	8
Rare bird documentation form for Pacific Loon at Red Rock Reservoir, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-11-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Pacific Loon at Red Rock Reservoir Off Whitebreast Boat Ramp in Marion County, IA on November 3, 1999.	Fuller, James L	Pacific Loon	Whitebreast Recreation Area	Red Rock Reservoir (Marion County) Off Whitebreast Boat Ramp		The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Common Loon is larger with a much larger bill, lacks a chin strap, has some flatness on the top of the head, and an uneven dark-white line on the side of the neck. The crown and hindneck are also darker than the back. The Red-throated Loon has a smaller bill that is usually keeps tipped up from the horizontal. It shows much more white than dark on the neck, lacks a chin strap, and normally shows light flecking on the back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	9