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

Virginia Crocker letter to Gladys Black regarding the sighting of a Varied Thrush at Storm Lake, November 21, 1981	Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Rare birds	1981-11-20	1981-11-21	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation letter for a Varied Thrush at Storm Lake in Buena Vista County, IA on November 20, 1981.	Crocker, Virginia R.	Varied Thrush	Storm Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	11
Rare bird documentation forms for White-winged Scoter at Pool 19 near Montrose and north of Keokuk in 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-04-26	1988-06-05	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation forms for one to two White-winged Scoters near Montrose and Keokuk in Lee County, IA, April 26, 1988 - June 5, 1988.	Cecil, Robert I.	White-winged Scoter	Keokuk Montrose				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation forms for a Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir near Jester Park in Polk County, IA on September 29, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Jester Park	Saylorville Reservoir-near Jester Park	large lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of large size, buffy color on the neck and breast, white throat, and yellowish bill eliminates all other grebes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:05:00/17:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-10	1987-11-12	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation forms for a Red-necked Grebe at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 10, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Grebe	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co-above dam	swimming on large reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Other grebes eliminated by the large size and light crescent on the cheek. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the late afternoon.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Snowy Egret at Lake Manawa, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-04-23	1978-04-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form with handwritten annotations for a Snowy Egret at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on April 23, 1978.	Brown, Larry D.	Snowy Egret	Lake Manawa	Lake Manawa, southeast quarter of lake	Standing along shore of lake in shallow water near a muskrat den. Lake shore environment with some reeds and cattails along shore plus other vegetation growing in shallow water where bird was observed.	The documentation form by Larry D. Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include his wife and two other birders. \| Elimination of similar species: Approximately 10-15 feet to the west of the Snowy stood an American Egret which was identified by its yellow bill and much larger size. By comparing the field marks and size of both, they could both be identified. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:00:00/18:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	19
Rare bird documentation form for Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in northeast Madison County near Cumming in 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds Ornithological illustration	1983-05-15	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form with an illustration for a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in northeast Madison County near Cumming, IA on May 15, 1983.	Dixon, Mark D.	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	Madison County Cumming				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	73
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Dog Creek, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-11-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form with additional notes for a White-winged Scoter at Dog Creek, in O'Brien County, IA on November 1, 1984.	Brewer, Marion M.	White-winged Scoter	Dog Creek County Park	Dog Creek 4 miles S.E. of Sutherland, Ia.	Small lake	The documentation form by Marion M. Brewer is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Huber and Dick Bierman. \| Elimination of similar species: None. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 14:40:00/15:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-14	1987-05-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form with additional notes for a White-winged Scoter at DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge in Harrison County, IA on March 14, 1987.	Fix, Andrew S.	White-winged Scoter	DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge	Iowa part of DeSoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge	water, along shore until alerted, then swam further out and finally flew off	The documentation form by Andrew S. Fix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Craig Harms. \| Elimination of similar species: By general shape, bill characteristic, and color this bird was identified as a scoter. The white/creamish spot between the cere and eye and lack of pale cheeks and throat ruled out the Black Scoter; the bill was Also too extended up the forward part of head for a Black Scoter. I did not feel comfortable differentiating Surf from White-winged based on the morphology of the head. No white wing patch was evident while this bird was on the water. In my experience (see #14), the white patches on the heads of female and immature scoters are very unreliable and highly variable. Fortunately the two key characteristics were plainly visible when the bird flew; paddling along the water for a short distance (confirmed scoter), and prominent white secondaries (confirmed white-winger scoter) \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Trumpeter Swan at Runnells Area, 1992	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1992-02-29	1992-03-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form two Trumpeter Swans at Runnells Area in Marion County, IA on February 29, 1992.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Trumpeter Swan	Red Rock Wildlife Area	Runnells A.; Marion Co., IA	Refuge area at upper end of Red Rock Res.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Cecil, Ann Johnson, and another man. \| Elimination of similar species: The appearance of the adult's bill eliminates Mute Swan. The lack of a yellow bill spot on the adult argues against Tundra Swan, but I understand that this is not an absolute criteria. The straightness of the culmen and shape of the feather extension along the forehead are difficult to judge, especially at a distance. Perhaps most convincing was the amount of darkness on the immature. Tundra Swans are said to be quite white on the back and wings by spring. The size of the bill on the immature was also quite impressive. The date is a bit early for Tundra Swan, but fine for Trumpeter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	30
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Liscomb Sewage Lagoon, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-03-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form fro eight Greater Scaups at Liscomb Sewage Lagoon in Marshall County, IA on March 4, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Greater Scaup	Liscomb	Liscomb Sewage Lagoon - (Marshall Co.)	Open water area away from road with some brush around	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup have the bold white wing stripe on secondaries only, a more angular-shaped head, and a purple gloss for head color. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:15:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Ross' Goose at Willow Slough, 1982	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-03-28	1982-03-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form fro a Ross' Goose at Willow Slough in Mills County, IA on March 28, 1982.	Moore, Francis L.	Ross's Gull	Willow Slough State Game Management Area	Willow Slough, Mills Co.	Marsh, flooded grassy portion	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Goose is larger and shows a definite 'grin' patch on the bill. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow-throated Warbler at Credit Island Park in Davenport, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-05-13	1978-05-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Yellow-throated Warbler at Credit Island Park in Davenport in Scott County, IA on May 13, 1978.	Petersen, Peter C.	Yellow-throated Warbler	Credit Island Park	Credit Island Park, Davenport, Scott County, Iowa	General: Bottomland forest, understory cleared. Specific: dead tree (sp?), and oak just leafing out	The documentation form by Peter Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Elton Fawks. \| Elimination of similar species: written eve. of 5/13 -> [...] Blackburnian - no orange or yellow stripe through eye. No single, long wing bar Graces - This [arrow to "no yellow stripe"] also eliminates this species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	28
Rare bird documentation form for Black-bellied Plover at Lake Rathbun in an unknown year	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds Wildlife conservation	N/A	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for up to three Black-bellied Plovers at Lake Rathbun in Appanoose County, IA on October 20, November 22, and November 24 in unknown year.	Johnson, Thomas N.	Black-bellied Plover	Rathbun Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	2
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow-throated Warbler at Wildcat Den State Park in 1979	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Rare birds	1979-05-19	1979-05-30	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for two Yellow-throated Warblers at Wildcat Den State Park in Muscatine County, IA on May 19 and May 27, 1979.	Newlon, Michael C.	Yellow-throated Warbler	Wildcat Den State Park				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	28
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow-throated Warbler at Smiths Slough, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-04	1991-06-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Yellow-throated Warblers at Smiths Slough in Clay County, IA on May 4, 1991.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Yellow-throated Warbler	Smiths Slough	Smiths Slough along road on east side of Trumbull Lake Clay Co., IA.	Trees in low area between lake + slough	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Nancy Schoenewe and Dennis McFarland. \| Elimination of similar species: Ample opportunity to confirm sighting w/ field guide plates over 1/2 hour period of observation \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	28
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow-rumped Warbler at the Mississippi Flyway Hunting Club in Clinton County, IA, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-26	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Yellow-rumped Warblers at the Mississippi Flyway Hunting Club in Clinton County, IA on December 26, 1998.	McKay, Kelly	Yellow-rumped Warbler	Thomson	We observed 2 of these birds in a cedar stand at the Mississippi Flyway hunting club approximately 1.5-2 miles north of Thomson, Illinois in Carroll County.		The documentation form by Kelly McKay is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Keith Blunt.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	26
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Doolittle Prairie, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-04-28	1985-04-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Yellow Rails in two separate sightings at Doolittle Prairie in Story County, IA on April 28, 1985.	Dinsmore, James J.	Yellow Rail	Doolittle Prairie State Preserve	Doolittle Prairie, Story County	both flushed from along edge of small pothole, prairie areas around both potholes had been burned, one recently, other several weeks ago	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, George Brown, Gordon Brown, Paul Martsching, and John Mayfield. \| Elimination of similar species: Sora-overall coloration and the wing patches \| The original documentation form event occurred at 10:30:00 for the first sighting and 11:30:00 for the second sighting.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Doolittle Prairie in 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-04-28	1985-05-26	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for two Yellow Rails at Doolittle Prairie in Story County, IA on April 28, 1985.	Martsching, Paul	Yellow Rail	Doolittle Prairie State Preserve				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Doolittle Prairie, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-04-28	1985-04-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Yellow Rails at Doolittle Prairie in Story County, IA on April 28, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Yellow Rail	Doolittle Prairie State Preserve	DooLittle Prairie, Story County		The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Dinsmore, George Brown, Gordon Brown, Paul Martsching. \| Elimination of similar species: other rails by white wing patches and yellowish color. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for Wilson's Phalarope at Riverton Game Management Area, unknown year	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	N/A	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Wilson's Phalaropes at Riverton Game Management Area in Fremont County, IA on July 15, unknown year.	Silcock, W. Ross	Wilson's Phalarope	Riverton Wildlife Management Area	Riverton GMA, Fremont County	It was feeding near the shoreline in dead weeds, mostly on foot, but occasionally in deeper water.	The documentation form by Ross Silcock is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers and Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: Other species we considered (albeit briefly) were: Ruff: eliminated by bill size and shape (thin and straight, rather than fairly heavy and thick-based with a slight droop); also eliminated by phalarope feeding actions. Some far out of range Tringa (eg Wood Sandpiper or juv Redshank): legs relatively short; also phalarope feeding actions.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	29
Rare bird documentation form for Willet at Cone Marsh, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-03-27	1994-06-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Willets at Cone Marsh in Louisa County, IA on March 27, 1994.	Scheib, James	Willet	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Cone Marsh, Louisa Co.	marsh	The documentation form by James Scheib is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Sharon Scheib. \| Elimination of similar species: No other shorebird of this area has the Willet underwing markings combined with the uniformly drab body. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	10
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Saylorville Dam, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1982-11-15	1982-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-winged Scoters at Saylorville Dam in Polk County, IA on November 15, 1982.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	White-winged Scoter	Saylorville Dam	Saylorville Dam, Polk Co., Iowa	Larger Reservoir, surrounded by wooded hills.	The documentation form by Joseph P. Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The uniform dark brown, with white eye and orange bill separates the birds from other two scoters. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/13:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Coralville Reservoir, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-03-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-winged Scoters at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on March 23, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	White-winged Scoter	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir about 0.5 mile up from dam	reservoir lake - Coralville Reservoir, deep portion	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Shires, Robert Osmundson, Helen Osmundson, and Rich DeCoster. \| Elimination of similar species: Other Scoters: prominent white speculum. Gadwall: different shape, black coloration of most of plumage. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:25:00/16:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Cardinal Marsh, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-11-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-winged Scoters at Cardinal Marsh in Winneshiek County, IA on November 29, 1987.	Dietzenbach, Mark A.	White-winged Scoter	Cardinal Marsh State Wildlife Area	Cardinal marsh Winneshiek Co.	Large open water area of water	The documentation form by Mark Dietzenbach is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Marty. \| Elimination of similar species: We had no reservations about identification. \| The original documentation form event lasted almost an hour.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for White-rumped Sandpiper at Half Moon Lake at Coralville Reservoir, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-10-06	1997-10-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two White-rumped Sandpipers at Half Moon Lake at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 6, 1997.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	White-rumped Sandpiper	Half Moon Lake	Half Moon Lake, Coralville Reservoir, Johnson Co., IA	old backwater with mud flats	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: Baird's Sandpiper is most similar in size and shape. It has a streaked bib, overall brown color, and lacks white rump. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	21