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 Merlin at Big Sand Mound, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-08	1984-10-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Big Sand Mound in Muscatine County, IA on September 8, 1984.	Newlon, Michael C.	Merlin	Big Sand Mound Nature Preserve	Big Sand Mound Muscatine Co.	extensive sandy prairie w/ scattered small trees	The documentation form by Mike Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: falcon shape, banded tail, lack of distinct face pattern yield ID. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Big Sioux Recreation Area, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-09-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Big Sioux Recreation Area in Sioux County, IA on September 7, 1994.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Merlin	Big Sioux Reacreation Area	[...] South Pits just south of Hawarden in western 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: My first thought was that I was looking at a Kestrel. A second look, however, immediately revealed the absence of the facial markings characteristic of a Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Boone County, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-01-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Boone County, IA on January 1, 1999.	Havlik, Mike	Merlin	Boone County	Boone County	Bird was spotted flapping about 1 foot off of the ground, landed in the corner of a corn field and began feeding on an unidentified bird.	The documentation form by Michael Havlik is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Schmitz and Jason O'Brian. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel - no black mustache marks, no rufous on back. Sharp-shinned Hawk - pointed wings, dark eye, wide tail band, open field habitat. Peregrine and Prairie Falcon - smaller size, lack of bold mustache. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Brookside Park, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1978-03-20	1978-04-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Brookside Park in Ames in Story County, IA on March 20, 1978.	Johnson, Ellen J.	Merlin	Brookside Park	Brookside Park, Ames, Story County, Iowa	park near Iowa State University. Deciduous woods with many trails - flew over Squaw Creek	The documentation form by Ellen Johnson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ornithology Class (Pam Keigley, Pam White, John Hemphill, and Robin Bruegman). \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - too large for a kestrel. Sharp-shinned hawk - it had more pointed wings. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Cayler Prairie State Preserve, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-07-09	1999-07-11	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Cayler Prairie State Preserve in Dickinson County, IA on July 9, 1999.	Harr, Douglas C.	Merlin	Cayler Prairie State Preserve	1/2 mi. N. of Cayler Prairie State Preserve, Dickinson Co., IA	Mostly open grasslands w/ scattered trees & brush; Little Sioux River	The documentation form by Douglas C. Harr is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Kestrel -- larger; different color & patterns, different flight pattern, no hovering. N. Harrier -- Smaller; Sharper wings, different body pattern, no white rump patch, no hovering or lazy, low soaring. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:46:00/14:49:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Co. Rd. W48 in Johnson County, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1979-03-18	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Co. Rd. W48 in Johnson County, IA on March 18, 1979.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Co. Rd. W48, Johnson Co., Iowa	over flooded fields, tailwaters of Coralville Reservoir	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - slimmer, flight less direct and powerful. Sharp-shin: Rounded wings, relatively longer tail, more flapping flights \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:00:15.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Cone Marsh Wildlife Area, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-04-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Cone Marsh Wildlife Area in Louisa County, IA on April 21, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Conesville Marsh Louisa Co. Iowa	wet grassy field and wooded edge. Conesville Marsh between lakes	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include T.K. Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel, Sharp-shinned Hawk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:40:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Coralville Reservoir, 1975	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1975-09-12	1975-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 12, 1975.	Newlon, Michael C.	Merlin	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res.	reservoir, bordered by wide grassy flats	The documentation form by Michael C. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: dark tail, lack of face pattern elim. sparrow hawk. Small size + falcon build (long pointed wings, long squared-off tail) rule out other hawks. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Coralville Reservoir, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-09-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 11, 1983.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res	open part of reservoir	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf and Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: Pointed wings eliminate sharp-shin. Coloration eliminated Kestrel. Size and marks eliminate Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:40:00/07:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at County Road W48 in Johnson County, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-03-20	1977-03-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at County Road W48 in Johnson County, IA on March 20, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Johnson County	Co. Rd W48, Johnson Co., Iowa, N of Iowa River	tall-grass fields with scattered dead or live trees. Flood plain of Coralville Reservoir (west end)	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Kestrel: no rufous on back; facial pattern of Kestrel clearly not present; chunkier bird. Sharp-shinned Hawk: head proportionately large, tail shorter, wings pointed and cuffed, not rounded. Peregrine: too small; lack of heavy black mustache. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:55:00/14:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Diamond Lake, 1995	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1995-12-30	1996-01-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Diamond Lake in Dickinson County, IA on December 30, 1995.	Thelen, Ed	Merlin	Diamond Lake	West side of Diamond Lake, Dickinson County	Cedar plantings in open field	The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marty Thelen and Wally Jorgenson. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - dark back. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Dunbar Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1980-09-21	1980-09-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Dunbar Slough in Greene County, IA on September 21, 1980.	Newlon, Michael C.	Merlin	Dunbar Slough	Dunbar Slough, Greene Co. IA	marshy slough surrounded by farmland	The documentation form by Michael C. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol S. Newlon, Tom Shires, and Thomas Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Coloration, lack of strong facial marks, banded tail, eliminates Am. Kestrel; size eliminates larger falcons. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Dunbar Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-09-21	1980-09-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Dunbar Slough in Greene County, IA on September 21, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin		Dunbar Slough, Greene Co Iowa	Marsh with mud flats, trees adjacent to marsh, Dunbar Slough	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Newlon, Michael Newlon, and Tom Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Size differed from Peregrine seen early at same location. Marking specific for Merlin. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:15:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Farragut, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-12-28	1985-01-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Farragut in Fremont County, IA on December 28, 1984.	Silcock, W. Ross	Merlin	Farragut	2 Miles N. of Farragut, Fremont Co., IA	Mixed cedar + deciduous wooded hillside	The documentation form by Ross Silcock is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: At first, when seen perched, possibility of Prairie Falcon, but lack of axillars eliminates this. Facial mark + flight characteristics (pointed wings, rapid wing beats) eliminate Cooper's or female Sharp-shin immatures. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:10:00/16:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at George Wyth State Park, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-12-16	1984-12-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at George Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County, IA on December 16, 1984.	Myers, Robert K.	Merlin	George Wyth Memorial State Park	George Wyth State Park, Black Hawk County, Iowa near Cedar Falls, Ia.	Mature riverbottom timber on one side of river and golf course on other	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel would show rusty color on back, wings and tail. Kestrel would have darker more prominent facial markings. The overall color of a kestrel would not be as dark as this bird was. A sharp-shinned hawk would have shorter more rounded wings and a much longer tail than this bird had. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:35:00/08:38:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at George Wyth State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-07	1986-09-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at George Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County, IA on September 7, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	Merlin	George Wyth Memorial State Park	George Wyth State Park - Waterloo	Riverbottom woods along the Cedar River	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Cecil, Beth Proescholdt, Jackie Gardner, Phyllis Harris, Carol McMillen, Ramona Sommerlot, Bernie Knight, and Nick Kubik. \| Elimination of similar species: Sharp-shinned Hawk has rounded wings. A Kestrel is smaller and a Peregrine is considerably larger and neither have the strongly barred tail of a Merlin. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:15:00/11:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at George Wyth State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-09-28	1986-09-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at George Wyth State Park in Black Hawk County, IA on September 28, 1986.	Moore, Francis L.	Merlin	George Wyth Memorial State Park	George Wyth S.P.	Second growth mixed hardwood	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel is smaller and reddish above, Peregrine Falcon is larger with black or dark brown wedge on cheek. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:47:00/09:49:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Glenwood, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-01-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Glenwood in Mills County, IA on January 1, 1989.	Rose, Douglas L.	Merlin	Glenwood	in abandoned alley. Locust St, Tyson St., Hazel St., Glenwood IA.	Open w/ houses, shrubs, med. trees - suburban -	The documentation form by Douglas L. Rose is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include June Parks, Howard Curry, and Jenny Curry. \| Elimination of similar species: Sharp Shinned Hawk, - pointed wings, mustache, Kestrel - Wrong color - only one mustache, no stripe, brown back an tail., banded tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Graceland Cemetery, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-17	1988-12-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Graceland Cemetery in Sioux City in Woodbury County, IA on December 17, 1988.	Huser, Bill F.	Merlin	Graceland Park Cemetery	Graceland Cemetery, Sioux City, IA	open canopy mixed woodland	The documentation form by Bill Huser is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers includes Jerry Probst, but he did not locate the bird. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - large size, bold brown breast streaking, lack of distinct facial pattern, absence of rust-brown coloration. Sharp-shinned/Cooper's - pointed wings, relatively short tail - 1" beyond wingtips, indistinct falcon facial pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:30:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area in 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-22	1984-10-07	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area in Marshall County, IA on September 22, 1984.	Proescholdt, Mark	Merlin	Grammer Grove County Wildlife Area				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-22	1984-10-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area in Marshall County, IA on September 22, 1984.	Proescholdt, Beth	Merlin	Grammer Grove County Wildlife Area	Grammer Grove Wildlife Area, n. Marshall County	river bottom woods, along Iowa River	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel or Sharp-shinned Hawk - falcon shape, not accipiter - + this bird had dark brown not rufous back + tail of a Kestrel, + it had banded tail + streaked undersides. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:30:00/11:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-05-03	1987-05-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Grammer Grove Wildlife Area in Marshall County, IA on May 3, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Merlin	Grammer Grove County Wildlife Area	Grammer Grove Co. Park - (Marshall Co.)	Riverbottom Woods with open areas	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: Sharpshinned Hawk has accipiter shape and a longer tail look. A Kestrel is smaller and has a very definite mustached face pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:45:00/17:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Grammer Grove, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-09-24	1985-10-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Grammer Grove in Marshall County, IA on September 24, 1985.	Proescholdt, Beth	Merlin	Grammer Grove County Wildlife Area	Grammer Grove, north Marshall County	river bottom woods by Iowa River	The documentation form by Beth Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sharp-shin or Peregrine - Falcon shape so couldn't be sharp-shin - too small for Peregrine + didn't have helmet of Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:50:00/11:50:30.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at ISU golf course, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-04	1984-09-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at ISU golf course in Ames in Story County, IA on September 4, 1984.	Munson, Erik	Merlin	Veenker Memorial Golf Course	ISU golf course, Ames, Story Co., Iowa	wooded edge - a 100 yd wide wooded ravine with a golf fareway 50 yds wide alongside it.	The documentation form by Erik Munson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Peregrine falcon by size. Immature sharp-shin by pointed wings and falcon shape. Prairie falcon by size, habitat, and tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:57:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Jefferson Township, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-03-15	1983-03-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Jefferson Township in Madison County, IA on March 15, 1983.	Armstrong, Eugene	Merlin	Jefferson Township	Iowa, Madison County, Jefferson 11	Grass, cropland, waste land, tree covered creek. Tree top, cottonwood along small ditch	The documentation form by Eugene Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel, this bird larger, no face pattern, no red on any part of back not large enough for Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32