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 Greater Scaup at Big Creek State Park, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-10-05	1987-10-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Greater Scaups at Big Creek State park in Polk County, IA on October 5, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Greater Scaup	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk Co.	swimming on large lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Roger Sedlacek. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup eliminated above. Both birds had smoothly rounded heads, not peaked like Lesser Scaup. Both birds seemed to have larger, heavier bills than Lesser Scaup. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Big Creek State Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-17	1988-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for one to two Greater Scaups at Big Creek State Park in Polk County, IA on May 17, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Greater Scaup	Big Creek State Park	Big Creek State Park, Polk Co.	with other ducks near muddy area at north end of lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Andrew Fix. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup eliminated above. The birds were bigger than nearby Blue-winged Teal, but smaller than a Mallard. Identified the bird as a Greater Scaup by the very large, almost spatulate bill, very wide bill nail, large size compared to a Mallard (the bird wasn't much smaller than the Mallard), rounded head (not peaked like a Lesser Scaup), and white wing stripe extending on to the primaries (seen when the bird preened). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:05:00/10:22:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Saylorville Lake, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-11-20	1988-11-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Greater Scaups at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on November 20, 1988.	Thomas, Michael K.	Greater Scaup	Saylorville Lake	Highway 17 and Des Moines River - North end of Saylorville Lake - Polk Co., IA	river flowing into Saylorville lake, fairly shallow, and plants on both sides	The documentation form by Mike Thomas is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ann Johnson. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser scaup (size, head shape, head color on male, whiter sides on male in direct comparison to lesser scaups. Side by side comparison with lesser scaup was thankfully easy. The male's rounded head contrasted clearly with the more pointed heads of the lesser scaup. Also, the dark green head of male was visible. The male birds sides were whiter than male lesser scaup's sides and the difference in size was noticeable. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/16:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Swan Lake in 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-04-01	N/A	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Greater Scaup at Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on April 1, 1994.	Pinkston, Randall, 1956-	Greater Scaup	Swan Lake				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Pleasant Creek Lake, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1996-03-17	1996-06-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Greater Scaups at Pleasant Creek Lake in Linn County, IA on March 17, 1996.	Dankert, Jeffrey B.	Greater Scaup	Pleasant Creek State Park	Pleasant Creek Lake, Linn County	Lake	The documentation form by Jeff Dankert is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dave Dankert. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser, as described above. I watched the birds for several minutes, making sure that they weren't changing crown feathers and 'hiding' the peak characteristic of L. Scaup.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Big Spirit Lake, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-11-19	1998-12-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Greater Scaups at Big Spirit Lake in Dickinson County, IA on November 19, 1998.	Thelen, Ed	Greater Scaup	Spirit Lake	South shore of Big Spirit Lake - Dickinson County	Large Natural Lake	The documentation form by Ed Thelen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup eliminated for the reasons stated above. Observed a flock of eleven scaup on Spirit Lake. 3 of the birds appeared larger than the rest. The following characteristics were noted - larger size with head and bill the most pronounced. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:00:00/12:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Welch Lake Wildlife Management Area, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-07-31	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Greater Scaup at Welch Lake Wildlife Management Area in Dickinson County, IA on July 31, 1999.	Schoenewe, Lee A.	Greater Scaup	Welch Lake Wildlife Management Area	Welch Lake WPA, Dickinson County	Open water wetland	The documentation form by Lee A. Schoenewe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Gary Grange. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup - Head shape, size of bill and wing stripe. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/10:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Iowa City in 1975	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1975-05-09	1975-05-20	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on May 9 and May 17, 1975.	Newlon, Michael C.	Surf Scoter	Iowa City				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter in western Polk County, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-11-15	1977-11-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter in western Polk County, IA on November 15, 1977.	Mooney, Richard D., 1905-1997	Surf Scoter	Polk County	Small farm pond in western Polk Co.	Usual farm pond, no emergent vegetation at this season	The documentation form by R.D. Mooney is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Light spots eliminate Common Eider and lack of white in wing eliminates White-winged Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Little Wall Lake, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-11-18	1978-11-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Little Wall Lake in Hamilton County, IA on November 18, 1978.	Dinsmore, James J.	Surf Scoter	Little Wall Lake	Little Wall Lake, Hamilton County, Iowa	fresh water lake, open water near center of lake	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Most ducks - general dark color and the heavy bill. White-winged Scoter-no white on wing. Black Scoter-head not 'two-toned' (dark above, light below). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Polk County, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-05-05	1979-05-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter in Polk County, IA on May 5, 1979.	Mooney, Richard D., 1905-1997	Surf Scoter	Polk County	Farm pond SE corner of SW. 62nd Ave. and Orilla Rd. in Polk County.	Medium sized farm pond with a few other ducks on pond - not close to farm house and no domestic fowl on pond.	The documentation form by Dick Mooney is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Woodward H. Brown, Mary Brown, and Stuart Burns. \| Elimination of similar species: White-winged Scoter eliminated by lack of white wing patches. Common Scoter eliminated by two white cheek spots. \| 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 Lizard Lake, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-10-05	1980-11-07	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Surf Scoters at Lizard Lake in Gilmore City in Pocahontas County, IA on October 5, 1980.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Surf Scoter	Lizard Lake	Lizard Lake Gilmore City, Iowa	open water	The documentation form by Raymond L. Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Coralville Reservoir, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-04-09	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on April 9, 1984.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Surf Scoter	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res. (Dupont Bridge), Johnson Co. Iowa	Old backwater area at upper end of reservoir.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Head shape with very straight forehead and lack of white in wing eliminates White-winged Scoter. Large heavy black duck eliminates other species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:25:00/12:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Saylorville Reservoir, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-10-27	1984-10-29	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for five Surf Scoters at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 27, 1984.	Dixon, Mark D.	Surf Scoter	Saylorville Lake	near the dam at Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County	Large reservoir, seen near rock dam	The documentation form by Mark D. Dixon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Distinguished from Black Scoter female or immature by two distinct white face spots. Distinguished from White-winged Scoter primarily by lack of white in secondaries. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Saylorville Reservoir, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-10-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on October 24, 1985.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Surf Scoter	Polk City Wildlife Area	Polk City Wildlife Refuge, adjacent to Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County	large backwater area of reservoir	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Other ducks eliminated by size, uniform dark color, lack of wing markings, and bill size and shape. White-winged Scoter eliminated by lack of white wing patches. Imm. or female Black Scoter eliminated by white spots on cheek instead of white throat and by bill shape. All male Scoters eliminated by Black, rather than brown, body color. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/09:10:00.	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	1985-11-11	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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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