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 Ames, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-01-31	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Ames in Story County, IA on January 31, 1991.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Merlin	Ames	Ames, Story Co.		The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Falcon-like appearance eliminates other raptors. The smaller size, white axillars, and tail pattern eliminates other falcons. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:47:00/15:54:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Bay-breasted Warbler at Coralville Reservoir, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-10-20	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bay-breasted Warbler at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 20, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Bay-breasted Warbler	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir	General: small trees along roadside, adjoining field Specific: road to Jolly Roger N of North Liberty, Johnson Co IA	The documentation form by Thomas Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas K. Shires and Fred Thompson. \| Elimination of similar species: Pine and blackpoll warblers. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 12:00:00/12:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	32
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1991	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-02-01	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Franklin's Gull at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on February 1, 1991.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Franklin's Gull	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-at spillway below dam		The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The dark gray wings separated from the black wingtip by a white bar, broad white eye crescents, stocky bill lacking a pronounced gonys and rounder wings eliminate Laughing Gull. The combination of the black head and dark gray mantle eliminates other dark-headed gulls such as Bonaparte's and Common Black-headed gulls. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:10:00/17:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Jolly Rogers Campground at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-16	1990-12-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Franklin's Gull at Jolly Rogers Campground at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on December 16, 1990.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Franklin's Gull	Jolly Rogers Campground	Coralville Reservoir (Jolly Roger), Johnson Co., IA	wide 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, Carol Thompson, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: Bonaparte's [handwritten note - 'neither is Franklins!] not hooded at this time of year and has lighter wing with white leading edge. In the last several years, Franklin's Gulls in alternate plumage have been recorded in the midwest in winter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:30:00/13:45:00 estimate.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-12-16	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Franklin's Gull at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on December 16, 1990.	Bendorf, Carl J.	Franklin's Gull	Coralville Lake	Coralville Reservoir, Johnson County		The documentation form by Carl J. Bendorf is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas Kent, Randy Graesser, John Van Ryebroek, Carol Thompson, and Dick Tetrault. \| Elimination of similar species: Laughing Gull: White in wingtips of adult gull doesn't fit. Bonaparte's Gull: Mantel color seemed too dark for adult bird and white tertial mark on mantel indicates a white trailing edge to wing which doesn't fit. Common Black-headed Gull: same problems as with Bonaparte's. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	32
Rare bird documentation form for Franklin's Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-12-02	1987-12-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Franklin's Gulls at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on December 2, 1987.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Franklin's Gull	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.-above dam	resting with other gulls 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: The dark hood and wing pattern eliminate all other gulls except Laughing Gull. The small bill and white bar separating the black wingtip from the rest of the wing eliminates Laughing Gull (in adult plumage). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:40:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	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 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 Andover, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-12-27	1998-01-13	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Andover in Clinton County, IA on December 27, 1997.	Blevins, Brian L.	Merlin	Andover	Andover, IA. Jackson Co. Iowa	Open country, the bird was in only tree at farm house were he was watching smaller birds at a pole birdfeeder.	The documentation form by Brian Blevins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Corey Blevins and Ann Barker. \| Elimination of similar species: Eliminate Kestrel by size and coloring. Eliminate Peregrine by size and lack of dark head cap. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:23:00/09:24:00.	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 between Sioux-Rock public access and Oak Grove Park, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-09-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin between Sioux-Rock public access and Oak Grove Park in Sioux County, IA on September 24, 1994.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Merlin	Oak Grove State Park Rock River Access	Between the Sioux-Rock public access area and Oak Grove Park		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: In addition, it would fly every few minutes or so, back and forth between several dead trees, displaying it pointed wings, brownish upperparts, banded tail, and absence of any rufous on its upper parts. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the morning.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Rock Valley Wildlife Area, 1994	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1994-09-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Rock Valley Wildlife Area in Sioux County, IA on September 21, 1994.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Merlin	Rock Wildlife Area	Rock Valley Wildlife Area		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: I had seen Sharp-shinned Hawks in this area a week before, but the pointed wings made me recognize at once I was looking at a falcon. [...] no Kestrel-like head markings. \| The original documentation form event lasted around twenty minutes.	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 sighting for Merlin at Des Moines in 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-01-24	1988-02-26	Manuscript, graphic, and printed material	Rare bird sighting for for a Merlin at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on February 17, 19, and 26, 1988; also includes additional species sighting information.	Martsching, Paul	Short-eared Owl Merlin Northern Shrike	Des Moines Doolittle Prairie State Preserve Hendrickson Marsh Wildlife Management Area				Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at southwest Chickasaw County, 1990	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-06-03	1990-06-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at southwest Chickasaw County, IA on June 3, 1990.	Cecil, Robert I.	Merlin	Chickasaw County	S.W. Chickasaw County	Fence row in row-cropped ag. land	The documentation form by Robert Cecil is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: No other small falcon has uniform dark brown back and upper wing surface. It was much too small to be a female Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/15:45:05.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Sioux Center, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-10-03	1989-10-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Sioux Center in Sioux County, IA on October 3, 1989.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Merlin	Sioux Center	top of a dead tree in a neighbor's yard.		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include his wife Susan Van Dyk. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was about the size of a Kestrel, but lacked the bold facial markings. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the afternoon for more than twenty minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin between Algona and Burt, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-06-04	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin along highway 169 between Algona and Burt in Kossuth County, IA on June 4, 1989.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Merlin	Algona Burt	along highway 169 between Algona + Burt, Kossuth Co. Ia	open farm country	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was darker than a Kestrel with no rust or blue on upper surfaces, darker below. It didn't bounce, flutter, or glide (or wander) as a Kestrel does, especially in a light breeze. The dark back half of the tail was different than the Kestrel's light one, and it was thicker + shorter. Kestrels always remind me of a Killdeer, this bird didn't remotely bring one to mind. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 19:15:00	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 Sioux Center, 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 Sioux Center in Sioux County, IA on January 1, 1989.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Merlin	Sioux Center	farmyard just a little bit east of our home in Sioux Center		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tina Van Dyke and Wendy Van Dyk. \| Elimination of similar species: I saw at once that the bird was not a Kestrel but a Merlin. The bird was about the size of a Kestrel, but lacked the bold facial markings, exhibited no rufous on back or tail, showed vertically streaked underparts, and its tail was barred. \| The original documentation form event occurred in the afternoon with two sightings with one for an unknown length of time and the other for three to four minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Riverton Area, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-27	1988-12-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Riverton Area in Fremont County, IA on December 27, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Merlin	Riverton Wildlife Management Area	Riverton A., Fremont Co., IA	flying over large lake	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ross Silcock. \| Elimination of similar species: The small size, lack of any obvious facial pattern, and lack of dark axillars eliminates Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. The brown upperparts, barred tail, streaked underparts, and more powerful wingstrokes eliminate Am. Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event occurred at approximately 08:15:00/08:17:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Bay's Branch Wildlife Management Area, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-20	1989-01-01	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Bay's Branch Wildlife Management Area in Guthrie County, IA on December 20, 1988.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Merlin	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bay's Branch WMA, Guthrie Co.	grassy field bordered by pine and cedar shelder belts	The documentation form by Ray Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Hoogerheide. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel by tail pattern, heavy breast, and did hover during flight. Eurasian Kestrel female by tail was squared not wedged. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:00:00/13:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Saylorville Lake, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-12-18	1988-12-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Saylorville Lake in Polk County, IA on December 18, 1988.	Armstrong, Eloise	Merlin	Saylorville Lake	1 mile east of long bridge at Saylorville Lake	Farm grove and open farm field	The documentation form by Eloise Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: No face pattern like a Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:35:00.	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 west of Sioux Center, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-09-17	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin west of Sioux Center in Sioux County, IA on September 17, 1988.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Merlin	Sioux Center	Sioux Center (Sioux Co).		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was either a female or a juvenile: brownish above, and striped (lengthwise) breast. There was no possible confusion with a Kestrel: the bird possessed no distinctive Kestrel head markings and no rufous on back and tail.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin north of Burlington, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-02-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin north of Burlington in Des Moines County, IA on February 19, 1988.	Fuller, James L	Merlin	Des Moines County	10 miles north of Burlington	Bottomland - Farm fields	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Cal Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel - thinner shape of Merlin and absolutely no red visible on back tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:15:00/10:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32