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 Henslow's Sparrow at Des Moines Township in Van Buren County, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1987-06-09	1987-06-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Henslow's Sparrows at Des Moines Township in Van Buren County, IA on June 9, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Henslow's Sparrow	Des Moines Township	Van Buren Co. - (section 8 of Des Moines Township) - (S.W. of Lacey-Keosauqua S.P.)	Tall, grassy pasture that's quite extensive	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt, Bob Cecil, John Cecil, Jim Sandrock, and Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: A Grasshopper Sparrow has a definitely different song than the distinctive "se-lick" of the Henslow's Sparrow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 19:55:00/20:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Davenport, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-01-12	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Davenport in Scott County, IA on January 12, 1989.	Petersen, Peter C.	Prairie Falcon	Davenport	Utah Ave at Mississippi River - West edge of Davenport, IA	First seen walking river edge then chasing Rock Doves at grain terminal, finally perched on top of grain elevator.	The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Larry Fisher. \| Elimination of similar species: Peregrine Falcon - back darker, moustache black, no black underwing. Merlin, smaller, no black underwing. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Cedar Rapids, 1978	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1978-12-01	1993-08-19	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Cedar Rapids in Linn County, IA on December 1, 1978. Includes a record review document with votes, a photograph, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Millikin, Sara L.	Black-headed Grosbeak	Cedar Rapids	Usually on the ground where I had thrown seed	along railway right of way near my home and on ground near house and feeders	The documentation form by Sara L. Millikin is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Pete Wickham, Lillian Serbousek, Roberta Appedahl, Fred Nissen, Weir Nelson, Karl Goellner, and Lucile Liljedahl. \| The original documentation form event lasted from at daylight to 16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Wilson's Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-10-20	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Wilson's Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on October 20, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Wilson's Phalarope	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	USNWR Kossuth Co. South of County Rd. B14	marsh with low water level, muddy cattail flats	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: [...] Approx. the same size as adjacent L. Yellowlegs, [...] It had a pale gray line from the eye backward; joining with the hind neck, a "phalarope mark" but not nearly as dark as on a Red-necked (or Red). The legs were almost as yellow as the yellowlegs'. The bill was black, very thin (needle-like) and longer than on a Red-necked (or Red). It was pot-bellied and small headed compared to yellowlegs. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:10:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	11
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Knot at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-08-25	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for two Red Knots at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on August 25, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, an Iowa Bird Life article, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Red Knot	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	USNWR 1 mile N. of Headquarters, N. of road on mudflats	mudflats from receded large pool	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The reddish underside of one bird was reminiscent of Dowitchers, but the back pattern in flight and bill differences are way off. Sanderling's feeding habits are different from the simple pecking these birds did and the gray one didn't have the 'black shoulder' or big wingstripe. Curlew Sandpiper's bill is curved. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	1
Rare bird documentation form for Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lost Lake in Boone County, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-05-23	1981-06-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lost Lake in Boone County, IA on May 23, 1981.	Brown, Gordon	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Lost Lake	Upper ledges at Lost Lake		The documentation form by Gordon Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include George Brown.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	59
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Sharp-tailed Sparrow near Lost Lake, 1981	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1981-05-23	1996-04-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Sharp-tailed Sparrow near Lost Lake in Boone County, IA on May 23, 1981. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence regarding the review and sighting, a request for reconsideration of record, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Brown, Gordon	Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow	Lost Lake	Upper ledges at Lost Lake		The documentation form by Gordon Brown is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was George Brown.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	38
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Upper Iowa River in Allamakee County, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-02-14	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Upper Iowa River in Allamakee County, IA on February 14, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	Allamakee County	Upper Iowa River, Allamakee Co IA	Over high rocky hills and river valley - 5 mi east of #76 on county road #26 in Allamakee C.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Immature bald eagle - location of white, head size and habitat for Golden Eagle. Known to winter in this area. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:42:00/11:46:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at New Albin, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-11-24	1979-11-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three or four Golden Eagles at New Albin in Allamakee County, IA on November 24, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Golden Eagle	New Albin	Upper Iowa River Valley inland from New Albin IA	High bluffs with rock outcroppings - Upper Iowa River on County Road #26 west and east of Iowa #76	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Joe Schaufenbuel, Darwin Koenig, Carl Bendorf, and Mike Malier. \| Elimination of similar species: Bald Eagle - A mature (perched) and immature (flying) bald eagle were seen in same area for comparison. The immature bald eagle was larger, broader in wings and tail and had more massive head. White was blotchy in wings and body. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:30:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon west of New Albin, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-22	1986-11-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon west of New Albin at Allamakee County, IA on November 22, 1986.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Peregrine Falcon	New Albin	Upper Iowa River Valley ~ 3 mi west of New Albin, Allamakee Co, IA	Unglaciated hilly river valley	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore and Bob Cecil. \| Elimination of similar species: Too large and light for Merlin or Kestrel. Light axillaries exclude Prairie Falcon. Two toned effect exclude Gyrfalcon. There was only a mild breeze, so we were not looking at a buteo or accipiter distorted by the wind. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 12:30:00/12:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Western Sandpiper at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1997-10-22	1997-10-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Sandpiper at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on October 22, 1997.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Western Sandpiper	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co., south side of B14	mudflats in marsh	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carolyn Fischer and Jan Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: Semipalmated only true possibilitys [sic] bill difference - long, dropped, tapered call difference rufous scapular edges gray basic plumage in place \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:25:00/11:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	18
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1996	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-09-06	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Red Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on September 6, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Bangma, Jim Johnson, Ann	Red Phalarope	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co., Iowa	Shallow marsh at north end of refuge	The documentation form by Ann Johnson and Jim Bangma is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Wilson's Phalarope looks much lighter, does not have the black eye patch, and has a long, thin bill. Red-necked Phalarope is superficially similar but the bill is much more needle-like. Furthermore, Red-necked has the gray extending further onto the crown, shows white streaking on the back, and would not have remnants of red color on the throat and upper foreneck. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/17:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	12
Rare bird documentation form for Smith's Longspur at Union Slough NWR, 1997	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1997-04-27	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for five Smith's Longspurs at Union Slough NWR in Kossuth County, IA on April 27, 1997.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Smith's Longspur	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co. main crossdike between B pool + C pool	marsh with open farm fields on both sides	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: These birds didn't have white on the belly or black spilling from the face onto the chest or "bib" like Lapland Longspurs. There were no "tew" notes thrown in with the rattle calls, a possible point of separation between Smith's + Laps. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 09:10:00 and 09:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	67
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Knot at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1988	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1988-08-05	1993-08-04	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Red Knot at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on August 5, 1988. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red Knot	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co.	feeding on large mud area with thousands of shorebirds	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The reddish color on the underparts eliminates all shorebirds except Red Knot, Curlew Sandpiper, and Sanderling. The pale legs and bill shape eliminate Curlew Sandpiper. The larger size, bill shape, and pale legs eliminate Sanderling. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:40:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	1
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Phalarope at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-07-26	1988-07-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Red-necked Phalaropes at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on July 26, 1988.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Red-necked Phalarope	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough NWR, Kossuth Co.	Swimming in shallow water with other shorebirds	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Proescholdt. \| Elimination of similar species: The behavior and body shape eliminates all other shorebirds except phalaropes. The combination of a short, slender bill, a dark eye patch, and light streaks on the back eliminates Wilson's and Red Phalaropes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	30
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-necked Stilt at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1984	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1984-06-02	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of two Black-necked Stilts at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on June 2, 1984. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, a photocopy of a photo, an article of Iowa Bird Life, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Myers, Robert K.	Black-necked Stilt	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Kossuth County, Iowa	General: Large cattail marsh. Specific: Shallow muddy pool on north edge of Refuge.	The documentation form by Robert Myers forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Francis L. Moore was submitted. Other observers include Russell Hays and several unidentified observers. \| Elimination of similar species: Nothing really is similar. American Avocet has upturned bill and shows much white in wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:58:00/08:00:00 and 08:30:00/08:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	20
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1990	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1990-08-28	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on August 28, 1990.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Red-necked Grebe	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough Nat. Wild. Refuge middle of the largest pool		The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Not highly contrasted black & white like Western. Smaller bird with thicker neck. Head wasn't pointed or peaked like Western. Bigger than Pied-billed with longer neck, different beak. Shorter-bodied than loon, longer necked, different facial markings. Bigger bird than Horned Grebe. longer lighter color bill (later, after looking at field guide). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:30:00/07:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for Solitary Sandpiper at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Solitary Sandpipers at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on May 24, 1988.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Solitary Sandpiper	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough Nat. W.R., Kossuth Co., Ia., south side of Titonka blacktop, East shore	Marsh	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: They did not have the yellow legs of the yellow legs. The eye ring is definately [sic] the mark of the solitary. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:35:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	9
Rare bird documentation form for Forster's Tern at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-04-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Forster's Tern at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on April 11, 1988.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Forster's Tern	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth Co., Ia.	Marsh, open water pools on either side of dike.	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The common has darker wingtips than wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:02:00 estimated.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	43
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Falcon at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-10-29	1993-10-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Falcon at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on October 29, 1993.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Prairie Falcon	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough N.W.R., Kossuth Co., IA	long narrow slough	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The underwing markings and apparent light coloration argue against Peregrine Falcon. The date and location are appropriate for Prairie Falcon in Iowa. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:50:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	35
Rare bird documentation form for Ibis species at Union Slough, 1988	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-08-17	1988-08-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for Ibis species at Union Slough in Kossuth County, IA on August 17, 1988.	Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Eugene	Glossy Ibises	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough - South Pool.	Small shallow water at Union Slough	The documentation form by Eugene Armstrong and Eloise Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Told from herons by long & curved bill. most not separated from other ibis sp. white faced likely. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Yellow Rail at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1982	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1982-07-13	1993-09-01	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Yellow Rail at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on July 13, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, and two versions (typed and handwritten) of a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Thompson, Carol A.	Yellow Rail	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Slough	Marsh	The documentation form by Carol Thompson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. A typed version of the other documentation form was compiled by Thomas H. Kent. \| Elimination of similar species: Immature Sora - I would not expect the Sora to be as small or as yellow. The bill should have been more yellow. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	11
Records committee review for rare bird sighting of Red Knot at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, 1989	Administrative records Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1989-08-31	1993-07-21	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Red Knot at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge in Kossuth County, IA on August 31, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Kenne, Matthew C.	Red Knot	Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge	Union Sl. Nat. Wild Refuge north of Titonka Blacktop	mudflats with puddles + pools	The documentation form by Matthew Kenne is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: This bird had a different bill than any shorebird - I've ever seen. No other shore bird has a red breast. (Ok - curlew sand.) \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:15:00/09:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	1
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Sprague's Pipit at Union Hills Wildlife Management Area, 1998	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1998-04-22	2000-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Sprague's Pipit at Union Hills Wildlife Management Area in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 22, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes, amended comments on the review, a memo about bird sighting, e-mail correspondence about the bird sighting, and two documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Fischer, Carolyn J.	Sprague's Pipit	Union Hills Wildlife Management Area	Union Hills Waterfowl Production Area So. of Ventura, Cerro Gor[...] Co	Rolling hills, open short grassy area, + cultivated field	The documentation form by Carolyn Fischer forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Jan L. Walter was submitted. Other observers include Patricia Hansen and Tim Phalen. \| Elimination of similar species: Ruled out Sparrows + Longspurs, this bird did not have a conical beak. American Pipit, this bird did not have dark legs, no tail bobbing, not a heavy ear patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:25:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	13	13
Rare bird documentation form for Ibis species at Union Grove State Park, 1985	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-09-29	1985-10-02	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form an Ibis species at Union Grove State Park in Tama County, IA on September 29, 1985.	Proescholdt, Mark	Glossy Ibises	Union Grove State Park	Union Grove State Park -(Tama Co.)	Shallow end of lake with grassy edges	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Steve Dinsmore, Eric Munson, Russell Hays, Hank Zaletel, Jim Fuller, and Cal Knight. \| Elimination of similar species: Can't think of any similar species. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:45:00/15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	24