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 Cattle Egret near Interchange 35 of I-29, 1974	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1974-08-22	1974-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Cattle Egret near Interchange 35 of I-29 in Mills County, IA on August 22, 1974.	Anderson, Rose	Cattle Egret	Keg Lake Wildlife Management Area	Lake by I-29 right after Plattsmouth exit	small marshy lake - a lake along I-29 beside a corn field - some mud flats & marshy areas along the edge	The documentation form by Rose Anderson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ruth Green. \| Elimination of similar species: Snowy Egret would be larger & have black bill & black legs. Common Egret would be larger with longer, thinner neck & have black legs. Immature Little Blue Heron would be larger, thinner & longer neck, dark-tipped bill which would look dark even if light was wrong for it to be bluish & legs would be more greenish - not bright yellow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:00:00/16:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	21
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow east of Swan Lake in Johnson County, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-09-29	1983-10-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Henslow's Sparrow east of Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on September 29, 1983.	Staudt, Thomas J.	Henslow's Sparrow	Swan Lake Wildlife Management Area	Johnson co. just east of Swan Lake	small marsh area. The bird was perched low in a small clump of shrubs at the water edge. The marsh is surrounded by a grassy habitat.	The documentation form by Thomas J. Staudt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: After recording the above notes I refered [sic] to Peterson's A Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies. He indicated that different ages of Grasshopper and Henslow's Sparrows could be mistaken for each other. The lack of prominate [sic] streaking on the breast and flanks on this bird may indicate an adult Grasshopper. However, the streaked olive-greenish head with dark marks in the auricular and the chestnut wing color eliminate the Grasshopper and any other sparrow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Lake Cona-Toma, 1999	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-04-16	1999-05-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Lake Cona-Toma in Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA on April 16, 1999.	Fischer, Carolyn J.	Red-necked Grebe	Lake Cona Toma	Lake Cona-Toma, Mason City	small lake with homes around it -	The documentation form by Carolyn Fischer is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Rita Goranson and Jan Walter. \| Elimination of similar species: Horned Grebe - smaller size bird, no horns. Eared Grebe - smaller size, too dark all over.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Union Grove State Park, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-10	1986-11-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-winged Scoter at Union Grove State Park in Tama County, IA on November 10, 1986.	Proescholdt, Mark	White-winged Scoter	Union Grove State Park	Union Grove State Park - (Tama Co.)	small lake with brush and weeds along edges on north end	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Beth Proescholdt, Phyllis Harris, and Ramona Sommerlot. \| Elimination of similar species: An immature Surf Scoter lacks the distinctive white wing patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:10:00/11:23:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
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 Brewer's Blackbird at Snake Creek Marsh, 1996	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1996-05-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Brewer's Blackbird at Snake Creek Marsh in Greene County, IA on May 11, 1996.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Brewer's Blackbird	Snake Creek State Game Management Area	Snake Creek M., Greene Co., IA	small island in pond	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bert Engebretsen. \| Elimination of similar species: The dark eye and lack of any rust color eliminates Rusty Blackbird, which is similar in size and shape to this bird. Common Grackle has a longer tail, females show lots of brown color, and the call note is different. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:54:00/16:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	76
Rare bird documentation form for Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Lake MacBride, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-12-19	1981-12-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Lake MacBride in Johnson County, IA on December 19, 1981.	Sandrock, James P., 1929-	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Lake MacBride	North wing of Lake Macbride, Johnson County (approx. 1 mi. west of Solon in Iowa Conservation Commission Wildlife Refuge.)	Small grove of deciduous saplings in frozen marshy area.	The documentation form by James P. Sandrock is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Fall Chestnut-sided Warbler about same size with eye ring, but has longer bill, is a much brighter green, and has yellow wing bars. Fall Pine Warbler is more drab, has duller wing bars, longer bill. Obviously not Golden-crowned Kinglet. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:16:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	4
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at Sweet Marsh, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1983-05-13	1983-05-15	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on May 13, 1983.	Myers, Robert K.	Prairie Warbler	Sweet Marsh	Sweet Marsh	Small clearing where a river birch overgrown area meets more upland riverbottom timber <- [pointing to river birch overgrown area] Area is wet under foot	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore. \| Elimination of similar species: The basic coloration, facial marking, and side streaking rule out all else I can think of. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:05:00/10:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Mute Swan at Mud Lake, 1984	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-03-15	1984-03-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Mute Swan at Mud Lake in Smith Slough in Clay County, IA on March 15, 1984.	Dinsmore, James J.	Mute Swan	Mud Lake	outlet of Mud Lake into Smith Slough, Clay County,	small channel leading into pond; in open water but most of surrounding ponds still frozen	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mike Brown and Fred Heinz. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Goose much too large, by comparison with Canada Geese. Tundra Swan/Trumpeter Swan by combination of bill color, knob on head, wing posture. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 18:00:00 on March 15th 07:30:00 on March 16th.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	29
Rare bird documentation form for Marsh Wren at Cooper Prairie Marsh, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-31	1982-11-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two Marsh Wrens at Cooper Prairie Marsh in Story County, IA on October 31, 1982.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Marsh Wren	Cooper Prairie Marsh	Coopers Marsh, Story County	Small Cattail Marsh 1-2 ft water	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kraig Downs. \| Elimination of similar species: Sedge Wren - lacks the white eye stripe - shorter tail \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:30:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	3
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1985-07-12	1985-07-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler at the Croton Unit in Shimek State Forest in Lee County, IA on July 12, 1985.	Proescholdt, Mark	Prairie Warbler	Shimek State Forest Wildlife Management Area - Croton Unit	Croton Unit - Shimek State Forest - (Lee Co.)	Small brush in clearing with new pines planted with mature trees surrounding it	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, Francis Moore, and Steve Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: A Kentucky Warbler lacks the black streaks on the yellowish sides. A Cape May Warbler has chestnut cheeks, a yellow rump, a patch of yellow behind ear, and should be far north of Iowa in summer. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:13:00 and 08:40:00/08:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
Rare bird documentation form for Baird's Sandpiper at Lake Manawa, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-11-21	1982-12-09	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for five Baird's Sandpipers at Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on November 21, 1982.	Padelford, Babs Padelford, Loren	Baird's Sandpiper	Lake Manawa State Park	Lake Manawa	Sludge Ponds	The documentation form by Babs Padelford and Loren Padelford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Kovanda, Sandy Kovanda, Phil Swanson, Tanya Bray, and B.J. Rose. \| Elimination of similar species: The bills seemed shorter & thinner at base than a Western, & buffy coloring on breast eliminated semi-palmated. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	22
Rare bird documentation form for Red-necked Grebe at Zirbel Slough, 1991	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-07	1991-05-08	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Red-necked Grebe at Zirbel Slough in Clear Lake, IA on May 7, 1991.	Pinneke, Kim	Red-necked Grebe	Zirbel Slough	Zirbel Slough, Clear Lake, Iowa, Southeast part of southern pond	Slough/marshland with adjoining pond	The documentation form by Kim L. Pinneke is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Horned Grebe eliminated by size, lack of white face patch in breeding plumage. Eared Grebe eliminated by size, lack of white face patch in breeding plumage, overall color. Pied-billed Grebe eliminated by overall color, size, lack of "bump" on back of head and lack of face pattern. Western Grebe eliminated by lack of reddish-brown neck and breast color. Canada Goose eliminated by neck coloration and lack of "bump" on back of head. Mallard, Canvasback, Pintail, Oldsquaw, Redhead, Bufflehead and Ruddy Duck all eliminated by overall appearance and lack of conformity to the major details of the species in question. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:55:00/17:12:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	13
Rare bird documentation form for White-faced Ibis at Zirbel Slough, 1991	Field notes Forms (documents)	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1991-05-22	1991-05-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-faced Ibis at Zirbel Slough in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 22, 1991.	Pinneke, Kim	White-faced Ibis	Zirbel Slough	Zirbel Slough, Clear Lake Iowa	Slough/Marsh	The documentation form by Kim L. Pinneke is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Glossy Ibis was ruled out due to the white patch noticed. Cormorant ruled out by bill shape and position of legs in flight. Mergansers ruled out by their lack of uniform coloring and bill shape. American Coot ruled out by bill shape. Night Herons ruled out by coloring, bill shape and length of neck in flight. Other herons ruled out by the same criteria. Stilts and Dowitchers ruled out by bill shape. Whimbrel and Curlew ruled out by size, coloring, by their lack of prominent white face spot, and neck length. \| The original documentation form event lasted from around 19:30:00/19:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	25
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Dunbar Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-09-21	1980-09-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Dunbar Slough in Greene County, IA on September 21, 1980.	Newlon, Michael C.	Peregrine Falcon	Dunbar Slough	Dunbar Slough, Greene Co., IA	slough surrounded by farmland. Edge of marshy slough	The documentation form by Michael C. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Thomas Kent, Carol S. Newlon, and Thomas Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Shape identifies it as a falcon, as does flight style. Size eliminates Merlin and Kestrel, conspicuous 'sideburns' eliminate Prairie Falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 09:30:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for Whimbrel east of Nebraska City, 1987	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1987-04-25	1987-05-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Whimbrel east of Nebraska City, NE in Fremont County, IA on April 25, 1987.	Proescholdt, Mark	Whimbrel	Fremont County Nebraska City	Fremont County - along Hwy. 2 - east of Nebraska City, Neb.	slightly flooded field - mudflats, water, some weeds	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers, Ross Silcock, Beth Proescholdt, B.J. Rose, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Long-billed Curlews are much bigger with a much longer bill and lack the crown stripes. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:05:00/14:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	12
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Hawkeye Wildlife Area, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-03-10	1985-03-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Hawkeye Wildlife Area in Johnson County, IA on March 10, 1985.	Hollis, Richard Jule	Golden Eagle	Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area	Hawkeye Wildlife Area, Johnson Co	sky	The documentation form by Richard Hollis is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The above description eliminates Bald Eagle imm & Turkey Vul. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Saylorville Reservoir, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-03-20	1986-04-03	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on March 20, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Peregrine Falcon	Saylorville Lake	marina of the Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.	sitting on top of a large tower	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Merlin eliminated by size and lack of a dark hood. Prairie Falcon eliminated by lack of dark axillaries. \| The original documentation form event occurred at 16:00:00 for several minutes.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Rare bird documentation form for a Ross' Goose at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-22	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Ross' Goose at Bays Branch Wildlife Management Area in Guthrie County, IA on December 22, 1998.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Ross' Goose	Bays Branch State Wildlife Area	Bays Branch WMA Guthrie Co. IA	Sitting on ice with other Geese. Small amount of open water.	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Snow Geese were big with large bill that had a grin patch. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	32	28
Rare bird documentation form for Sandhill Crane at Polk City Wildlife Area, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-22	1986-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sandhill Crane at Polk City Wildlife Area in Polk County, IA on November 22, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Sandhill Crane	Polk City Wildlife Area	Polk City Wildlife Area, Polk Co. (part of Saylorville Reservoir)	sitting on ice and wading in small patch of open water	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include B.J. Rose, Loren Padelford, Babs Padelford, James Dinsmore, and Bob Myers. \| Elimination of similar species: The gray color, red crown, and heron profile eliminate Great Blue Heron. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00 and 16:15:00/16:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	1
Rare bird documentation form for Thayer's Gull at Island View at Rathbun Reservoir, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-12-20	1986-12-23	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Thayer's Gulls at Island View Park at Rathbun Reservoir in Appanoose County, IA on December 20, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Thayer's Gull	Island View Park	Rathbun Reservoir, Appanoose Co. (Island View East and West Areas)	sitting on ice and feeding on open water with other gulls	The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ray Cummins. \| Elimination of similar species: The first-year birds were separated from first-year Iceland Gull by the distinct tail band and the darker primaries and from first-year Herring Gull by head shape, bill size, more uniform body color, and the silvery-white underwing. The adult bird was separated from an adult Iceland Gull by size, bill shape, and more black (still not too much, though) in the wingtips and from an adult Herring Gull by head shape, bill size, and paler wingtips. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:05:00/10:30:00 and 13:30:00/13:54:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	35
Rare bird documentation form for Lesser Black-backed Gull at Saylorville Reservoir, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-29	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 29, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Saylorville Lake	Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.	sitting on ice above dam	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Peter Wickham, Mark Brogie, Barb Wilson, Tanya Bray, and Bery Engebretsen. \| Elimination of similar species: Great Black-backed Gull was eliminated by the smaller size, contrast between the wingtips and the rest of the wing, and by the heavy streaking on the head (head should be mostly white on a Great Black-backed Gull). California Gull was eliminated by the darker mantle, darker underwing and dark carpal bar, lack of a dark spot on the bill, and by the dark smudge at the base of the bill (this is characteristic of 3rd summer Lesser Black-backed Gulls and is never present on California Gulls). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:08:00/12:10:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	36
Rare bird documentation form for Western Kingbird at Anderson Goose Lake, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1978-05-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Western Kingbird at Anderson Goose Lake in Hamilton County, IA on May 15, 1978.	Dinsmore, James J.	Western Kingbird	Anderson Goose Lake	along east shore of Anderson Lake, Hamilton County (near Jewell)	sitting on ground in freshly plowed field	The documentation form by James J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Mark Ryan, Ellen Johnson, and fifteen unidentified students in ornithology class. \| Elimination of similar species: Compared directly with Eastern Kingbird, back gray, not brown so couldn't be Great Crested. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/09:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	34	72
Rare bird documentation form for Vesper Sparrow northeast of Ames, 1989	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1989-12-16	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Vesper Sparrow northeast of Ames in Story County, IA on December 16, 1989.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Vesper Sparrow	Ames	5 mi. east and 2 mi. north of Ames, Story Co., IA	sitting on gravel road in agricultural area	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Andy Fix. \| Elimination of similar species: The white eye ring, tail pattern, pattern of streaking on the breast, and habitat eliminates other sparrows, especially Savannah, Song, and Lincoln's. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:40:00/14:56:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	52
Rare bird documentation form for Bohemian Waxwing at Oak Grove Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir, 1986	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1986-11-23	1986-11-25	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Bohemian Waxwing at Oak Grove Recreation Area at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 23, 1986.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Bohemian Waxwing	Oak Grove Recreation Area	Oak Grove Recreation Area of the Saylorville Reservoir, Polk Co.	sitting in dead tree along road	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Cedar Waxwing eliminated by call, size, grayer coloration, and rusty undertail coverts. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:45:00/11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	16