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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Iceland Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam, 1997
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1997-03-19
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Iceland Gull at Red Rock Reservoir Dam in Marion County, IA on March 19, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, photocopies of three photographs, an article in American Birds, an article in Birding, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence about related bird sightings and review, documentation form for a related sighting and review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee for this review.
|
Brees, Aaron
|
Iceland Gull
|
Red Rock Dam
|
Red Rock Dam, Marion County, Iowa
|
rock bar below dam, in association with Ring-billed and Herring Gulls
|
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
4
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Gull at IPL Ponds, 1985
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1985-05-17
|
1993-09-03
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at IPL Ponds in Pottawattamie County, IA on May 17, 1985. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence about the bird sighting, a summary of review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Wright, Rick
|
Lesser Black-backed Gull
|
MidAmerican Energy Ponds
|
IPPD Settling Ponds, Pottawatamie [sic] Co., Iowa
|
|
The documentation form by Rick Wright is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ken Strom and Marie Strom. | Elimination of similar species: [...] The different mantle colorations of the herring and ring-billed gulls were distinguishable. [...] The presence of other gull species convinced me that I had accurately judged the mantle color of this bird; I was able to compare it with 3 other species, as well as Caspian terns. The size and bill size rule out great Black-backed, the only dark-backed gull with which I am familiar. Although western gull would show a similar upper-wing pattern, I suspect that it too would appear heavy-billed (and would not have yellow feet). Yellow-footed gull is also large and deep-billed, and is probably less likely than lesser black-backed in Iowa. | The original documentation form event occurred around 13:30:00/13:30:30.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
5
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Lesser Black-backed Full at Lock 13, 1995
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1995-10-22
|
2000-11-20
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Lock 13 in Clinton County, IA on October 22, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation letter with field notes submitted to the committee.
|
Petersen, Peter C.
|
Lesser Black-backed Gull
|
Lock and Dam 13
|
Lock 13
|
|
The documentation letter and field notes by Peter C. Petersen forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Dan Dorrance, Kelly McKay, Mary Lou Petersen, and Dennis Carter. | The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 10:00:00/10:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
5
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Slaty-Backed Gull north of Le Claire, 1989
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-02-12
|
1994-02-27
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Slaty-backed Gull north of Le Claire in Scott County, IA on February 12, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, excerpt from Illinois Birds and Birding, correspondence and commentary relevant to bird sighting and review, two photographs, photocopy of photographs, and eleven documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Barker, Ann M.
|
Slaty-backed Gull
|
Le Claire
|
(1) Just north of Le Claire, Ia (2 +3) - Moline, IL. riverfront
|
river; open water or up on ice shelf or seawall
|
The documentation form by Ann M. Barker forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Peter C. Petersen, Thomas H. Kent, Gerald White, Tanya E. Bray, Ross Silcock, Carl Bendorf, and Michael J. Baum were submitted. Other observers include Mary Lou Petersen, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Tom Rockwell, Lewis Blevins, Brian Blevins, Don Moeller, Walter Zuurdeeg, Daryl Tessen, Doug Rose, Alan Grenon, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: (A) Greater black backed - Gull in question has slaty - gray saddle rather than coal black. And Gull in question is same size as Herring Gulls; Greater black-backed would be much larger. (B) Lesser black backed - Gull in question has pink legs and feet, and has much more white on primaries. (C) Western - Gull in question has considerable white on primaries, and does not show dusky trailing edge to underwing. Also has broader white trailing edge to upperwing than would the Western. (D) Herring Gull - dark race - no experience with this, but those shown in Harrison do not show as dark a saddle as Gull in question, nor as much white on primaries. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:30:00 on February 12, 1989, 12:15:00/12:45:00 and 16:00:00/17:30:00 on February 14, 1989.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
6
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Western Gull east of Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport, 1989
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-12-11
|
1993-08-06
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Western Gull east of Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport in Scott County, IA on December 11, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Petersen, Peter C.
|
Western Gull
|
Lock and Dam 15
|
On Miss. River chanel [sic] ice between Davenport, Scott Co. IA &+ Rock Isl. Arsenal, RI Co. IL.
|
On ice covered chanel [sic] of Mississippi - 1/4 - 1/2 mi. upstream (East) of Lock + Dam 15.
|
The documentation form by Peter C. Petersen forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Brian Blevins and Gerald White were submitted. Another observers includes Lewis Blevins. | Elimination of similar species: Slaty-backed Gull - Gray mantle merged directly to black tips, trailing white wing edge too narrow, mantle color too dark for g.b. Lesser-Black-bkd Gull - leg color pink, bird too large + heavy Greater Black-bkd. Gull - Bird too small, back not black enough, legs too bright + pink. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:35:00 on December 11, 1986, 08:20:00/08:25:00 and 09:00:00/09:15:00 on December 12, 1986.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
7
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-legged Kittiwake at Estherville, 1980
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1980-11-02
|
1993-08-16
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Black-legged Kittiwake at Estherville in Emmet County, IA on November 2, 1980. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence about bird sightings and the review, and field notes submitted to the committee.
|
Henrickson, Dennis
|
Black-legged Kittiwake
|
Estherville
|
RR4 Estherville, Iowa 51334
|
|
The field notes by Dennis Henrickson are the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: [...] Most were mature and immature Franklins with a few Ring billed. Eventually one appeared within 20 ft of the tractor that was different. During its first pass I noticed its size between a Franklin and Ring billed, a dark spot and streak behind the eye and that the upper wing front was blackish.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
10
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-legged Kittiwake at Lake Manawa, 1983
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1983-04-23
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Black-legged Kittiwake at the dredge ponds near Lake Manawa in Pottawattamie County, IA on April 23, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, a summary of the review, and a documentation submitted to the committee.
|
Otto, Rebecca Otto, William
|
Black-legged Kittiwake
|
Lake Manawa State Park
|
[...] at the dredge ponds near Lake Manawa, Council Bluffs, Iowa.
|
|
The documentation by William and Rebecca Otto is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: [...] We eliminated the possibility of the gull being an immature Bonaparte's gull by the following criterion: 1. Leg color. The gulls legs and feet were entirely black. Bonaparte's gull have reddish legs. This was apparent at great distance on the immature Bonaparte's gulls present. 2. Primary feathers. The gull had black outer primaries and gray inner primaries. Immature Bonaparte's having some obvious white inner primaries.) 3. Behavior. Although this may seem rather unscientific, the gull not joining the groups of feeding or loafing gulls present seems significant to me. | The original documentation form event lasted around 30 minutes.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
10
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Ivory Gull at Rathbun Reservoir, 1975
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1975-12-20
|
1999-04-02
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Ivory Gull at Lake Rathbun in Appanoose County, IA on December 20, 1975. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, request for reconsideration, correspondence about the sighting and review including an unreviewed documentation form, and a documentation form submitted to the committee and reviewed.
|
Ayres, Charles C., Jr.
|
Ivory Gull
|
Rathbun Lake
|
Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, Iowa, 7 miles north of Centerville. Surface area 11,000 acres, about 180 miles of shoreline. Corps of Engineers project.
|
|
The documentation form by Charles C. Ayres, Jr. is the only one reviewed and forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Tom Johnson was submitted and not reviewed. Other observers include Blossom H. Hallberg, Virgil Corzette, Jean Corzette, Darlene Ayres, Gary Wymore, and Madeline Wymore. | The original documentation form event lasted from 13:15:00/13:28:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
12
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Royal Tern at Pool 18 in Des Moines County, 1989
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1989-08-20
|
1993-08-06
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Royal Tern at Pool 18 in Des Moines County, IA on August 20, 1989. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence relevant to the bird sighting and review, four photographs, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Fuller, James L
|
Royal Tern
|
Pool 18
|
Sandbar in Pool #18 - Mississippi River
|
Mississippi River
|
The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Peter C. Petersen as well as Cal Knight and Bernie Knight were submitted later. Other observers include Clint Van Fossen, Sue Clevenstine, Chuck Fuller, Eugene Armstrong, and Eloise Armstrong. | Elimination of similar species: Larger than Common or Forster's Tern (2 Fortser's were also standing in area) differed from Caspian in slightly smaller size, orange and slimmer bill, white forehead, and light underwing primaries. | The original documentation form event lasted from 19:15:00/19:30:00 on August 20, 1989 and 18:33:00/19:15:00 on August 27, 1989.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
11
|
14
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Marbled Murrelet at Whitebreast Cove at Red Rock Reservoir, 1991
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1991-12-12
|
1993-07-17
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Marbled Murrelet at Whitebreast Cove at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on December 12, 1991. Includes a record review document with votes, field notes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Dinsmore, Stephen J.
|
Marbled Murrelet
|
Whitebreast Recreation Area
|
Red Rock Reservoir, Marion Co.-off Whitebreast Cove
|
large patch of open water on reservoir
|
The documentation form by Stephen J. Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Brian Warson. | Elimination of similar species: The bird was clearly an alcid. The small size rules out the murres, Razorbill, and guillemots (see earlier discussion). The long, thin bill eliminates Dovekie, Ancient Murrelet, and all of the auklets. The bill shape, dark cap that included the eye, and presence of two white patches on each side eliminates all other murrelets, especially Kittlitz's. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:15:00/15:24:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
5
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Band-tailed Pigeon west of Fort Dodge, 1970
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1970-09-05
|
1995-02-22
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Band-tailed Pigeon west of Fort Dodge in Webster County, IA on September 5, 1970. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, and a documentation article submitted to the committee.
|
Crawford, John
|
Band-tailed Pigeon
|
Fort Dodge
|
[...] seven miles West of Fort Dodge, Webster County, Iowa on the farm of Joseph R. Crawford.
|
|
The documentation article by John A. Crawford is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Joseph R. Crawford. | Elimination of similar species: [...] This bird first caught my attention by the fact that it lacked the typical white rump of a Rock Dove.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
7
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Groove-billed Ani at Cedar Rapids, 1996
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1966-10-22
|
1996-04-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Groove-billed Ani at Cedar Rapids in Linn County, IA on October 22, 1966. Includes a record review document with votes, a request for a reconsideration of the review, an excerpt from The Birds of Iowa, and a documentation letter submitted to the committee.
|
Vane, Bob
|
Groove-billed Ani
|
Cedar Rapids
|
[...] Bever Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
|
|
The documentation letter by Bob Vane is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jean Vane, Myra Willis, and Lillian Serbousek. | Elimination of similar species: [...] I must say at that particular time, since the bird was new to us, we were not absolutely sure whether it was a Smooth-billed or Groove-billed ani. Upon returning home, however, we found in Bent, "The note of the Smooth-billed ani has been called a wailing or whining whistle - resembling the notes of the wood duck." Our bird's call note was not a whistle at all. And then we found in Pough's Eastern Land Birds under Smooth-billed ani, "The two anis are hard to tell apart except by note, the whining notes of this species being in sharp contrast to the soft double note of the Groove-billed." So for my part, that settled it that our bird was a Groove-billed ani. | The original documentation form event occurred in the afternoon
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
15
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Common Poorwill at Waubonsie State Park, 1982
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1982-06-22
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Common Poorwill at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, IA on June 22, 1982. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, a letter from Jean B. Braley to Tom Kent, and three documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Braley, Jean B.
|
Common Poorwill
|
Waubonsie State Park
|
Fremont County, IA., 2 1/2 miles nort of NW corner Waubonsie St. Park
|
Open field bounded by wooded hills, small stream
|
The documentation form by Jean B. Braley is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Ruth Phipps and Betty Walters were submitted later. Other observers include Mary Beth Vaughn, Barbara Cunningham, John McNeilly, and Doris McNeilly. | Elimination of similar species: Call differs from that of Whip poor will (heard in rear by area same evening) and that of Chuck Will's widow, recorded regularly in recent years at Waubonsie Park University. | The original documentation form event lasted from 08:45:00/09:15:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
20
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Amazilia species at Des Moines, 1998
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1998-09-11
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Amazilia species at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on September 11, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes, photographs, an article in Iowa Bird Life, two letters from Carole Stolz to T.H. Kent, a letter from Louis Bevier to Tom Kent, e-mail exchanges, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-
|
Amazilias
|
Des Moines
|
512 SW 60th St., Des Moines, Polk Co., IA
|
Rather open urban area on southwest side of Des Moines in bottom land. There is a large deck behind the house with hummingbird feeder hanging from the eve and crab apple tree behind the deck and adjacent to the garage. A large vacant field is behind the property.
|
The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Don Stolz, Carole Stolz, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Pam Allen, Reid Allen, Ann Johnson, Jim Dinsmore, Jim Fuller, Bob Cecil, and Aaron Brees. | Elimination of similar species: My experience and references of Buff-bellied Hummingbird suggest that the cinnamon color, extent of this color toward the throat, cinnamon rump/back, and white eye spot do not fit this species. I believe that the features shown in the photo of the Arizona 'mystery' bird in Field Notes are a perfect fit for the Des Moines bird. I do not know of specific information on bird trafficking in Iowa. We had a Yellow Grosbeak north of Des Moines in December 1990, the origin of which was never explained. | The original documentation form event lasted from 07:50:00/08:40:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
21
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for a Hummingbird species in Le Claire, 1998
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1998-03-31
|
2000-11-24
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Hummingbird species at Le Claire in Scott County, IA on March 31, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Don Moeller to Tom Kent and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Schmitz, John A.
|
Hummingbirds
|
Le Claire
|
Le Claire, Iowa
|
|
The documentation form by John A. Schmitz is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. | The original documentation form event occurred from 14:00:00/14:04:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
22
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Rufous Hummingbird at Cedar Rapids, 1995
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1995-11-04
|
2000-11-20
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Rufous Hummingbird at Cedar Rapids in Linn County, IA on November 4, 1995. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, an article in the Des Moines Register, photographs, letter from Thomas Kent to James Dinsmore, letter from Thomas Kent to Nancy Newfield, letter from Nancy Newfield to Thomas Kent, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Fuller, James L
|
Rufous Hummingbird
|
Cedar Rapids
|
Backyard of Barbara Stark, 238 24th Street Dr., Cedar Rapids (Linn County)
|
|
The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas Kent, Chris Edwards, and Peter Petersen were submitted later. Other observers include Weir Nelson, Pam and Reid Allen, Carol [sic] Thompson, Corey Blevins, Mary Lou Petersen, Chris Caster, Tim Schantz, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Robert and K. Bradley, A. Martin, Ann Barber and Jim Durbin. | Elimination of similar species: I would identify this bird as a member of the Selasphorus complex. Because of the rufous on the back just above the wing it is most likely a Rufous or Allen's, and of those two, Rufous would be more likely from its range. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/11:02:00 on November 4, 10:45:00/11:45:00 on November 5, and 12:05:00/12:10:00 on November 9.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
24
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Ringed Kingfisher at Lock and Dam 14 in Scott County, 1994
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1994-01-07
|
1996-04-25
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Ringed Kingfisher at Lock and Dam 14 in Scott County, IA on January 7, 1994. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation letter submitted to the committee.
|
Dee, Debbie
|
Ringed Kingfisher
|
Lock and Dam 14
|
[...] Iowa side of Lock and Dam 14.
|
|
The documentation form by Debbie Dee is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | The original documentation form event occurred at 09:30:00 for several minutes.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
26
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Eastern Wood-Pewee at Waubonsie State Park, 1983
|
Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1983-04-24
|
1993-09-01
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for an Eastern Wood-Pewee at Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, IA on April 25, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, a summary of the review, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
|
Scott, Charlotte
|
Eastern Wood-Pewee
|
Waubonsie State Park
|
Waubonsie State Park
|
near a trail in a wooded section of fairly tall trees
|
The documentation form by Charlotte Scott is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Dick Scott. | Elimination of similar species: [...] I ruled out Empidonax flycatchers immediately because of his lack of an eyering and what I considered--smaller size. I ruled out Eastern Phoebe because of the distinct wing bars, the yellow lower mandible and the fact that he did not flick his tail. Also I considered this to be better habitat for a Pewee. 90% of the Phoebes I see are near a bridge and stream or deserted buildings. | The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:33:00.
|
Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
|
12
|
32
|
|
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Western Flycatcher at Lake Ahquabi State Park, 1992
|
Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes Photographs
|
Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
|
1992-11-14
|
1999-10-15
|
Rare birds documentation form
|
Records Committee review for a Western Flycatcher at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Warren County, IA on November 14, 1992. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in American Birds, excerpts from Western Birds, articles in Pennsylvania birds, an article in Iowa Bird Life, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, eight photographs, and four documentation forms submitted to the committee.
|
Johnson, Ann
|
Empidonax Flycatchers
|
Lake Ahquabi State Park
|
Lake Ahquabi State Park, Warren County, IOWA
|
Woodland edge consisting primarily of honeysuckle and junipers
|
The documentation form by Ann Johnson is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Thomas H. Kent, Jim Fuller, and Brian Blevins were submitted later. Other observers include Ross Silcock, Peter Petersen, Kelly McKay, Corey Blevins, Jim Scheib, Jim Sinclair, John Daniel, Tim Schantz, Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Chuck Fuller, David Youngblut, Beth Brown, Sherry Dragula, Bill Overland, Jane Overland, John Miller, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, and unidentified other observers. | Elimination of similar species: The date of observation is historically good for a vagrant western flycatcher species, so this was in the back of my mind in assessing the characteristics observed. The presence of both eye ring and wing bars, in addition to size and shape, indicate that the bird fits the Empidonax complex. The combination of green back, yellow throat and pure orange lower mandible with no markings would eliminate Least, Hammond's, Dusky, Gray, Buff-breasted, Alder, and Willow Flycatchers. A juvenile Acadian can be eliminated by the short primary extension, color of the wings, size and shape of the eye ring, and active behavior. Only three species are indicated by the green upper parts and yellow under parts. Two are separable only by voice. The choices were between Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Western (Cordilleran and Pacific-slope) Flycatcher. Back color is greener in Yellow-bellied and more olive in Western. Although the back looked olive, this was rather subjective. According to the Audubon Master Guide, behavior would be more indicative of a Yellow-bellied in that the bird was not flicking both tail and wings. According to Kaufman, however, behavior is quite variable. Three characteristics made me lean more toward Western complex. They were peaked appearance to the head (usually smooth and rounded in Yellow-bellied); almond-shaped eye ring (round, narrow, and more even in Yellow-bellied); and browner wings than eastern Empidonax. The color of the wings is again subjective, but the contrast between wing color and wing bars was less than the black/white (or even black/buff in fall birds) of eastern birds. Even with the variability that may occur in any Empidonax, it is unlikely that these three characteristics, which are common to the Western Flycatcher, would appear simultaneously in a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Further support is found in the Audubon Master Guide to Birding where it states in the description of Western Flycatcher, "...olive wash on the breast, flanks, and especially the sides tends to highlight a midventral yellow stripe" - one of the more obvious characteristics when viewed at close range from the front. IF the call notes heard belonged to this bird, it would indicate a Cordilleran Flycatacher, the most likely vagrant. None of us were able, however, to get the bird to call as we were observing it. Cal Knight played a tape and the bird became very agitated but did not call. | The original documentation form event lasted from 11:00:00/14:00:00 on November 14, 1992 and 11:30:00/13:45:00 on November 15, 1992.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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12
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35
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Vermilion Flycatcher near Holstein, 1997
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1997-05-24
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2000-11-24
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Vermilion Flycatcher near Holstein in Ida County, IA on May 24, 1997. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life, and a documentation letter submitted to the committee.
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Rector, Curtis L.
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Vermilion Flycatcher
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Holstein
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1531 Harvest Avenue Holstein, Iowa 51025-8117
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The documentation letter by Curtis L. Rector is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include his parents and nephew. | Elimination of similar species: [...] But I could see right away that it wasn't a cardinal, as it lacked a crest, and it had dark feathers. [...] At this point, I thought it could be a Scarlet Tanager. [...] As I watched it, the bird was taking off from the grass, flying into the air to snatch an insect, then landing on a nearby fence. From this, I could tell it had to be a species of Flycatcher. | The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:10:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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12
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38
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Gray Jay at Mason City, 1976
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1976-11-01
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1994-02-04
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Gray Jay at Mason City in Cerro Gordo County, IA in early November 1976. Includes a record review document with votes, an article in Iowa Bird Life as well as a letter and documentation form submitted to the committee.
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Tanner, Fern L.
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Gray Jay
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Mason City
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415 N. Jeff Mason City Iowa
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spotted in Spruce tree several times - also once on small bush.
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The documentation form by Fern L. Tanner is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Marvin Tanner, Luella Olsen, and Albert Ewers. | Elimination of similar species: [...] Looked larger than Blue Jay that was 18 in. away at time. Little shorter beak than Blue Jay. | The original documentation form event lasted from 15:00:00/15:15:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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12
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41
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-billed Magpie at Hitchcock Wildlife Area, 1999.
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Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1999-09-27
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2000-11-28
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Black-billed Magpie at Hitchcock Wildlife Area in Pottawattamie County, IA on September 27, 1999. Includes a record review document with votes, an e-mail from Sue Mattix to Jim Fuller, and a documentation form submitted to the committee.
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Mattix, Sue
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Black-billed Magpie
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Hitchcock Nature Area
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Hitchcock Wildlife Area, Crescent, IA
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forest
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The documentation form by Sue Mattix is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was Howard Mattix. | Elimination of similar species: Only similar species would be yellow billed magpie - this one had a black bill | The original documentation form event lasted from 17:00:00/18:00:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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12
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45
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Common Raven at Dubuque, 1983
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Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1983-12-17
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1993-09-01
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Common Raven at Dubuque in Dubuque County, IA on December 17, 1983. Includes a record review document with votes, correspondence relevant to bird sighting and review, a summary of review, and a documentation submitted to the committee.
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Herrman, William
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Common Raven
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Dubuque
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Location was about three miles south of Dubuque city limits, in narrow valley with scattered cedar trees, with bird in a leafless tree
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The documentation by William Herrmann is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include John Feller and John Stampe. | Elimination of similar species: One half larger than a dozen Am. crows about 100 feet away from the raven at same distance | The original documentation form event occurred around 14:00:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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12
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47
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Common Raven at Lake Manawa State Park, 1998
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Administrative records Correspondence Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1998-02-05
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2000-11-24
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Common Raven at Lake Manawa State Park in Pottawattamie County, IA on February 5, 1998. Includes a record review document with votes and a documentation letter submitted to the committee.
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Bunnimit, Manit
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Common Raven
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Lake Manawa State Park
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[...] Lake Manawa State Park, near Council Bluffs, IA. [...] was travelling south on the road that follows the west edge of Lake Manawa.
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The documentation letter by Manit Bunnimit is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. | Elimination of similar species: [...] It flew for most of the time by soaring with its wings held very flat, only twice flapping its wings momentarily (shallow wingbeats) and once folding its wings rather tightly and gliding. All of the crows I have seen flap steadily, gliding only occasionally. [...] It could not have been mistaken even for the tails of the occasional American Crows that appear quite rounded. The sheer size of the bird and the wedge-shaped tail were enough to distinguish it from any of the crows, but what about the Chihuahuan Raven? Fortunately, as it flew by, the bird made two brief call notes that were very hoarse (sounding much more like grrrawgk than the gaw of the American Crow), and much deeper than the Chihuahuan Raven that I heard in northern Texas. However, because it has been a few years since I had seen or heard the Chihuahuan, I decided to double check the calls on a tape I had at home. The tape and I agree that the call was that of a Common Raven. | The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 11:10:00/11:11:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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12
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47
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Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Pygmy Nuthatch at Des Moines, 1977
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Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Correspondence Field notes
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Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc
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1977-01-26
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1993-08-26
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Rare birds documentation form
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Records Committee review for a Pygmy Nuthatch at Des Moines in Polk County, IA on January 26, 1977. Includes a record review document with votes, multiple articles from Iowa Bird Life, correspondence related to bird sighting and review, and two documentations submitted to the committee.
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Brown, Woodward H.
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Pygmy Nuthatch
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Des Moines
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[...] 5400 Woodland Ave.
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The documentation form by Woodward H. Brown is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Another documentation form by Nicholas Halmi was submitted later. Other observers include Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Mary Brown, Dorothy Ely, Peter C. Petersen, Mary Lou Petersen, Margaret Brooke, Lillian Serbousek, Allen Mueller, and many unidentified observers. | Elimination of similar species: [...] According to plumage descriptions of the Pigmy and Brown-headed Nuthatches, the only noticeable difference between the two (short of having the bird in hand) is in the color of the crown and nape. The field guides are agreed that the crown of the Brown-headed is brown, but there is a lack of unanimity in their descriptions of the crown of the Pigmy. [...] Margaret Brooke, in writing up the observation for IBL, describes the cap as being "brownish" but has no doubt about this nuthatch being a Pigmy. Mary and I feel the grayish olive description comes closest and cinches the Pigmy identification. | The original documentation form event occurred around 09:30:00.
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Iowa Ornithologists' Union | MS 166
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12
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51
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