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 east of Decorah, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-04-11	1982-04-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin east of Decorah at the Allamakee-Winneshiek county line, IA on April 11, 1982.	Schaufenbuel, Joseph P.	Merlin	Decorah	Allamakee-Winneshiek Co. border. East of Decorah, Iowa	Hilly, Pastured area with large tracts of woodland	The documentation form by Joe Schaufenbuel is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Lynn Barth. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel always has reddish or brown on back and a distinct facial pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 16:58:00/17:02:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Sweet Marsh, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-04-21	1984-05-28	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on April 21, 1984.	Myers, Robert K.	Merlin	Sweet Marsh	Sweet Marsh - Bremer Co. (east side)	Extensive marshy area - Dike separated 2 shallow pools.	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russell Hays. \| Elimination of similar species: Bird was too dark for Kestrel and too small for Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:31:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin east of Fairview Golf Course in Iowa City, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-04-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin east of Fairview Golf Course in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on April 15, 1984.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Fairview Golf Course	e. of Iowa City (e. of Fairview Golf Course), Johnson Co. IA	farmland along small creek	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: Shape eliminates falcon and eliminates Sharp-shinned Hawk. All dark color and heavier direct flight excludes Kestrel. Size excludes Peregrine Falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:15:00/11:17:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin east of Sweet Marsh, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-04-07	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin east of Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on April 7, 1984.	Moore, Francis L.	Merlin	Sweet Marsh	1 mile East of south entrance to Sweet Marsh, Bremer Co., IA	Open plowed farmland next to gravel road.	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russell Hays. \| Elimination of similar species: Peregrine Falcon does not have as large bands on the tail as this bird had. Peregrine also has strong facial mustache marking and is much larger. Accipiters do not have as strong direct and continuous flapping flight as this bird had. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:10:00/08:14:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Rolling Cove Area, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-10-15	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Rolling Cove Area at Rathbun Lake in Appanoose County, IA on October 15, 1983.	Cummins, Raymond L.	Merlin	Rolling Cove Park	Rolling Cove Area Rathbun Lake Appanoose Co., Iowa	Lakeside - Brushy ravine - open brush with some conifers mixed in.	The documentation form by Raymond L. Cummins is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Wallace Jardine. \| Elimination of similar species: Small, only slightly larger than a Sparrow Hawk. True falcon in f[l]ight point wings. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Coralville Reservoir, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-09-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 11, 1983.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res	open 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 and Tom Staudt. \| Elimination of similar species: Pointed wings eliminate sharp-shin. Coloration eliminated Kestrel. Size and marks eliminate Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:40:00/07:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Big Marsh, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-04-29	1983-04-30	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Big Marsh in Butler County, IA on April 29, 1983.	Myers, Robert K.	Merlin	Big Marsh Wildlife Area	Big Marsh - Butler Co.	Marsh	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrels Tails do not have the bold black bands, and show reddish on tail + back (NOT overall blue-gray). \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:20:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin east side of Sweet Marsh, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-04-16	1983-04-18	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin east side of Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on April 16, 1983.	Moore, Francis L.	Merlin	Sweet Marsh	East side of Sweet Marsh, Bremer Co.	Open disked field along road, river bottom, mixed deciduous woods near-by	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Myers and Russell Hays. \| Elimination of similar species: Peregrine Falcon is larger with dark facial pattern Peregrine breast is also barred not streaked. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:25:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Sweet Marsh, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-04-16	1983-04-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Sweet Marsh in Bremer County, IA on April 16, 1983.	Myers, Robert K.	Merlin	Sweet Marsh	Sweet Marsh - Bremer Co.	Brushy edge and open field along east side of marsh	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Francis Moore and Russell Hays. \| Elimination of similar species: American Kestrel would show reddish back and tail and would not show the heavy bands on tail. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:25:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Jefferson Township, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-03-15	1983-03-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Jefferson Township in Madison County, IA on March 15, 1983.	Armstrong, Eugene	Merlin	Jefferson Township	Iowa, Madison County, Jefferson 11	Grass, cropland, waste land, tree covered creek. Tree top, cottonwood along small ditch	The documentation form by Eugene Armstrong is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Eloise Armstrong. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel, this bird larger, no face pattern, no red on any part of back not large enough for Peregrine. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:30:00/14:32:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at North Liberty, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-10-23	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at North Liberty in Johnson County, IA on October 23, 1982.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	North Liberty	1 mi. n. of North Liberty, Johnson Co., IA	farm land	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: No color or face mark of Kestrel. Pointed wings and flight exclude Sharp-shinned Hawk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:45:00/15:47:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Willow Slough, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-09-18	1982-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Willow Slough in Mills County, IA on September 18, 1982.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Merlin	Willow Slough State Game Management Area	Willow Slough, N.E. Mills County, Iowa		The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel doesn't have a gray barred tail. Uniform grayish grown upper parts would resemble Merlin, not Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 17:45:00/17:45:30.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Wilson farm in Northeast Mills County, 1982.	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-09-13	1982-11-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Wilson farm in Northeast Mills County, IA on September 13, 1982.	Wilson, Barbara L.	Merlin	Mills County	Wilson farm, N.E. Mills County		The documentation form by Barbara L. Wilson is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: When it was parachuting, the bird farmed its wings enough it resembled an accipiter, but when it flew the wings were obviously pointed, + the bird's rowing wingbeats were like a falcon's. Size limits the question to: Kestrel or Merlin? The tail banding + uniformly gray upper parts (the latter seen only briefly) make it a Merlin. I've never seen anything behave like that. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Oak Grove Park, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-11-06	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Oak Grove Park in Sioux County, IA on November 6, 1998.	Van Dyk, John, 1936-	Golden Eagle	Oak Grove State Park	Oak Grove Park area in western Sioux County		The documentation form by John Van Dyk is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:00:00/10:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at North Elk Rock State Park, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-10-09	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at North Elk Rock State Park at Red Rock Reservoir in Marion County, IA on October 9, 1981.	Thornburg, Robert E.	Merlin	Elk Rock State Park	North Elk Rock State Park - Red Rock Reservoir Marion County, Iowa	large scattered trees along a bluff near the lake front. Dead branches of a red oak.	The documentation form by Robert E. Thornburg is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The American Kestrel is of a similar shape, but is smaller and usually has some reddish plumage on the back or tail. The Sharp-shinned Hawk is similar in size and color especially the immature. The long-pointed wings of the Merlin differ from the wings of the Sharp-shinned Hawk. The overall posture of the bird did not suggest an accipiter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Ocheyedan Township, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-03-17	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Ocheyedan Township in Osceloa County, IA on March 17, 1981.	Harr, Douglas C.	Merlin	Ocheyedan Township	Sec. 6, Ocheyedan Township, Osceola Co., Iowa	Open prairie farmlands on edge of glacial escarpment near Ocheyedan River. 3 acre erosion control pond surrounded by grass, with some nearby shrub plantings and a few old Box elders and ash trees.	The documentation form by Douglas C. Harr is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Peregrine - not enough bold pattern and smaller than peregrine. Prairie Falcon - bird sighted was too small. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:43:00/11:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Spring Township in Cherokee County, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-10-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Spring Township in Cherokee County, IA on October 3, 1980.		Merlin	Spring Township	T93N R39 W Section 23, Spring Township, Cherokee Co. Iowa	Open farm land. Much timber and pasture one mile away.	The documentation form by Dick Bierman is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel, Peregrin Falcon, Broadwinged Hawk, Coopers and Sharpshinned Hawks. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:15:00/09:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Dunbar Slough, 1980	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1980-09-21	1980-09-24	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Dunbar Slough in Greene County, IA on September 21, 1980.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin		Dunbar Slough, Greene Co Iowa	Marsh with mud flats, trees adjacent to marsh, Dunbar Slough	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carol Newlon, Michael Newlon, and Tom Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Size differed from Peregrine seen early at same location. Marking specific for Merlin. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:15:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Cone Marsh Wildlife Area, 1979	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1979-04-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Cone Marsh Wildlife Area in Louisa County, IA on April 21, 1979.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Cone Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Conesville Marsh Louisa Co. Iowa	wet grassy field and wooded edge. Conesville Marsh between lakes	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include T.K. Shires. \| Elimination of similar species: Kestrel, Sharp-shinned Hawk. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:30:00/08:40:00 approximately.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at County Road W48 in Johnson County, 1977	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1977-03-20	1977-03-21	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at County Road W48 in Johnson County, IA on March 20, 1977.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Johnson County	Co. Rd W48, Johnson Co., Iowa, N of Iowa River	tall-grass fields with scattered dead or live trees. Flood plain of Coralville Reservoir (west end)	The documentation form by Nicholas S. Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Am. Kestrel: no rufous on back; facial pattern of Kestrel clearly not present; chunkier bird. Sharp-shinned Hawk: head proportionately large, tail shorter, wings pointed and cuffed, not rounded. Peregrine: too small; lack of heavy black mustache. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 13:55:00/14:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Swan Lake, 1976	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1976-09-16	1976-09-17	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Swan Lake in Johnson County, IA on September 16, 1976.	Halmi, Nicholas S.	Merlin	Swan Lake	Swan Lake, Johnson Co., Iowa	Swan L. is 1 mile south from the Coralville Reservoir. The bird was flying over the lake, the bordering mudflats and disappeared within seconds over an adjoining cornfield, continuing its rectilinear, unswerving flight.	The documentation form by Nicholas Halmi is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: In spite of the first subconscious "gestalt" impression of a Mourning Dove approaching, the square tail, lacking white, falcon wings and greater size rule this one out. The bird seen was definitely too small to be a Peregrine, and had no mustache. It did not have the distinctive facial pattern of the familiar Kestrel either, nor the rufous back and/or wings and tail; it was a dusky bird, not the way Kestrels look to me; nor have I ever seen a Kestrel flying with such blinding speed and so "purposefully". \| The original documentation form event occurred around 15:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Coralville Reservoir, 1975	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1975-09-12	1975-11-20	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on September 12, 1975.	Newlon, Michael C.	Merlin	Coralville Lake	Coralville Res.	reservoir, bordered by wide grassy flats	The documentation form by Michael C. Newlon is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: dark tail, lack of face pattern elim. sparrow hawk. Small size + falcon build (long pointed wings, long squared-off tail) rule out other hawks. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 12:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Riverton Game Management Area, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1985-12-21	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Riverton Game Management Area in Fremont County, IA on December 21, 1985.	Silcock, W. Ross	Merlin	Riverton Wildlife Management Area	Boat ramp area; Riverton GMA.	Floodplain, open deciduous	The documentation form by Ross Silcock is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Barb Wilson. It was compiled by Betty Walters. \| Elimination of similar species: small, bigger than Kestrel. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 11:10:00/11:12:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin near Knittel, unknown year	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	N/A	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin on Iowa Highway 3 four miles east of U.S. Route 63 in Bremer County, IA on December 18 in an unknown year.	Stone, Tom	Merlin	Knittel	Along Hi way (3) 4 miles east of Junction (63)	In 20 ft tree along road	The documentation form by Tom Stone is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Larger than a Kestrel, Smaller than the peregrine + did not have facial pattern like falcon. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:55:00/16:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at IA 17 bridge over the Des Moines River, 1998	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1998-12-20	1999-01-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at IA 17 bridge over the Des Moines River in Polk County, IA on December 20, 1998.	Healy, Kevin	Golden Eagle	High Bridge	e. side of the Des Moines River about 1/2 mile n. of the IA 17 bridge.		The documentation form by Kevin Healy is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Karl Jungbluth. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was soaring above the river in the vicinity of two adult Bald Eagles. We saw a large dark buteo similar in size to the Bald Eagles. Head projected less than 1/2 the length of the tail, noticeably less than that of the adult Bald Eagles in view at that time. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 12:50:00/12:53:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31