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 Varied Thrush at Waterloo, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-01-03	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Varied Thrush at Waterloo in Black Hawk County, IA on January 3, 1981.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Varied Thrush	Waterloo	Waterloo IA	General: Residential with many tree, [sic] many stands of old large conifers Specific: Waterloo - corner of Persing and Sheridan	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Francis Moore, Robert Myers, and others. \| Elimination of similar species: none \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:15:00/08:17:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	11
Rare bird documentation form for Peregrine Falcon at Waterloo Greenbelt, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-09-10	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Peregrine Falcon at Waterloo Greenbelt at Black Hawk County, IA on September 10, 1984.	Myers, Robert K.	Peregrine Falcon	Katoski Greenbelt	Waterloo Greenbelt along Black Hawk Creek	Riverbottom Timber	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The bird was so obvious I can't imagine anyone mistaking it for anything else. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:00:00/09:01:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	34
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Black-necked Stilt south of Ainsworth, 1996	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes Photographs	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-18	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of three Black-necked Stilts south of Ainsworth in Washington County, IA on May 18, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, two photos, an article in Iowa Bird Life, an article in Field Notes, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Proescholdt, Mark	Black-necked Stilt	Ainsworth	Washington County - south of #92 about 1/2 mile on #218	Wet areas in field after flooded creek spilled out into fields	The documentation form by Mark Proescholdt is the earliest and the one that forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Jim Fuller, Thomas H. Kent, Jim Dinsmore, and Chris Edwards were submitted later. Other observers include Cal Knight, Bernie Knight, Chuck Fuller, Eugene Armstrong, Eloise Armstrong, Richard Tetrault, Peter Petersen, Francis Moore, Ann Johnson, Hank Zalatel, Beth Proescholdt, and Russ Widner. \| Elimination of similar species: There are no similar species that come to mind. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 14:00:00/14:10:00 on May 18, 1996 and 15:00:00/15:10:00 on May 19th, 1996.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	9	20
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting for Black-headed Grosbeak at Warren County Conservation Board Headquarters, 1996	Administrative records Correspondence Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1996-05-12	2000-11-22	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review for a Black-headed Grosbeak at Conservation Board Headquarters in Warren County, IA on May 12, 1996. Includes a record review document with votes, a letter from Ken Brock to Tom Kent and a documentation form submitted to the committee.	Sinclair, Jim	Black-headed Grosbeak	Lake Ahquabi State Park	Warrren Co. Conservation Board Headquarters	small deciduous trees	The documentation form by Jim Sinclair is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Another observer was David Youngblut. \| Elimination of similar species: Several [female symbol] Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were present for comparison. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:45:00/07:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	14	3
Rare bird documentation form for Nashville Warbler at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, 1993	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1993-12-19	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Nashville Warbler at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City in Johnson County, IA on December 19, 1993.	Scheib, James	Nashville Warbler	Hancher Auditorium	W. side of Hancher lot, Iowa City	Evergreens, Pines bordering lot	The documentation form by James Scheib is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include James Fuller and John McClure. \| Elimination of similar species: N. Parula has white wing bars and incomplete eye ring; Magnolia has wing bars, yellow rump, and breast streaking; Pine has wing bars, streaking, white undertail coverts; Mourning and Connecticut do not have yellow throat; Canada has breast streaking and white undertail coverts: Common Yellowthroat immature does not have gray head and face. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 21:00:00/21:37:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	20
Records Committee review for rare bird sighting of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir, 1990	Administrative records Clippings (information artifacts) Field notes	Bird watching Ornithology Ornithology--Societies, etc	1990-10-14	1993-07-17	Rare birds documentation form	Records Committee review of a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper at Coralville Reservoir in Johnson County, IA on October 14, 1990. Includes a record review document with votes, two articles in Iowa Bird Life, and five documentation forms submitted to the committee.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Sharp-tailed Sandpiper	Coralville Lake	w. of Greencastle corner, Coralville Res., Johnson Co., Iowa	wet marshy area with low vegetation and mud flats.	The documentation form by Thomas H. Kent forms the basis of this record. Other documentation forms by Ann Johnson, Jim Fuller, Carol Thompson, and Randy Pinkston were submitted. Other observers include Jane Huntington, James Huntington, Jim Sandrock, John Cordell, John Daniel, Mary Noble, Ken Lowder, and Tim Schantz. \| Elimination of similar species: The only other species worthy of consideration is Pectoral Sandpiper. The most distinctive feature is the plain, cinnamon-buff breast without bib line or streaking centrally. The soft breast color shaded off evenly to the lower belly and throat. Some pectorals had very week [sic] breast markings, but on close inspection all had streaks and a sharp bib line. The solid rusty cap differed from any pectorals; some pectorals appeared a bit rusty on the cap, but some streaking was seen on such individuals. The eye line appeared white, and it dropped and widened posteriorly. Some pectorals had light eye lines but they were off-white, less distinct, and straighter. The juvenile feathers of the upper parts were edged with rufous; this was especially prominent on the tertials. Some pectorals appeared to have rusty edging on the tertials, but this was dependent on lighting and at least one rufous appearing pectoral had the color more in the center of the feathers with grayer edging. The gray smudging on the undertail coverts I saw once and only had a glance at a nearby pectoral for comparison, so I am not very confident of this mark. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:20:00/09:25:00, 09:55:00/10:00:00, and intermittently 16:15:00/17:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	10	4
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Ames, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-04-13	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Ames in Story County, IA on April 13, 1983.	Dinsmore, Stephen J.	Yellow Rail	Ames	W. Ames, Ia.	found grounded after storm on sheltered side of apt. building - on walk way	The documentation form by Steve Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Kraig Downs, James Dinsmore, and Mark Dinsmore. \| Elimination of similar species: Sora - no white wing patch and larger in size. Virginia Rail - longer bill and darker color. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:00:00/06:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for Golden Eagle at Booth Township in Palo Alto County, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-02-03	1988-02-04	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Golden Eagle at Booth Township in Palo Alto County, IA on February 3, 1988.	Knight, Calvin A.	Golden Eagle	Booth Township	W ctr. Section 20, Booth Township (T 94N, R 34W) Palo Alto Co., Iowa	Open Field (snow blown clear) near frozen Marsh	The documentation form by Calvin A. Knight is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bernie Knight and Ron Reese. \| Elimination of similar species: Bald Eagle (immature) underwing markings & tail eliminated bald eagle. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	31
Rare bird documentation form for Greater Scaup at Volga River Recreation Area, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-25	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for three Greater Scaups at Volga River Recreation Area in Fayette County, IA on November 25, 1983.	Moore, Francis L.	Greater Scaup	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga River Recreation Area just N. of Dam near boat ramp, Fayette Co.	Open water	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Lesser Scaup has a purple sheen to the head at close range under the viewing conditions present when these birds were seen. Lesser Scaup also has a more pointed look to the top of the head and does not show the white in the primaries in flight. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:35:00/15:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	10
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Goshawk at Volga River Recreation Area, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1981-12-12	1981-12-19	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Goshawk at Volga River Recreation Area in Fayette County, IA on December 12, 1981.	Myers, Robert K.	Northern Goshawk	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga River Recreation Area (Fayette County)	Mixed deciduous Timber	The documentation form by Robert K. Myers is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Russell Hays and Joe Schaufenbuel. \| Elimination of similar species: An imm. Coopers hawk could be similar in size and coloring but would not show the very obvious white stripe above the eye. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:50:00/10:52:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	25
Rare bird documentation form for Clay-colored Sparrow at Volga River State Recreation Area, 1981	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1981-07-11	1981-07-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Clay-colored Sparrow at Volga River State Recreation Area in Fayette County, IA on July 11, 1981.	Myers, Robert K.	Clay-colored Sparrow	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga River Rec. Area	General: a clearing in otherwise quite dense woods along old road Specific: 1 cedar tree in opening and many sumacs and other short (10') trees	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 only real probable problem is the imm. chipping sparrow but song + brown rump ruled this out. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 07:00:00/07:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	50
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Volga River Recreation Area, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-11-16	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Volga River Recreation Area in Fayette County, IA on November 16, 1984.	Kent, Thomas H. (Thomas Hugh), 1934-	Merlin	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga River Rec A	artificial lake, mixed woodland + rock	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: Kestrel - no red, breast heavily streaked. no kestrel face pattern. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 15:30:00/15:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Clay-colored Sparrow at Volga River State Park, 1985	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1985-07-07	1985-07-10	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Clay-colored Sparrow at Volga River State Park in Fayette County, IA on July 7, 1985.	Moore, Francis L.	Clay-colored Sparrow	Volga River State Recreation Area	Volga Lake State Pake [sic], Fayette Co., IA	Second growth area with mainly Sumac and E. Red Cedar in overgrown field	The documentation form by Francis L. Moore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jim Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: This birds song and coloration clearly marked it as a Clay-colored Sparrow. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:30:00/06:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	50
Rare bird documentation form for Northern Parula at Saylorville Reservoir, 1999	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1999-11-13	1999-11-14	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Northern Parula at Saylorville Reservoir in Polk County, IA on November 13, 1999.	Dinsmore, James J.	Northern Parula	Saylorville Lake	visitor's center, Saylorville Reservoir, Polk County	opening in woodland	The documentation form by James Dinsmore is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: The combination of wing bars, eye crescents, and olive on back pretty much eliminate any other warbler. Eye crescents eliminate the remote possibility of a Tropical Parula. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:15:00/08:18:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	21
Rare bird documentation form for Merlin at Viking Lake State Park, 1978	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology--Societies, etc Rare birds	1978-09-24	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Merlin at Viking Lake State Park in Red Oak in Montgomery County, IA on September 24, 1978.	Bray, Tanya	Merlin	Viking Lake State Park	Viking Lake State Park	Man-made lake surrounded by scrubby fields; some mature woodland	The documentation form by Tanya Bray is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 08:15:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	32
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow at Ventura Marsh, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-07	1982-06-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Henslow's Sparrow at Ventura Marsh in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 7, 1982.	Heinz, Fred	Henslow's Sparrow	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh, Ventura Iowa	General: Open field edge bordering marsh and surrounding uplands Specific: (same as above)	The documentation form by Fred Heinz is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 08:00:00/08:05:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Yellow Rail at Ventura Marsh, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-09	1984-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Yellow Rail at Ventura Marsh in Hancock County, IA on May 9, 1984.	Hansen, James L.	Yellow Rail	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh, north side, 1 mile W of Ventura, Hancock County	uplands with a mixture of switchgrass and brome, ~ 80' from marsh	The documentation form by James L. Hansen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Sora, Virginia rail - Both are darker and lack white wing patches \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	39
Rare bird documentation form for King Rail at Ventura Marsh, 1984	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1984-05-11	1984-05-31	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a King Rail at Ventura Marsh in Hancock County, IA on May 11, 1984.	Hansen, James L.	King Rail	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh, N side, 1 mile W of Ventura, Hancock County	brome in uplands 30 feet from marsh	The documentation form by James L. Hansen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ronald D. Andrews. \| Elimination of similar species: Other rails in the area are much smaller. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 11:00:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	41
Rare bird documentation form for Sora at Ventura Marsh, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1982-12-30	1983-01-06	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Sora at Ventura Marsh in Cerro Gordo County, IA on December 30, 1982.	Ohde, Bill	Sora	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh, 1/2 mile SW of Ventura, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa	Dense cattail marsh, completely frozen.	The documentation form by Bill Ohde is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Virginia rail - bill clearly seen. \| The original documentation form event occurred around 10:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	43
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow at Ventura Marsh Wildlife Area, 1982	Field notes	Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1982-05-19	1982-06-16	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Henslow's Sparrow at Ventura Marsh Wildlife Area in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 19, 1982.	Hansen, James L.	Henslow's Sparrow	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh W.A., 1/2 mi. SW of Ventura, Cerro Gordo Co., Iowa	General: open field edge about 30 feet from a willow thicket Specific: on a small willow in smooth brome and other grass species.	The documentation form by James L. Hansen is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Ronald Andrews. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 10:30:00/10:35:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Surf Scoter at Ventura Marsh, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1988-05-21	1988-05-26	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Surf Scoter at Ventura Marsh in Cerro Gordo County, IA on May 21, 1988.	Probst, Jerry	Surf Scoter	Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area	Ventura Marsh part of Clear Lake	Shallow lake	The documentation form by Jerry Probst is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Bob Livermore and Wayne Livermore. \| Elimination of similar species: Obviously a mature female Surf Scoter. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 06:45:00/07:30:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	11
Rare bird documentation form for White-winged Scoter at Van Dueseldorp Sand and Gravel Pit in Colfax, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-11-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a White-winged Scoter at the Van Dueseldorp Sand and Gravel Pit in Colfax in Jasper County, IA on November 11, 1983.	Staudt, Thomas J.	White-winged Scoter	Colfax	Van Deuseldorp (sp) Sand & Gravel Pit Colfax Ia.	open area, C shaped pond in active sand & gravel pit	The documentation form by Thomas J. Staudt is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Carl Bendorf, Tom Kent, and Pete Petersen. \| Elimination of similar species: Surf Scoter has all black wings, white spot on forehead & nape. \| The original documentation form event lasted from 09:30:00/09:40:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	33	12
Rare bird documentation form for Henslow's Sparrow near Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, 1988	Field notes	Birds--Behavior Birds--Identification Birdsongs Ornithology Rare birds	1988-07-11	N/A	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for two or more Henslow's Sparrows near Lacey-Keosaqua State Park in Van Buren County, IA on July 11, 1988.	Fuller, James L	Henslow's Sparrow	Lacey-Keosauqua State Park	Van Buren County near Lacey-Keosauqua S.P.	Tall grass bordering alfalfa field	The documentation form by Jim Fuller is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. Other observers include Jane Fuller, Pete Wickham, and Chuck Fuller. \| Elimination of similar species: Other Grassland Sparrows - eliminated by call and color of side of head \| The original documentation form event lasted from 18:35:00/18:50:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	57
Rare bird documentation form for Prairie Warbler east of Bonaparte, 1983	Field notes	Birds--Identification Ornithology Rare birds	1983-06-13	1983-07-27	Rare birds documentation form	Rare bird documentation form for a Prairie Warbler east of Bonaparte in Van Buren County, IA on June 13, 1983.	Howe, Robert W. (Robert William), 1952-	Prairie Warbler	Bonaparte	Van Buren Co. 2 mi E Bonaparte T68N R8W Sec 10, SE 1/4	Extensive (~80 acre?) old pasture overgrown with scattered red cedars.	The documentation form by Bob Howe is the only one submitted and forms the basis of this record. \| Elimination of similar species: Black streaks on breast and through head, along with song, eliminated yellow warbler. Absence of conspicuous wingbar eliminated Cape May and Blackburnian; light (olive) yellow colored back eliminated magnolia, yellow throated + others. \| The original documentation form event lasted from approximately 09:30:00/09:45:00.	Iowa Ornithologists' Union \| MS 166	35	30
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 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 definitively different song than the distinctive "se-leck" 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