IOWA BIRD LIFE Winter 1990 Volume 60 Number 1 IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION CONTENTS BIRDING SAYLORVILLE RESERVOIR AND BIG CREEK STATE PARK I Stephen J. Dinsmore, Hank Zaletei, and Bery Engebretsen NEST SITES OF THE GREAT BLUE HERON IN CENTRAL IOWA 6 Karla J. Zeutenhorsi IN MEMORIAM-ELTON E. FAWKS 9 Peter C. Petersen FIELD REPORTS-FALL 1989 10 Cart J. Bendorf LONG-BILLED CURLEW IN SOUTHWESTERN IOWA 20 Carl Pnebe REVIEWS 21 The Birds of Illinois Birds in Kansas, vol. J A Handbook to the Swallows and Martins of the World Identification Guide to North American Passerines I.O.U. BUSINESS 24 Business meeting. 9 September 1989 Board of Directors meeting, 10 September 1989 Board of Directors meeting, 18 November 1989 BY-LAWS OF THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE 26 FROM THE EDITOR 28 FRONT COVER: Thayer's Gull. Saylorville Reservoir, 7 December 1989- Photo by Steve Dinsmore, INSIDE BACK COVER: Editorial Staff, Subscription/Membership Information, Instructions to Authors, Officers, Board of Directors, Standing Committees. BACK COVER: Meeting Dates. Report Deadlines, Birdline, Materials Available. Copyright 1990 Iowa Ornithologists' Union The IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, founded in 1923 , encourages interest in the identification, study, and protection of birds in Iowa and seeks to unite those who have these interests m common. Iowa Bird Life and I.O.U. News are quarterly publications of the Union. EDITORIAL STAFF James j. Dinsmorc. Editor, 4024 Arkansas Drive, Ames, IA 50010 Carl J. Bendorf, Fall Field Reports Editor, 845 Cypress Ct., Iowa City, IA 52245 W. Ross Silcock, Christmas Bird Count & Winter Field Reports Editor, Box 300, Tabor, IA 51653 Stephen J. Dinsmore, Spring Field Reports Editor, 4024 Arkansas Dr,, Ames, I A 50010 James J, Dinsmore, Summer Field Reports Editor, 4024 Arkansas Dr., Ames, IA 50010 SUBSCRIPTION/MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Institutions may subscribe to Iowa Bird Life for $15 per year. Individuals may join the Iowa Or- nithologists' Union according to the following membership classes: Regular ($12); Regular as spouse or minor child of another Regular member without publications ($4 first additional family member, $2 each additional family member); Contributing ($12 plus any additional tax -deductible contribution to the I.O.U ); and Life ($250 as single payment or $62.50 for each of four years). Members will also receive the quarterly I.O.U. News and are eligible to vote and hold office in the Union, Send subscriptions, membership payments, or address changes to Francis L. Moore, Treasurer, 336 Fairfield St., Waterloo. I A 50703. INSTRUCTIONS TO AUTHORS Original manuscripts, notes, letters (indicate if for publication), editorials, and other materials relating to birds and bird finding in Iowa should be sent to the editor. Accepted manuscripts will generally be published promptly, depending on space available, with the following absolute deadlines; 15 November for the Winter issue; 15 February for the Spring issue; 15 May for the Summer issue; and 15 July for the Fall issue, Most manuscripts will be refereed, All material should be typed double-spaced or hand printed in ink on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper. Authors should pattern their style after a current issue of the journal. If you want more detailed guidelines or advice regarding the appropriateness of your topic for Iowa Bird Life , send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the editor. OFFICERS OF THE IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION James J. Dinsmore, President (1991), 4024 Arkansas Dr., Ames, IA 50010 Robert Cecil, Vice-President (1991), 1315 4 1st St., Des Moines, I A 50311 Ann M. Barker, Secretary (1990), 25368 250ih Si,. Princeton, IA 52768 Francis L. Moore, Treasurer (1990), 336 Fairfield St., Waterloo, IA 50703 Other members of the Board of Directors; Eugene Armstrong (1990). Beth Brown (1990). Diane Porter (1991), Mark Proescholdt (1991), and Carol Thompson (1991). STANDING COMMITTEES Publications: Peter C. Petersen (chair), Ann M. Barker, David C. Edwards, John Fleckenstein. Records : Carl J, Bendorf (secretary), Eugene Armstrong, Robert Cecil, Ray Cummins,, Francis L. Moore, Mark Proescholdt, W, Ross Silcock. Membership-. Jim Sinclair (chair), Ann Barker, Bemie Knight, Bob Livermore, Francis L. Moore. Library/ Historical: James J. Dinsmore (chair), Thomas H. Kent, Darwin Koenig, James P, San- drock, Hank Zaletel. UPCOMING MEETINGS OF IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION *17-20 May 1990, La Crosse, Wisconsin (joint meeting with Minnesota and Wisconsin) FIELD REPORTS Anyone observing birds in Iowa is encouraged to report their findings on a quarterly basis to the Field Reports editors. Sample reporting and documentation forms suitable for duplication are available from the editor (send self-addressed stamped envelope to Jim Dinsmore, 4024 Arkansas Dr., Ames, IA 50010). An article describing the reporting process is also available. Deadlines for receipt of field reports are as follows: * Winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) -3 March (W. Ross SiJcock, Box 300, Tabor, 1A 51653) ‘Spring (Mar, Apr, May)— 3 June (Stephen J. Dinsmore, 4024 Arkansas Dr., Ames, LA 50010) ‘Summer (Jun, Jul)--3 August (James J. Dinsmore, 4024 Arkansas Dr., Ames, IA 50010) ‘Fall (Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov) -3 December (Carl J. Bendorf, 845 Cypress Ct., Iowa City, IA 52245) CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ‘Deadline for receipt of reports: 15 January. For forms and instructions write: W. Ross Silcock, Box 300, Tabor, IA 51653. IOWA BIRDLINE 319-338-9881 The birdline is a recorded summary of interesting recent bird sightings in Iowa. At the end of the report you can leave a message and report recent sightings. Be sure to give your name and phone number as well as the location of the bird and date seen. Call in as soon as possible after sighting a rare bird. Jim Fuller checks the reports daily and updates the recording on Monday, so make sure Sunday sightings are reported by Sunday night. I.O.U, NEWS Send items of interest for the newsletter to the editors (J. Hank and Linda Zaletel, 715 West St,, Colo, IA 50056), MATERIALS AVAILABLE The following materials may be obtained by writing the editorial office (Iowa Bird Life, 4024 Arkansas Dr.., Ames, IA 50010): •Order form for back issues of Iowa Bird Life: send self-addressed stamped envelope. ‘Field Checklist of Iowa Birds--! 987 Edition: 10 for SI .65, 25 for $3.50, 100 for $11.60. postpaid. Also available at annual meetings for $0.10 each. RE PORTING NEBRASKA BIRDS Sightings of Nebraska birds, including those within the Nebraska portion of DeSoto N.W.R., should be reported to Loren and Babs Padelford, 1405 Lillie John Road, Bellevue, NE 68005, Formats for reporting and documentation are the same as for Iowa. ADDRESS CHANGES Please send address changes/corrections to Francis Moore, 336 Fairfield St., Waterloo, IA 50703. ISSN 0021-0455 BIRDING SAYLORVILLE RESERVOIR AND BIG CREEK STATE PARK Stephen j. dinsmore, Hank Zaletel, and Bery Engebretsen One of the premier birding spots in central Iowa is the area including Saylorville Reservoir and Big Creek State Park in Polk County. Saylorville Reservoir, comprised of 5,400 acres of water and 13,000 acres of adjacent upland, is located 5 miles north of Des Moines. Big Creek State Park, comprised of a 905-acre lake and 2,200 acres of adjacent upland, is located 1 mile northwest of PolK City. Their close proximity to the Des Moines River valley makes both Saylorville Reservoir and Big Creek State Park major stopovers for a wide variety of birds. More than 290 species have been seen in the area, including such rarities as Red- throated and Pacific loons, Clark's Grebe, Harlequin Duck, Red Knot, Pomarine and Parasitic jaegers. Little, Thayer's, Great Black-backed, Lesser Black-backed, and Sabine's gulls, Red Phalarope, and Rock Wren. More than 95 species of birds are summer residents in the area, including Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Pileatcd Woodpecker, and Prolhonotary Warbler. Many of these summer residents probably nest there. One warning is in order; do not park in front of gates to closed areas around Saylorville Lake. Park to the side of the road, or, better yet, park in designated parking areas and walk to the closed area. Begin at the Saylorville Dam (1). Park in one of the two pull-offs on the north side of the dam. During migration, large numbers of loons, grebes, waterfowl, and gulls congregate on Saylorville Lake. Spectacular numbers of gulls may congregate there in November and December. In fall, Red-neckcd and Western grebes, Tundra Swan, Oldsquaw, all three scoters, and Bonaparte's and Franklin's gulls are regular. Northern Shrike and Snow Bunting may winter on the dam face. Head west across the dam and then south to the spillway below the dam (2). In fall, numbers of gulls may feed on the river here. East of the spillway arc two old gravel pits (3). Check the pits for waterfowl and gulls in migration. When water levels are low, herons and shorebirds sometimes use the ponds. Return to the dam and drive to the east end of the dam. At the stop sign turn right This road bends east to another stop sign. Turn right again onto NW 37th St. Drive 0.5 mi south to the Cottonwood Recreation Area (4). Good numbers of waterfowl and gulls feed along the river here in fall and winter. Bald Eagles can often be seen here in winter. From the entrance to Cottonwood, turn right on NW 37th St., and then immediately right onto NW Toni Dr. Follow this road south for 0.9 mi to a stop sign. Turn right on NW 66lh Ave. Drive 0.2 mi west to a parking lot on the north side of the road. This is Sycamore Access (5). The stretch of river south of 66th Ave. is home to a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers. A Great Blue Heron colony is located about 1 mi south of 66th Ave. on the east side of the river. Yellow-crowned Night- Heron and Prolhonotary, Yellow-throated, and Kentucky warblers also summer in this area. From Sycamore Access, drive 0.7 mi east on NW 66th Ave. to Fisher Lake (6). The lake, an old oxbow, is private property. The best viewing is obtained from the Voi. 60, No. 1 1 shoulder of NW 66th Ave. Normally, the lake is unproductive. However, during dry years, good numbers of shorebirds and herons may congregate here. Figure 1 , Birding areas of Saylorville Reservoir and Big Creek Lake. Numbers correspond to areas described in the text . Return to the east end of the Saylorville Dam. Just north of the road that goes across the dam is the Saylorville Visitors Center (7). The numerous feeders around the building are worth checking in winter. Maps of the area and other information 2 Iowa Bird Life . Winter 1990 may also be obtained here* From late fall to early spring, this is the only place that has restrooms open to the public. Return to NW 37th St and turn left (north). This road soon bends east and becomes NW 84th Ave* About 0*2 mi east of NW 37th, turn left (north) on NW 35th St. Follow this road north to a stop sign at Iowa 415. Turn left and then immediately left (west) again. Follow this road west to Red Feather Prairie (8). Park in the parking lot on the north side of the area. Sedge Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Yellow-headed Blackbird may nest here occasionally. The bike path along the west side provides good access to the area. Return to Iowa 415 and turn left (north). Drive north for 0.4 mi to NW 94th Ave. Turn left (west) and follow this road to Cherry Glen Recreation Area (9). This is an excellent vantage point from which to scan the lake for loons, grebes, and other waterfowl. American Pipits and Snow Buntings frequent the rock jetty and the parking lot in October and November* Return to Iowa 415 and turn left (north). Follow Iowa 415 for approximately 1 mile and then tom left (south) on NW 44th St. This road soon bends west and leads to Oak Grove Beach (10). The beach is usually open from May through September. The main attraction of the area is the large number of gulls and terns that roost on the beach, particularly in fall. Caspian and Common terns are regular here. The beach is probably the best place in central Iowa to see Sanderling, particularly in August - October. Black-bellied Plover, American Avocet, Ruddy Turnstone, Baird's Sandpiper, and American Pipit are also regular here in migration. In winter, look for Snow Buntings on the parking lot and beach. Once again, return to Iowa 415 and turn left (west). Follow Iowa 415 west and north for 1.4 mi to a "bridge" where you have water on both sides of you. On your right is Polk City Wildlife Area (11), a wildlife refuge that is closed to the public from 15 September-25 December. This area often attracts large numbers of waterfowl during migration. When water levels are low, numbers of herons and shorebirds sometimes concentrate here. If you wish to get closer turn back on Iowa 415 and drive about 0.1 mi to the second drive on the left. This will take you down to the level of the lake. A walk along the abandoned road on the north side of the area provides a good view of some marshy areas to the north. South of Iowa 415 and opposite #11 is the Saylorville Marina (12). You may look from the shoulder of Iowa 415 or from the marina parking lot. Large numbers of waterfowl may congregate here during migration, particularly when there is a northwest wind. From the marina, follow Iowa 415 west for 0.5 mi to the entrance to Sandpiper Beach (13). The beach is usually open from April-Gctober. This area hosts many of the same species as Oak Grove Beach. The cedars along the west side of McBride Dr., just past the entrance, are good for Long -eared and Short -eared owls. The weedy areas along McBride Dr. have Bell's Vireo and Lark Sparrow in summer. Return to Iowa 415 and follow the road north 1.1 mile to a 4 -way stop in Polk City, While in Polk City, keep an eye out for the flock of Wild Turkeys that are resident in town. Turn left at the stop sign, staying on Iowa 415 (also called NW Madrid Dr*). Drive west and north for 1 mi and turn left (west) on Jester Park Dr. Follow this road to the Big Creek Spillway (14). This is an excellent spot from which to scan the lake. Large numbers of gulls and ducks sometimes feed and roost around the spillway. Another parking lot is located on the north side of the spillway. Return to Iowa 415 and turn left (north). Drive north for 0.8 mi, past the entrance to Big Creek State Park, and turn left (west) on NW 125th Ave. Follow the road Vol. 60, No . 7 3 west to a T-intersection and turn right (north) on NW 126th Ave. This road soon bends west and ends in a circular turn-around- This is the northeast side of Saylorville (15) . Park here and follow the trail west towards the lake. It is about a half mile walk to the lake and back. The brushy areas along the trail provide nesting habitat for Bell's Vireo, Yellow -breasted Chat, Lark Sparrow, and Orchard Oriole. Follow the trail down to the lake. In dry years, this is a good spot to look for shorebirds. This is also a good spot to scan the lake for waterfowl in migration. Migrant passerines and sparrows are common in the weedy areas during migration. Retrace your way to Iowa 415 and turn right (south). Drive 0.1 mi to the entrance to Big Creek State Park on your left. Enter the park and stop on the Big Creek dam (16) . Pull off to the side of the road and scan the lake for loons, grebes, and other waterfowl. American Pipits are often found on this road. Follow Lhe park road east and north for 1.2 mi to the lakeshore loop (17). This section of the park road makes a loop along the lake and is a good spot from which to scan much of Big Creek Lake. Look for loons, grebes, ducks, gulls, and terns during migration. Continue north on the park road for 0.7 mi to the Big Creek beach (18), Check the beach for shorebirds, gulls, and terns during migration, Sanderling, Caspian and Common terns, and American Pipit are regular on the beach. Return to the park entrance at Iowa 415, Turn right (north) on Iowa 415 and drive 1.4 mi to NW 100th St. Turn right (north) on NW 100th St. and follow the road until it ends in a parking lot by the lake (19). Park at the end of NW 100th and follow the trail west along the lakeshore. Look in the numerous cedars for Long- eared, Short-eared, and Northern Saw-whet owls, usually present from October- March. One or two Northern Shrikes often winter along NW 100th Sl The east spur of NW 100th $t. provides a better look at much of the lake. Again, return to Iowa 415 and turn right (north). Drive north and west for 2 mi and turn right (east) on NW 146th St, (20). Check the area immediately east of the church for Bell's Vireo in summer. A Northern Shrike often winters along NW 146th. Continue east to the T-intersection, To the north is a parking lot which overlooks the north end of Big Creek Lake. This area often has mudflats in fall, so check for shorebirds and herons. To the south of the T-intersection is another parking lot that overlooks another arm of the lake. Return to Iowa 415 and turn right (north). Drive north for 0.6 mi and turn right (east) on NW 150th Sl Follow this road east for 2 mi to the north end of Big Creek (21). The marshy areas to the south of the road are good for herons, ducks, and rails. When water levels are low, shorebirds may also concentrate here. A Northern Shrike sometimes winters in this area or along NW 150th St. to the east. Return to Iowa 415, Cross over the highway and continue west on NW 150lh SL for 2 mi to Iowa 17. Turn left (south) on Iowa 17 and proceed south for 2.2 mi to the bridge (22). Park on the shoulder of Iowa 17, just north of the bridge. This is an excellent place to view migrating hawks in spring and fall. The area east of the bridge often has extensive mudflats in summer and fall. All of the common shorebird species as well as Black-bellied Plover, American Avocet, Hudsonian Godwit, and Sanderling may be seen here. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of American White Pelicans may also congregate here in August and September. Other species that are regular here include Great Egret, Osprey, Caspian and Common terns, and Bonaparte's Gull, Continue south on Iowa 17 for 2 mi and turn left (east) on NW 122nd Ave. Follow this road to a T-intersection and turn left (north) on NW 128th St. Follow 4 Iowa Bird Life, Winter 1990 the road until it ends. Park and follow a trail north until you reach the lake (23). From here you can obtain a closer view of the mudflats at die north end of the lake. This access may also provide a closer view of the American White Pelicans that often congregate here. Follow NW 128th St. south where it will bend east and become NW 118th Ave. Follow this road east for 1 mi to the entrance to Jester Park (24). A map of the park is on display at the entrance. The park road along the lake provides an excellent vantage point from which to scan the water. The overlook from Camping Area #4 also provides a good vantage point. In fall, large numbers of waterfowl and gulls often congregate on the lake here. Look for less common species such as Oldsquaw, scoters, and Bonaparte's Gull. Several large pine groves in the northern section of the park may have an occasional Northern Saw-whet Owl or Red-breasted Nuthatch in winter. From the Jester Park entrance, follow a paved road that winds south and east and eventually becomes NW 107th $t. Follow NW 107th St. south to NW Beaver Dr. and turn left (east). Drive east for 0.4 mi and turn left (east) onto a gravel road, just north of the blacktop that goes across the lake toward Polk City. Follow the gravel road east toward the lake and park in the lot at the end (25). This is a good area from which to scan the middle section of the lake. A Northern Shrike sometimes winters along the road to the parking lot. The cedars along the road may have a wintering Long-eared, Shortened, or Northern Saw-whet owl. Return to NW Beaver and turn left (south). Follow this road south for 1.8 mi to the entrance to Acorn Valley Recreation Area (26). This area is usually unproductive, except in fall when large numbers of ducks and gulls congregate on the lake near here. Normally the gate is locked at that season and you must park at the entrance and walk back to the lake. Return to NW Beaver and turn left (south). Drive south for 0.5 mi to Walnut Ridge Recreation Area (27). This area is also unproductive most of the time, but occasionally large numbers of ducks and gulls will congregate along this side of the lake. Like Acom Valley, the area is usually locked then and you must park and walk in to the lake. Once again, return to NW Beaver and turn left (south). Drive south for L4 mi to the entrance to Lakeview Recreation Area (28). Drive east to the parking lot at the end of the road and scan the lake for loons, grebes, ducks, and gulls during migration. Gulls and terns often roost on the rock jetty north of the parking lot Bald Eagles roost in the trees to the north along the west shore of the lake, particularly in late fall. This stop completes the circuit of birding areas around the lake. A recent development at Saylorville has been the construction of a bike trail along the east side of the lake. The bike trail extends from the Big Creek State Park beach (18) to the Visitor's Center (7), and then to City hall in Des Moines. The trail provides an interesting way to bird the Saylorville area. 4024 Arkansas Drive, Ames, I A 50010 (SJD) 715 West Sr, Colo, 1A 50056 (HZ) 6492 James Francis Place, Johnston, 1A 50131 (BE) Vol. 60, No. 1 5 NEST SITES OF THE GREAT BLUE HERON IN CENTRAL IOWA KARLA J. ZEUTENHORST The Great Blue Heron is a common species throughout Iowa, However, only a few nesting colonies are known, mainly along the Mississippi River (Dinsmore et al. 1984), Great Blue Herons nest in a variety of sites ranging from the ground to low shrubs to tall trees (Bent 1926). In Iowa, they typically nest in tall trees, but few data are available. The objective of this study was to examine several factors pertaining to Great Blue Heron nest site selection. STUDY AREA AND METHODS Two Great Blue Heron colonies were studied. One is located near the Saylorville Dam on the Des Moines River north of Des Moines. The other is at the Otter Creek Wildlife Area in Richland Township, Tama County along the Iowa River. At each colony, I collected data in a 100 by 20 meter transect through the nesting site. Within each transect, the following were recorded: number of individuals of each tree species, diameter of each tree at breast height, and tree height (estimated to the nearest foot). For those trees with heron nests, I recorded tree species, number of nests, and whether the tree was alive or dead. RESULTS Only three tree species were found in the transects; American elm, silver maple, and cottonwood. However, the herons nested exclusively in live cottonwoods. The number of nests per tree ranged from 1-9 at Saylorville (mean = 3.7, n = 10) and from 1-7 at Otter Creek (mean = 3.2, n - 9), At both colonies, silver maple was the most abundant and cottonwood the least abundant tree species present (Table 1). At both colonics, cottonwoods were both the tallest and largest (by diameter) trees present (Table 2). Thus the herons appeared to select the largest rather than the most common trees available to them. Table 1. Tree availability within a 100 by 20 meter transect through two Great Blue Heron colonies in Iowa. Saylorville Otter Crook tree species no. % no. % American eim 40 33,1 31 27.9 cottonwood 21 17.3 18 14.7 silver maple 60 49.6 10 57 4 6 Iowa Bird Life , Winter 1990 Table 2, Average height and diameter at breast height of trees within a 100 by 20 meter transect through two Great Blue Heron colonies in Iowa height (ft) diameter (cm) tree species Saylorville Otter Creek Saylorville Otter Creek American elm 45 22 60 15 cottonwood 63 60 96 08 silver maple 34 50 46 56 DISCUSSION Cottonwood trees appear to be important to Great Blue Herons as nest sites. The herons nested only in cottonwoods at both sites even though two other species were more abundant. Great blues commonly nest in cottonwoods elsewhere. In 1974, all 22 nests in a colony at Rathbun Reservoir were placed in 10 cottonwoods (Konermann el al. 1978). Cottonwoods ranked second only behind sycamores in nest site use in 57 Great Blue Heron colonies in Kansas (Andrews and Stephens 1956). In Alberta, cottonwoods were used by Great Blue Herons more often than any other species (Vermeer 1969). None of these studies considered the availability of various tree species. In 27 heron colonies along the Mississippi River between St. Louis and St. Paul, great blues nested in a variety of deciduous trees, most commonly the three species found in my study. However, only at a colony near Burlington were cottonwoods the main species used by great blues (Thompson and Landin 1978). At both colonies, cottonwoods were the tallest trees available. Other studies have also noted that great blues tend to nest in the tallest trees available (Bent 1926, Andrews and Stephens 1956, Vermeer 1969, Bailey and Terman 1983). Great blues also nested in the largest trees available. Such trees probably are sturdier and less likely to be damaged in wind storms. Large trees also would have room for several nests, leading to the multiple nests I found in several trees in each colony. At both colonies, I noted that trees with single nests were most often found at the colonies' periphery. Another factor important in colony location is isolation from human disturbance. One of these colonies is in a site that is seldom disturbed while the other is close to heavy human traffic. However, the thick underbrush and poison ivy under the trees probably deter much human traffic. The strong tendency of Great Blue Herons to select the largest trees for their nest sites suggests that preservation of such trees is important to maintain their colonies. 1 thank Ed Weiner for his help at the Otter Creek colony, Dr. Paul Wray for his assistance in identifying the trees, and Larry Zeutenhorst for help in collecting data. LITERATURE CITED Andrews, T. F„ and H, A. Stephens. 1956. Colonies of Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci. 59:279-308. Bailey, V., and M. R. Terman, 1983. A comparative study of a Great Blue Heron colony in Chase County, Kansas. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci. 86:81-88. VoL 60, No . 1 7 Bent, A, C. 1926. Life histories of North American marsh birds. U. S. Nath Mils. Bull. 135, 490 pp. Dinsmore, J. J„ T. H. Kent, D. Koenig, P. C. Petersen, and D. M. Roosa. 1984. Iowa birds. Iowa Slate Univ. Press, Ames, IA. 356 pp. Konermann, A. D., L, D. Wing, and J. R. Richard. 1978. Great Blue Heron nesting success in two Iowa reservoir ecosystems. In Wading birds (A. Sprunt, J. C. Ogden, and S. Winckler, eds). National Audubon Soc. Res. Rept. no. 7, pp. 117-129. Thompson, D. H., and M. C. Landin. 1978. An aerial survey of waterbird colonies along the Upper Mississippi River and their relationship to dredged material deposits. U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Exp. Sin., Vicksburg, MS. 67 pp. Vermeer, K. 1969. Great Blue Heron colonies in Alberta. Canad. Ficld-Natur, 83:237-242. R, R . 1, Box 105 A, Lorimor, I A 50149 Elion Fawks (left) with Terry Ingram , 22 January 1972 . (Photo by Peter C. Petersen) 8 Iowa Bird Life, Winter 1990 IN MEMORIAM— ELTON E. FAWKS Peter C Petersen Longtime Iowa Ornithologists' Union member (since 1950) Elton Fawks passed away on 14 October 1989. A resident of East Moline and Moline, Illinois for most of his life, he participated in many Christmas Bird Counts along the Mississippi. He will be best remembered for being the first to realize we could better understand Bald Eagle reproductive success by keeping a careful record of the ratio of immature to adults among the wintering birds. His reports on this subject were contained in 24 articles in Iowa Bird Life between 1960 and 1985. The eagle research ted to his work for strong pesticide control laws in Illinois enacted in the 1960s. Elton was bom on 20 January 1908 in Bogard, Missouri. He moved with his parents to East Moline when he was five years old and for many years lived on Campbell’s Island in the Mississippi River. He owned a body shop supply business dealing chiefly in paint and at one time operated stores in both Moline and Davenport. He was active in the Kiwanis, rising to the position of state Lieutenant Governor. He was also President of the Illinois Izaak Walton League from 1962-64 and National Director from 1976-80. He served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society from 1953-77. In 1960 he was the Illinois Audubon Society Conservationist of the Year and in 1970, Bald Eagle "Man of the Year/ 1 In 1980 he presented his eagle data and correspondence to Western Illinois University in Macomb where it has been cataloged by Dr. Tom Dunstan. His publications included co-authorship with me of the first two editions of "A Field List of Birds of the Tri-City (later Quad-City) Region" in 1961 and 1977, compilation of "Bird Finding in Illinois" in 1975, and co-authorship with Terrance Ingram of "Winter Birding along the Mississippi River" in 1977. In 1983 he produced a limited-edition autobiography "Elton Fawks and Bald Eagles" with 200 copies primed. A final honor was bestowed this February when the Illinois Department of Conservation renamed a 174-acre refuge near Lock 14 on the Mississippi River. Now called the Elton E. Fawks Bald Eagle Refuge, it shows that a birder can have an impact on the environment Elton Fawks will be greatly missed by his many friends. 235 McClellan Blvd.. Davenport, I A 52803 . Vol. 60. No. 1 9 FIELD REPORTS - FALL 1989 Carl J. Bendorf WEATHER August was a liulc cool and continued the dry pattern of recent months, being the 9th consecutive month with below average precipitation. The only notable severe weather occurred on the 5th when a fast-moving thunderstorm complex swept out of Nebraska and cut a wide swath of damage in central Iowa; wind gusts were 50-80 mph. September broke the dry spell with heavy rains during the first 10 days. Flooding was widespread early in the month in SW and WC Iowa, The rest of the month was below average in rainfall. This was the coolest September since 1975. October was a month of wide temperature fluctuations; it was 88 at Glenwood on the 1 1th but only 12 at Hawarden on the 20th. Very little rain fell statewide, and the first measurable snow fell over NC Iowa on 30-3 1 October. November was the driest and 3rd coldest November since 1976. Adding to the chill were wind speeds about 4% above normal. Large masses of Arctic air on the 15- 18th and 28-29th pulled the average temperatures below normal. On the other extreme, some very mild air entered SE Iowa giving temperatures up to 77 on the 1 3th at Keokuk. Table 1. Mean Temperature and Precipitation with Deviation from Normal. temperature, F precipitation, inches mean (deviation) mean (deviation) August September October November 71.8 (-0 3 ) 3.58 (- 0 . 52 ) 61.1 (- 2 . 4 ) 4.74 (+ 1 . 32 ) 52.6 (- 0 . 1 ) 1.88 (- 0 , 42 ) 34.1 (■ 3 . 1 ) 0.28 (- 1 - 23 ) GENERAL TRENDS Very dry conditions focused most of the birding activity to larger lakes and reservoirs. Overall, waterfowl migration was very poor except for geese. In contrast, scoters were early and rather numerous. Numbers of migrating hawks were relatively low. Shorebird migration seemed delayed, and nearly all reports came from larger bodies of water (no small wet areas this year). No fewer than 1 1 shorebird species set some sort of late record this year. Gull migration was dull in total numbers but spectacular in variety. All the regular thrush species were reported in the usual small numbers but were mentioned by more observers than in recent years, Vircos were virtually undetected, and warblers were found in relatively low numbers although a few species were either early or late. Sparrows were mostly on time. Reports of winter finches were mixed; few were reported but White winged Crossbills made a big showing. 10 Iowa Bird Life , Winter 1990 UNUSUAL SIGHTINGS An astounding 17 accidental species were reported (plus jaeger species) during the period with 7 of them being potential additions to the state list. They were Red- throated Loon, Pacific Loon, Barrow's Goldeneye, Black-shouldered Kite, Harris' Hawk, Black Rail, Red Knot, Red Phalarope, jaeger species, Laughing Gull, Little Gull, Common Black-headed Gull, California Gull, Thayer's Gull, Lesser Black- backed Gull, Sabine's Gull, Royal Tern, and Western Wood Pewee. Casual species reported included ibis species, Black Scoter, Surf Scoter, Whimbrel, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Townsend's Solitaire, Pine Grosbeak, and House Finch, SPECIES DATA * = documented; record early /late dates are given in [], Red-throated Loon: A report will be referred to the Records Committee Pacific Loon: Reports from two locations will be referred to the Records Committee. Common Loon: One on 26 Aug at Rathbun Res. (RLC) may have been the same bird that summered there; largest numbers by far were at Saylorville Res with a peak of 95 on 2 Nov (SJD). 1 at Lacey- Keosau qua S.P. on 26 Nov (DCP) was the only report away from major lakes and reservoirs. Pied -billed Grebe: The only reports were 50 on 29 August at L Manawa (TB) and 80 on 17 Sep at Spirit L. (THK, FLM, RCe). Horned Grebe: First, peak, and last reports were all from Saylorville Res.. 1 on 8 Oct (BEn), 44 on 4 Nov and 2 on 28 Nov (SJD). The only other location with more than several birds was in Warren Co. with 1 2 on 4 Nov (SJS). Eared Grebe: Very scarce this fall with only 1-2 reported from four central Iowa locations: Morse L, Wright Co., on 4 Sep (SJD), Big Creek L. on 12 Sep (SJD), Ventura M. on 1 Oct (JLW), and Saylorville Res on 8-1 1 Oct and 6 Nov (SJD. JJD, AJ, BEn). Western Grebe: Reported only from Saylorville Res where the first was found on 13 Oct (BEn, JF); 1-3 were seen through 5 Nov (m ob.) American White Pelican: Detected in much smaller numbers than last year, Union Slough N.W.R. held very little water and a peak of only 50 birds stopped there on 22 Aug (MCK); Saylorville Res fared better with 2,805 on 10 Sep (SJD. RAI, PAI); other peak reports were 560 at Ventura M on 23 Aug (Ted LaGrange fide JLH), 850 on 4 Sep at Elm L. (SJD), and 400 on 15-16 Sep in Dickinson Co (RLC, et al.). Singles were still at Red Rock Res. on 28 Nov (BBr, GB) and Saylorville Res. on 30 Nov (SJD). These are the two latest records except for wintering birds. Double-created Cormorant: Reported in average numbers with peaks of 1,690 at Saylorville Res. on 5 Oct (SJD), 1,600 at Red Rock Res. on 22 Oct (AJ), and 1,500 in Pottawattamie Co. during the first week of Nov (BPa) American Bittern: A single bird was n. of Burlington on 3, 7 Sep (JF, THK. RTe); another was in Mills Co. on 12 Oct (BoR). Great Blue Heron: 94 were chasing the few fish left in very low water at Union SJough N.W.R on 6 Aug (MCK), and 47 were at Ventura M. on 15 Aug (JLH). Great Egret: Ted LaGrange counted 70 at Ventura M. on 23 Aug (fide JLH), 58 were at Clear L, on 4 Sep (SJD), and 60 more were in Des Moines and Louisa counties on 7 Sep (THK, RTe); 1 8 were still at Runnells Game A. on 1 Nov (BBr, GB) Snowy Egret; Singles in Fremont Co. on 13 Aug (RKM) and n. of Burlington on 12 Sep (*JF) were the only ones reported. Little Blue Heron: Single immature birds were seen at Saylorville Res. on 4 Aug (JSi) and 9 Sep (SJD, BEn). An adult was at Ventura M. on 3 Sep (JLW). Cattle Egret: One was at Credit Is. on 25 Oct (PCP); 4 were at Saylorville Res. on 28 Oct (SJD, PAI, RAI), another was near IPL Ponds on 30 Oct (BPa, AGG). Black-crowned Night-Heron: 13 were at Badger Creek S.P , Madison Co., on 30 Aug (EuA, EIA). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron: 12 were reported from Union Slough N.W.R. on 7 Aug (EuA. EIA); 3 immatures were n. of Burlington on 3 Sep (JF). ibis spedes: 1 was seen flying with Great Egrets on 4 Sep at Ventura M. (JLW details). Tundra Swan: The usual flock was at Lock and Dam 9 with 96 birds on 24 Nov (MPr, RKM, et al.); 1 was at Spirit L on 18 Nov (LaVonne Foote fide DCH) and may have been the same tord Vol 60, No. 1 11 found injured nearby on 27 Nov (Tim Waltz, Rory Martinson fide DCH); 2 ad. were at Riverton A, on 21-22 Nov (SJD) Greater White-fronted Goose: Only two reports with 24 on 23, 29 Oct at Runnells Game A. (AJ) and an amazing 3,000 at Riverton A. on 28 Oct (Carl Priebe fide SJD). Snow Goose: 2 "blue-phase" birds were at Union Slough N.W.R. on 7 Aug (MPr, et al); 550.000 birds at DeSoto N.W.R. on 27 Nov was considered many even for that refuge (George Gage and refuge staff fide JLH). Ross' Goose: 1 was found at Rice L. on 15 Oct (SJD) [2nd earliest]; another single was picked out by size from a flying Snow Goose flock at Saylorvill© Res. on 4 Nov (SJD, BEn, MPr); 9 birds at Riverton A. on 21 Nov (1 shot on 22 Nov) (SJD) were more than expected, Canada Goose: Rather large numbers stopped in NC Iowa dunng Oct with 5,000 on the 15th at Rice L. (SJD) and a combined 21.000 at several locations in Worth Co, on the 27th (Greg Hanson fide JLH). Wood Duck: 20 were seen in Dickinson Co. on 17 Sep(RLC); two pair were sbil in Sioux Co. on 30 Nov (JVD), Green-winged Teal: 600 were at Riverton A on 21 Nov (SJD). American Black Duck: The peak report was 9 on 30 Nov at Big Creek L. (SJD). Gadwall: 500 were at Saylorville Res, on 23 Oct (SJD), and 125 were at Rathbun Res. on 4 Nov (RLC). Can va aback: This species normally gathers by the thousands in the Keokuk Pool but few were seen here during Nov (RCe). The only other mention was of 4 on 6 Nov and 10 on 26 Nov at IPL Ponds (TB). Greater Scaup: 1-4 were seen at Saylorville Res, from 3-11 Nov (PCP, et at.), 3 were picked out at Riverton A on 21 Nov (SJD), 3 more were at Red Rock Res. on 23 Nov (AJ), and 4 were at Credit Is on 24 Nov (PCP, et al ); 1 was still on Big Creek L on 26 Nov (SJD). Lesser Scaup: First were 3 at Saylorville Res. on 3 Sep (SJD); 6,000 birds were estimated to be there on 3 Nov (SJD), and 1 ,000 were at Rathbun Res the next day (RLC). Oldsquaw: Single female and male birds were detected between 28 Oct and 18 Nov at Saylorville Res and Big Creek L. (SJD, m ob ); 1-2 birds were reported from IPL Ponds from 29 Oct (*BPa/LPa) through 19 Nov (AGG); 1 more was in Mills Co, 23-27 Nov (DoR; BPa), Black Scoter All three scoters showed up very early this year. The first Black Scoters were 2 at Big Creek L. on 16 Oct(SJD) [record earliest]. Others showed up at nearby Saylorville Res on 28 Oct (AJ) with a peak of 5 on 5 Nov (SJD, BEn); 1 lingered through 1 1 Nov (SJD, m ob.). Single birds were also found at IPL Ponds on 29 Oct {‘BPa/LPa), Coralville Res. on 30 Oct (JF), L. Manawa on 31 Oct (TB, BPa), and Red Rock Res. on 6 Nov (AJ) All reports were of female or immature birds. Surf Scoter: 1-3 were at Saylorville Res. from 5 Oct [ties 2nd earliest] through 5 Nov (SJD, m ob ); single birds were found at Rice L. on 15 Oct (SJD), Big Creek L on 16 Oct (SJD), L. Manawa on 31 Oct (TB, BPa), and near Ames on 2 Nov (fide SJD). AN were apparently female or immature birds. White-winged Scoter: 2 were at Badger Creek S.P. on 15 Oct (EuA. E1A) [third earliest]; also on the early side was 1 female or immature at Big Creek L on 16 Oct (SJD); 1 1 birds at Clear L, on 30 Oct (JLH) is a large number for Iowa. Between 30 Oct and 19 Nov from 1-3 birds were found at Coralville Res, (JF), Saylorville Res. (SJD), IPL Ponds (DoR, m ob ), and in Linn Co. (*RPi). Common Goldeneye: The peak was 800 on 23 Nov at Red Rock Res. (AJ) Barrow'i Goldeneye: This accidental species has been popping up the past few years in SW Iowa, and this year a male was seen at IPL Ponds on 12-15 Nov (*AGG, BPa, LPa details). Hooded Merganser: A big movement was detected during early November with up to 419 counted at Saylorville Res. on 3 Nov (SJD et al ); 38 at L. Manawa on the same date were more than usual (BPa). On 5 Nov 147 were still at Saylorville Res. (SJS), and 60 were on L Macbride (THK), Common Merganser: The peak number was 3,500 at both Red Rock Res on 23 Nov (AJ) and Saylorville Res. on 26 Nov (SJD); 1-2 present all fall were still at Rathbun Res. on 30 Nov (RLC). Red-brea>t©d Merganser: The peak report was 60 at L. Macbnde on 5 Nov (THK). Turkey Vulture: The last was 1 on 22 Oct at Saylorville Res (AJ). Osprey: 8 were counted between Camanche and Sabula on 24 Sep (PCP) Black-ahouldered Kite: A report will be referred to the Records Comrmttee Bald Eagle: 1 imm. was near a summer nest site in Jackson Co. on 11 Aug (PCP); the peak report was 3 ad and 7 imm at the Runnells Game A. on 25 Oct (JSi). 12 Iowa Bird Life , Winter 1990 Northern Harrier: 10 were seen at Rathbun Res on 5 Nov with 7 in one field (JSi. AJ). Sharp-thinned Hawk: Adding to a handful of summer records, an immature bird seen briefly at close range and heard calling in Hardin Co. on 16 Jul was near the site of single adults on 5. 18 May fDJC). A total of 120 birds was reported in 44 hours of counting at Grammer Grove between 19 Sep and 4 Oct with a peak of 35 on 28 Sep (BPr, et al.); 8 were at Stone P. on 14 Oct{BH). Cooper's Hawk: 28 were counted in 44 hours of observation at Grammar Grove between 19 Sep and 4 Oct with a peak of 7 on 28 Sep (BPr. MPr); only single birds were reported elsewhere. Northern Goshawk: 1 was at L. Okoboji on 16 Sep (RLC) [ties 3rd earliest] Other single birds were at Badger Creek SP. on 5 Oct (EuA, EIA), at Big Creek L. on 18 Nov ( PAL RAI). and an adult at Rath bun Res. on 25 Nov (THK, FLM, RCe). Harris' Hawk: An adult was observed s. of Blairstown, Benton Co., on 10. 14 Sep (*JF, ‘THK photo); the Records Committee will probably focus on whether this was a genuine vagrant from its normal range. Red -shouldered Hawk: An adult that returned on 30 Nov to the same location near Polk City for the third consecutive winter (SJD) was the only one reported. Broad-winged Hawk: Detected in relatively small numbers this fall: the peak of 120 on 13 Sep in Jones Co. was one of the few kettles seen all season (MCK); daily observations totaling 44 hours between 1 9 Sep and 4 Oct at Grammer Grove yielded only 25 birds (BPr); 50 birds in a kettle over Hickory Hill P. in Iowa City at 9:30 a m. were gone 15 minutes later (CJB) Swalnson's Hawk: Singles were reported from 6 western and central Iowa locations. Red-talled Hawk: 32 were counted between 19 Sep and 4 Oct at Grammer Grove (BPr), and 36 were seen in SE Iowa on 25 Nov (THK, FLM. RCe). Details were given for the following singles: Kinder's type birds on 8 Oct at Runnells Game A and 16-17 Oct in Warren Co. (A J). and Harlan's type birds on 9 Nov in Tama Co. (MPr) and on 25 Nov in Marshall Co. (MPr, BPr). Another bird in Polk Co. on 12 Nov was judged a Harlan's or dark phase (AJ) Golden Eagle: Immatures were at White Pine Hollow on 25 Oct ('MR), in Cherokee Co on 28 Oct (*DBi), and at DeSoto N.W.R. on 4 Nov (BH details). The usual 1 or 2 birds were seen in Allamakee Co. in late November (m ob.) American Kestrel: Only one was seen dunng 44 hours from 19 Sep to 4 Oct at Grammer Grove (BPr); 20 were reported from SE Iowa on 25 Nov (THK, FLM, RCe). Merlin: 1 was in Warren Co. by 30 Aug (AJ details) (2nd earliest]; 1 or 2 were reported from 16 other widespread locations between 5 Sep and 28 Nov (m ob.) Complete documentation of records after the 1st week in Sep are not necessary but some details of identification are very helpful. Peregrine Falcon: 1 immature at L Manawa on 29 Aug was thought to be from the nearby Omaha re introduction project (TB, BPa); 1 or 2 birds were reported from at least 10 locations between 2 Sep and 27 Oct (m ob.), ail in central Iowa. Prairie Falcon: Single birds were seen periodically at Saylorvilie Res. from 9 Oct to 3 Nov (EuA. EIA, BEn details, *JF), 1 was in Dallas Co. on 14 Oct (*RKM), and 1 at Rrverton A on 22 Nov spent more than an hour buzzing the thousands of ducks and geese (SJD details); yet another was in Hardin Co. on 28 Nov (MPr) Gray Partridge: One came to a backyard feeder near Iowa City on 15 Nov (JF). Northern Bobwhlte: 8 were in Stone P. on 8 Oct (BH); 15 were found at Fairfield on 22 Oct and 10 were in Lacey-Keosauqua S P on 12 Nov (DCP) Black Rail: A report will be referred to the Records Committee Virginia Rail: 4 ad., 2 juv., and 3 black chicks were observed in 100 yards of channel at Union Slough N.W.R. on 15 Aug (MCK); another was at IPL Ponds on 8 Nov (DoR) [3rd latest]. Sora: 1 was in Montgomery Co. on 12 Nov (DoR. BJR) [3rd latest], American Cool: Several moderate concentrations were reported: 900 were at Spirit L. on 17 Sep (RCe, THK, FLM) and 800 were in Warron Co. on 31 Oct (SJS), Sandhill Crane; 3 were at Otter Creek M. on 20 Sep (MPr, BPr); this would be early for migrants 1 imm. was at Rush L. on 25 Oct(DCH), a single bird was near Spirit L. on 14, 19 Nov (fide JLH), and another was seen standing on ice in Guthrie Co. on 24 Nov (Jon Judson fide JJD). Black-bellied Plover: Peak reports were all from mid Oct with 1 10 at Spirit L. (DCH) and 25 at Dan Green SI. (MMB), all on the 1 1th, and 18 at Clear L. on the 15th (SJD). Only 1 or 2 were reported elsewhere. Leaaer Golden-Plover: The peak report was 490 on 12 Oct at Saylorvilie Res. (SJ'D). Vol. 60, No. 1 13 Semipalmated Plover: 64 birds were at Union Slough N.W.R. on 6 Aug (MCK); 1 at Red Rock Res. on 20 Nov (*BBr) was the record latest by more than 3 weeks. Piping Plover: 1 was at the usual location at IPL Ponds on 13 Aug (RKM); a juv. was at Sayiorville Res on 8 Sep (SJO, BB). American Avocet: The largest numbers were in SW Iowa in August with 12 at Forney L. on the 13th (RKM) and 15 at IPL Ponds on the 27th (TB, BPa, LPa). Greater Yellowlega: An amazing 176 at Runnells Game A. on 29 Oct were distinguished from Lessors by their longer upturned bills and their call notes (AJ) Lesser Yellowlega- On 6 Aug at Union Slough N.W.R. , 2,000 birds were estimated to be present (MCK); 100 were at Runnells Game A. on 12-13 Aug (AJ). A bird still at Riverton A. on 21 '22 Nov was identified by small size, short, needle-like bill, and soft call note (SJD) (2nd latest] Solitary Sandpiper: 06 were at Union Slough N.W.R. on 6 Aug (MCK). and 50 were at Runnells Game A on 12 Aug (AJ); 1 was still at Sayiorville Res. on 11 Oct (AJ) [ties reoord latest]. Willet: 2 at Red Rock Res. on 26 Aug (MPr, et al.) and 1 the next day at Sayiorville Res. {JJD, BEn) were the only reports. Spotted Sandpiper: 1 lingered in Warren Co. until 31 Oct (SJS details) [third latest]. Upland Sandpiper: 1 near DeSoto N.W.R. on 9 Aug (BPa, RW, TB) was the only report. Whlmbrel: A report will be referred to the Records Committee Ruddy Turnatone: The only report was of 1 at Sayiorville Res from 4 -7 Sep (BEn. m ob.). Red Knot: 1 still partly in alternate plumage was at Union Slough N.W.R. on 31 Aug (*MCK); 1-2 birds were observed by many at Sayiorville Res. from 3-6 Sep (*SJD, *RCe. *JJD, *RKM, ‘AJ, *JF, *MPr, *MT). Sanderllng: All reports were from central and western Iowa with a peak of 25 at Sayiorville Res. on 5 Sep (BEn); 1 lingered there until 1 1 Nov (RAI, PAI) [record latest]. Western Sandpiper: (Reports peaked during the first week in Sep; 22 birds at Runnells Game A. on the 3rd (JSi details) is a large number for Iowa Whlte-rumped Sandpiper: Unusual in fall, 5 were in Cerro Gordo Co. on 4 Sep (JLW details), and 1 was at Clear L. until 15 Oct (SJD details) [ties 2nd latest]. Baird’* Sandpiper: The only report of more than a few was 27 at Union Slough N W.R. on 31 Aug (MCK); 1 stayed at IPL Ponds until 12 Nov (BPa/LPa details) [3rd latest]; 2 more tarried until 26 Nov at Sayiorville Res. (BEn details) [record latest] Pectoral Sandpiper: Union Slough N.W.R. held 5,000 birds on 6-7 Aug (MCK, EuA. EIA). Dunlin: The peak was 13 on 9 Nov at Runnells Game A. (AJ); the last was 1 at Red Rock Res on 26 Nov (THK. RCe. FLM). Stilt Sandpiper: 420 at Union Slough N.W.R. on 15 Sep (MCK) is a very large concentration for Iowa; 10 were still at Sayiorville Res on 20 Oct (AJ details) [record latest]. Buff-brea*ted Sandpiper: There were more reports than usual with a peak of 2$ at Union Slough N.W.R. on 4 Sep (MCK); 1 at Sayiorville Res on 24 Sep (SJD) might have been the same one still there on 13 Oct (BEn) (ties record latest] Short-billed Dowltcher: The peak was 20 juv. birds at Coralville Res. on 20 Aug (THK); 1 repeatedly called 'tu-tu-tu' at Union Slough N.W.R. on 15 Sep (MCK) [ties 2nd latest]. Long-billed Dowltcher: 80 birds, presumably this species by date, were at Spirit L. on 1 1 Oct (DCH); 44 were "keeking" on 17 Oct in Warren Co. (SJS) and 63 birds (juv feather parterns seen on closer ones) were at Runnells Game A. on 29 Oct (AJ); 1 juv. was still at L. Macbride on 11 Nov (THK details) [3rd latest]. Common Snipe: 60 were observed in Kossuth Co, on 6 Oct (MCK), and 23 more were in Warren Co. on 27 Oct (SJS), Wilson'* Phalarope: The peak report was of 16 birds on 22 Aug at Union Slough N.W.R. (MCK). Red-necked Phalarope: Peak number was 9 birds on 22 Aug at Union Slough N.W.R. (MCK), Red Phalarope A report will be referred to the Records Committee. jaeger species: 2 strong-flying all brown gull-shaped birds with white at the base of the primaries were bnefly seen as they passed over Algona on 29 Oct (*MCK). Laughing Gull: Something pushed a few into Iowa this fall: a juvenile bird was well studied at Red Rock Res. from 19 Aug (*BH) through 26 Aug (‘EuA/ElA, *JF, ‘PCP, ‘AJ. *THK photo, *RCe); another was found at IPL Ponds on 27 Aug (*BPa/LPa); 2 birds, a 2nd year and a juv., were discovered n. of Burlington on the Miss. R on 9 Sep (‘THK photo). These would be the first state records. 14 Iowa Bird Life, Winter 1990 Franklin’* Gull: Large numbers again passed through central and western Iowa; 3,000 were at Clear L. on 15 Sep (THK, FLM, RCe) and 6,000 were there a month later on 15 Oct (SJD); 2,000 were at L. Manawa on 13 Oct (BPa, AGO); 8,900 were at Saylorville Res. on 10 Oct and 2 were still there on 29 Nov (SJD). Little Gull: A report will be referred to the Records Committee Common Black-headed Gull: A report will be referred to the Records Committee. Bonaparte'* Gull: This species showed up early but was very scarce after that; 1 was at Bays Branch on 5 Aug