Iowa RBA: 8-21-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, August 15, to Friday, August 21, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
ACCIDENTAL
**CLARK’S NUTCRACKER**
CASUAL
*RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD *
Additional species mentioned
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Laughing Gull
Mississippi Kite
Red Crossbill
***NEW!****************
For more up to date information on rarities in the state of Iowa, visit the
Iowa Birds and Birding website at www.Iowabirds.org
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Species in ALL CAPS can be classified into three categories in the state of Iowa: 1) UNRECORDED, ACCIDENTAL or Casual; 2) A RARE but regular species; or 3) record early or late date or unusual for time of year. Any species with three asterisks (***species***) would represent a first record for Iowa (UNRECORDED) and should be observed and documented very carefully. Species with two asterisks (**species**) are species that are either ACCIDENTAL, CASUAL, or a rare regular species, and should also be documented. Species with one asterisk (*species) should have some details of the observation provided.
Please note this is an UNOFFICIAL compilation of rare bird sightings from both eBird and the IOU listserve. Data for field reports and early/late dates should not be taken from this weekly
EAST
LINN COUNTY
5 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at Pinicon Ridge County Park on the 20th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
16 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at the Discovery Pond at Jester Park on the 18th.
MISSISSIPPI KITES continue around Sheridan Park on the 20th.
GREENE COUNTY
A RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was seen at a feeder south of Rippey on the 19th. Visitors are welcome. The homeowners email is cradeb...@gmail.com
STORY COUNTY
2 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at East River Valley Park on the 19th.
A CLARKS NUTCRACKER was seen at the Furman Aquatic Center green space on the 21st.
SOUTH CENTRAL
WARREN COUNTY
A BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCK was seen at Bank Swallow Bend on the 16th.
A RED CROSSBILL was seen at Browns Lake Area of Red Rock WMA on the 20th.
MARION COUNTY
9 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at the Whitebreast RA of Red Rock on the 19th.
NORTHWEST
BUENA VISTA COUNTY
2 LAUGHING GULLS were seen at Storm Lake on the 20th.
SIOUX COUNTY
11 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at Oak Grove and Big Sioux Park on the 19th.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, August 28, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa