Iowa RBA: 2-13-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Friday, February 7, to Friday, February 13, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
White-winged Dove
Iceland Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Golden Eagle
Snowy Owl
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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 report.
NORTHEAST
WINNESHIEK COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along Pole Line Road in Decorah on the 11th.
EAST
CLINTON COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL was seen along 230th St near Dewitt on the 7th.
BUCHANAN COUNTY
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen at the Iron Bridge on the 11th.
SCOTT COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Lock and Dam 15 on the 8th.
JOHNSON COUNTY
A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at the Iowa River Power Co Dam and at the Riverfront Crossing Park on the 9th.
SOUTHEAST
LEE COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was at the Ft Madison Riverfront on the 9th.
A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at the Ft Madison Riverfront on the 9th.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 20, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa