Iowa RBA: 7-24-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, July 18, to Friday, July 24, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
Little Blue Heron
Mississippi Kite
Red Crossbill
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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
EAST
JONES COUNTY
2 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at Wapsipinicon SP on the 22nd.
BENTON COUNTY
10 RED CROSSBILLS were seen on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail on the 22nd.
SOUTHEAST
WAPELLO COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at Memorial Park on the 19th.
KEOKUK COUNTY
A LITTLE BLUE HERON was seen at a South Skunk River access near Hedrick on the 22nd.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at Sheridan Park on the 18th.
STORY COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen in Ames on the 19th.
DALLAS COUNTY
13 RED CROSSBILLS were seen at Maple Grove Park on the 22nd.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 31, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa