Iowa RBA: 7-3-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 27, to Friday, July 3, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
ACCIDENTAL
**ARCTIC TERN**
Additional species mentioned
Snowy Egret
Glossy/White-faced Ibis
Least Tern
Mississippi Kite
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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
SOUTHEAST
WAPELLO COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at the Ottumwa Cemetery on the 2nd.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at Sheridan Park on the 29th.
An ARCTIC TERN was seen at Saylorville on the 2nd.
A SNOWY EGRET was seen at the Big Creek Spillway on the 29th.
STORY COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen over Ames on the 2nd.
WEST
GUTHRIE COUNTY
A GLOSSY/WHITE-FACED IBIS was seen at Bays Branch on the 1st.
HARRISON COUNTY
A LEAST TERN was seen at Deer Island WA on the 27th.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 10, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa