Iowa RBA: 1-23-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Friday, January 16, to Friday, January 23, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
Additional species mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
Iceland Gull
Golden Eagle
Townsend’s Solitaire
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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
DUBUQUE COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was seen at the Dubuque Riverwalk on the 18th.
EAST
SCOTT COUNTY
2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen at Lock and Dam 14 on the 20th.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Lock and Dam 15 on the 20th.
NORTHWEST
PLYMOUTH COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Broken Kettle Grasslands on the 22nd.
A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen at Broken Kettle Grasslands on the 21st.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, January 30, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa