Iowa RBA: 2-27-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Friday, February 21, to Friday, February 27, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
Iceland Gull
White-winged Dove
Golden Eagle
Varied Thrush
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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
BLACK HAWK COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Sans Souci Island on the 25th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at George Wyth SP on the 26th.
EAST
BUCHANAN COUNTY
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE continues at a yard in Brandon on the 21st.
DELAWARE COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Backbone SP on the 21st.
SOUTH CENTRAL
MARION COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Red Rock on the 21st.
APPANOOSE COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Lake Rathbun on the 21st.
SOUTHWEST
UNION COUNTY
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Twelve Mile Lake on the 25th.
NORTHWEST
CALHOUN COUNTY
A VARIED THRUSH was seen at a backyard on the 21st.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, March 6, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa