Iowa RBA: 2-20-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Friday, February 14, to Friday, February 20, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
White-winged Dove
Iceland Gull
Golden Eagle
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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.
EAST
BUCHANAN COUNTY
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE continues around the Iron Bridge on the 16th.
LINN COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Cedar Lake on the 14th.
SOUTHEAST
LEE COUNTY
AN ICELAND GULL was seen at Riverview Park on the 15th.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen along Mississippi River Rd near Montrose on the 15th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
DECATUR COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen near Lamoni on the 19th.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 27, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa