Iowa RBA: 1-2-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, December 27, to Friday, January 2, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
ACCIDENTAL
**SLATY-BACKED GULL**
**BARROWS GOLDENEYE**
CASUAL
*MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD*
Additional Species Mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
Iceland Gull
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 Lock and Dam 11 on the 28th.
A SLATY-BACKED GULL was seen at Lock and Dam 11 on the 28th.
BLACK HAWK COUNTY
A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen at Black Hawk Park on the 28th.
EAST
JOHNSON COUNTY
A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen in Swisher along Blain Cemetery Rd NW on the 1st.
SCOTT COUNTY
2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen at Lock and Dam 14 on the1st.
CENTRAL
DALLAS COUNTY
A BARROWS GOLDENEYE was seen at Maffitt Reservoir on the 1st.
NORTHWEST
SIOUX COUNTY
A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD was seen at Oak Grove County Park on the 2nd.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, January 9, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa