Iowa RBA: 3-27-26
John and Anna Bissell
Iowa RBA birds reported from Friday, March 21, to Friday, March 27, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal Hybrid
Long-tailed Duck
White-winged Dove
AMERICAN AVOCET (Record early)
Long-billed Dowitcher (3rd earliest tie)
Golden Eagle
Pine Warbler
***NEW!****************
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
LINN COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Chain O Lakes WMA on the 21st.
An early LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was seen at Lewis Bottoms Marsh on the 23rd.
BUCHANAN COUNTY
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE continues at the iron bridge in Brandon on the 24th.
SOUTHEAST
VAN BUREN COUNTY
A PINE WARBLER was seen at the Farmington Unit of Shimek SF on the 26th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Big Creek SP on the 21st.
An early AMERICAN AVOCET was seen at Big Creek SP on the 26th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
WARREN COUNTY
A BLUE-WINGED X CINNAMON TEAL HYBRID was seen at Filmore Wetlands on the 25th.
NORTHWEST
HARRISON COUNTY
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Desoto NWR on the 22nd.
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The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, April 3, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
John Bissell
Grimes, Iowa