Date: 3/6/26 5:35 pm From: grantridge via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Sandhill Cranes in Story County on 3/6/26
A pair of Sandhill Cranes loudly announced their return on Friday to our land about a mile southeast of the intersection of I-35 and Highway 30. They have been returning for about ten years. To the best of our knowledge, they've never nested here, and of course they don't spend all their time here. But we are grateful for every day they visit.
Cindy
Cindy <Hildebrandgrantridge...>, IA 50010 "I hear the heart-stirring whistle of an upland plover; time was when his forebears followed the buffalo as they trudged shoulder-deep through an illimitable garden of forgotten blooms." (Aldo Leopold)
My wife and I are thinking about making the drive up from central Iowa in
the morning. Has anyone seen the snowy today?
On Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 8:26:39 PM UTC-6 <curtisne......> wrote:
> This afternoon at 4:00, the Snowy Owl in Kossuth Co. was still 1/2 mile
> west of the intersection of county road R 14 (240th Ave) and 240th Street.
> The Owl was on the ground along the fence line about 1/2 mile south of
> 240th Street. Tyler Harms was there and pointed it out to us. I don't
> think I would have seen it otherwise. Thanks Tyler. The spot is
> approximately 1/2 mile north of Hwy 18. Bring a scope.
> Curt Nelson
> Cerro Gordo County
>
> On Thu, Mar 5, 2026, 7:40 PM Fawn Bowden <fawn......> wrote:
>
>> Where?
>>
>> Fawn, Riverside
>>
>> On Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 1:29:50 PM UTC-6 ritag wrote:
>>
>>> Yesterday at 1 p.m. an eagle was sitting on the post north of 240th
>>> that the Snowy Owl had been sitting on. We thought the eagle had
>>> frightened off the owl. Possibly for good.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> However, today the owl is sitting on a post on the southside of 240th
>>> in the fence line.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Rita G.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> --
>>
> Post by sending an email to <ia-......>
>> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
>> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx >>
> This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
>> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested
>> in the birds of Iowa. Join today at
>> https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 >> ---
>>
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "IA-BIRD" group.
>
>
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
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>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<a1c743a5-65db-40c6-aa2b-a3b08d1f9bfcn...> >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<a1c743a5-65db-40c6-aa2b-a3b08d1f9bfcn...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
Date: 3/6/26 5:47 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 3-6-26
Iowa RBA birds reported from Friday, February 28, to Friday, March 6, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
White-winged Dove
Iceland Gull
Neotropic Cormorant
Golden Eagle
Snowy Owl
Redpoll
***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 <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
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 at the Iron Bridge area of Brandon on the 3rd.
JACKSON COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Green Island WMA on the 1st.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at South Sabula Lakes Park on the 3rd.
CENTRAL
STORY COUNTY
2 REDPOLLS were seen along Myerwood Dr at a feeder on the 3rd.
TAMA COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Otter Creek Marsh on the 3rd.
SOUTH CENTRAL
MARION COUNTY
2 ICELAND GULLS were seen at Red Rock on the 1st.
An early NEOTROPIC CORMORANT was seen at Red Rock on the 2nd.
NORTHWEST
PLYMOUTH COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along Butcher Rd on the 4th.
KOSSUTH COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL was seen in the vicinity of 240th St just west of R14 that runs north of Wesley on the 5th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, March 13, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
This afternoon at 4:00, the Snowy Owl in Kossuth Co. was still 1/2 mile
west of the intersection of county road R 14 (240th Ave) and 240th Street.
The Owl was on the ground along the fence line about 1/2 mile south of
240th Street. Tyler Harms was there and pointed it out to us. I don't
think I would have seen it otherwise. Thanks Tyler. The spot is
approximately 1/2 mile north of Hwy 18. Bring a scope.
Curt Nelson
Cerro Gordo County
On Thu, Mar 5, 2026, 7:40 PM Fawn Bowden <fawnda10...> wrote:
Kossuth County, sec. 23, on 240th St, 1/4 mile west of R14, north of Wesley, Iowa.
----- Original Message -----
From: Fawn Bowden <<fawnda10...>>
To: IA-BIRD <<ia-bird...>>
Sent: Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:40:18 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Snowy Owl
Where?
Fawn, Riverside
On Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 1:29:50 PM UTC-6 ritag wrote:
> Yesterday at 1 p.m. an eagle was sitting on the post north of 240th that
> the Snowy Owl had been sitting on. We thought the eagle had frightened
> off the owl. Possibly for good.
>
>
>
> However, today the owl is sitting on a post on the southside of 240th in
> the fence line.
>
>
>
> Rita G.
>
>
>
>
>
On Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 1:29:50 PM UTC-6 ritag wrote:
> Yesterday at 1 p.m. an eagle was sitting on the post north of 240th that
> the Snowy Owl had been sitting on. We thought the eagle had frightened
> off the owl. Possibly for good.
>
>
>
> However, today the owl is sitting on a post on the southside of 240th in
> the fence line.
>
>
>
> Rita G.
>
>
>
>
>
Yesterday at 1 p.m. an eagle was sitting on the post north of 240th that the Snowy Owl had been sitting on. We thought the eagle had frightened off the owl. Possibly for good.
However, today the owl is sitting on a post on the southside of 240th in the fence line.
Date: 3/5/26 9:57 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] 150 Ross's Geese at the Onion Creek CREP Boone Co.
There are at least 150 Ross's Geese I took flock flight photos at the Onion Creek CREP along with 600 Greater White Fronted geese. This is on Highway 17 on the West side of the road 2 miles North of Highway 30.
Date: 3/4/26 2:25 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Hybrid Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose at Bjorkboda Marsh, Hamilton Co.
I found this Hybrid Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose this afternoon at Bjorkboda Marsh in Hamilton County. Varified by several on What's This Bird ABA. It was in with 300 Greater White-fronted a few Pintails, Redhead and Mallard Ducks.
Clayton Will Madrid [image: Hybrid Greater x Snow March 4 2026 065.JPG]
Date: 3/4/26 9:28 am From: Russell Benedict <BenedictR...> Subject: [ia-bird] lots of Rusty BBirds
Good morning,
Had a nice surprise yesterday evening in my yard. Roughly 300 Rusty Blackbirds gathered noisily in tall trees bordering my prairie planting. The group began with about ten individuals and gradually was joined by additional small flocks. Many of them were singing away, so the sound of rusty hinges filled the air! As sunset neared, they headed out, making for the bogs of Canada. Fun to think about where they breed in North America, much of which is roadless wilderness. As I looked at them, I wondered how many more humans they would see over the course of the next several months. Russ between Pella and Knoxville.
Russ Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
Date: 3/1/26 4:55 pm From: <aj...> Subject: [ia-bird] Winter Season Is Completed
Fellow Birders,
The winter 2025-2026 field season is now complete and it is time to report your sightings for December 2025, January 2026 and February 2026. Your records can be entered through eBird or the Iowa Ornithologists' Union website (iowabirds.org <http://iowabirds.org/> ). Directions are given under the tab "Iowa Birds" then "Report your Sightings" on the drop down.
Besides reports of rare and vagrant birds, species of most interest are those that have limited winter range in Iowa, and late fall, early winter or late winter/early spring migrants. Distribution of Iowa birds in late fall, and throughout winter is constantly changing and reports help document these changes.
For those of you who use eBird as their primary method of keeping their records please document your sightings with the IOU Records Committee as well - https://iowabirdrecords.org/. This is particularly crucial for Iowa's review species so that we have an accurate and consistent accounting of Iowa's birdlife. There have been some reports entered in eBird that were not documented in the past, which makes it impossible to include those records in the seasonal field reports and important records have been lost to science. Please follow up and document those species that are previously unrecorded for Iowa or are Accidental or Casual in the state, or those that are out of their usual season while in Iowa.
For those birders who document their rare bird sightings, it is very much appreciated. For those who haven't tried it yet, it is really easy, and you will be doing your part to advance Iowa's ornithological science and paint an accurate picture of Iowa's birdlife.
Thank you for doing your part to contribute to the 2025-2026 winter field season. Good birding!
Date: 2/28/26 7:30 am From: 'Art Check' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Winter Finches
I’m curious about what others have heard about the presence of winter finches this year. I always find the winter finch report interesting and predictions about what we may see here in the states due to various factors such as cone crops etc. further north.
Obviously it’s just a prediction but if I recall i had read this year might be a “good” finch year for several species.
I know there have been quite a few red breasted nuthatches but seemingly few other reports of other northern birds.
Just curious if other states saw heavier traffic than we did or not.
Thanks for any information
Art Check
Nevada
Sent from my iPhone
Came from a 10-day trip to Florida. One thing that surprised me was how much more accustomed Florida birds are to people compared with the more timid and skittish birds in Iowa. John mentioned he had similar observation for his trip to Florida. Here are few out of 28 Florida lifers.
Date: 2/27/26 7:48 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 2-27-26
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
***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 <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
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.
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.
Date: 2/26/26 8:30 am From: <aj...> Subject: [ia-bird] Katchemak Bay Shorebird Festival Award
Iowa Birders -
For those who have been around awhile, you will remember that Tim Schantz was a staple in Iowa birding and the IOU. He attended Simpson College and eventually became the park ranger at Marion County's Cordova Park on Lake Red Rock. Tim became one of Iowa's top birders, finding many rarities and serving on the IOU Records Committee, before moving to Alaska to lead birding trips to remote islands. He passed away suddenly in 2001 at the age of 36 while leading one of these trips. His family formed a foundation to award a scholarship each year to spend a week in Homer, Alaska at the Katchemak Bay Shorebird Festival. See the Schantz Brothers Foundation <https://schantzbird.org/> site for details. I have had the honor of being part of the selection committee for all these years.
I am pleased to announce that, twenty-five years after we lost Tim, another passionate young Iowa birder has been selected as this year's recipient. He is Seth Breeding from Winterset (where the Schantz parents still live). Seth is a student at ISU. You can read more about him on the web site.
There was a nice variety of birds and plenty of them at Voas nature center in Dallas County this morning. I was pleased to see a small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds feeding there too. Merlin ID'd a Brown-headed Cowbird which I did not visually see.
On Mon, Feb 23, 2026 at 4:54 PM 'Art Check' via IA-BIRD <
<ia-bird...> wrote:
> After weeks of absence the red breasted nuthatch has reappeared at my
> feeders!
> Maybe had been cheating on me with my neighbor’s feeders!🤣
> Who knows?
> Glad to have it back!!
> Art Check
> Nevada
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "IA-BIRD" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to ia-bird+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/ia-bird/<FC460DBB-3B7F-4D11-99CA-7204A87CFB09...> > .
>
Date: 2/23/26 2:54 pm From: 'Art Check' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Red Breasted Nuthatch
After weeks of absence the red breasted nuthatch has reappeared at my feeders!
Maybe had been cheating on me with my neighbor’s feeders!🤣
Who knows?
Glad to have it back!!
Art Check
Nevada
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/22/26 12:29 pm From: Neil Bernstein <tornataornata...> Subject: [ia-bird] New Iowa Bird Life available
The first issue of Iowa Bird Life of 2026 is now available for download on the IOU website for members. Printed copies will be arriving in the next few weeks. Wendy VanDeWalle has enhanced the Summer 2025 field reports again with tri-colored maps comparing species' distributions between 2024 and 2025, and Steve Dinsmore reports on the second record of a Royal Tern in Iowa. Along with many spectacular photos, there is poetry, a story about a rescued nestling Great Horned Owl, documentation of several years of nesting for Red-breasted Nuthatches, an update on birding at a park in Linn County, a reflection on an early study of Field Sparrows near Ames, and a University of Iowa graduate outlines his growth to his present status as a PhD candidate in avian evolutionary biology. Also, there are IOU announcements and business including a reminder that the spring meeting will be 24-26 April in Fayette.
Date: 2/20/26 12:04 pm From: Tommy Stone <tomtazzstone...> Subject: [ia-bird] Juv. Golden Eagle - Waterloo
I just saw a juv. GOLDEN EAGLE flying low over a field at John Deere ( n.e. site ). I also had an adult here, on Wednesday. This is the 4th one here, this year, 2 juv, and 2 adults.
Date: 2/20/26 7:09 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 2-20-26
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
***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 <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
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.
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.
Date: 2/19/26 6:39 am From: Bob & Connie <crvanersvelde...> Subject: [ia-bird] poweshiek co birds
Had a Harris sparrow under feeders yesterday. Last week had redbellied, red head, downy, hairy, and yellow bellied sapsucker, and northern flicker at feeders. Bob Van Ersvelde Grinnell
Saw my first Turkey Vulture of the year on the south side of Lake Red Rock, at the entrance to Whitebreast Rec Area. It was right overhead, and my dog and I had excellent views. Pete the dog was not as excited as I was, Russ Benedict, Pella/Knoxville.
Russ Benedict
Professor of Biology
Director of Prairies For Agriculture Project
Department of Biology, Central College
812 University Street | Campus Box 09 | Pella, Iowa 50219
Office: 641-628-5173
[http://departments.central.edu/centralcommunications/files/2012/09/centralCollegeEmailLogo.png]
________________________________
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> on behalf of Wendy VanDeWalle <wtvandewalle...>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 9:20 PM
To: IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>; Wendy VanDeWalle <wtvandewalle...>
Subject: [ia-bird] White-winged Dove Buchanan Co
Caution: The e-mail below is from an external source to Central College. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin. Report suspected phishing emails using the “Phishing Alert Report” button.
Hi all!
I’ve had the pleasure of hosting a White-winged Dove in “my patch”. It showed up the day after we got the 13 inches of snow on the last weekend of November. It came to my feeder sporadically 2-3 times a day for only about 2 minutes at a time for about a week. Then I didn’t see it for 2 months. The other day it showed up with a good sized flock of Eurasian Collared Doves at the bridge just down the road. This flock has been feeding at the neighbors feed wagon and corn field. They roost in the fenceline between corn fields during the day. I don’t know how much longer the group will stick around as I’ve heard a couple singing in the last couple days. Although, winter will probably return soon. Ugh.
It can be viewed from the gravel road and if you want to see it let me know. I can give you some more hints.
Mostly open water. Most birds on east side. GWFG, TRSW and a few Yellow Leg sized shore birds, to far and poor light conditions for an ID. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2/18/26 10:27 am From: <aj...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa Bird Life - IOU Membership
The time for membership renewal is almost up if you want to receive the next issue of Iowa Bird Life. Nearly 100 people have not yet renewed, so make it a priority to login at https://iowabirds.org/ and renew today. Many of you on this mailing list are not members yet so it is also a great time to join. Iowa Bird Life, our quarterly journal, focuses on the birds of Iowa and this next issue is chock full of interesting articles on breeding species, rarities, and research. Don't miss out.
Date: 2/17/26 7:29 pm From: Wendy VanDeWalle <wtvandewalle...> Subject: [ia-bird] White-winged Dove Buchanan Co
Hi all!
I’ve had the pleasure of hosting a White-winged Dove in “my patch”. It
showed up the day after we got the 13 inches of snow on the last weekend of
November. It came to my feeder sporadically 2-3 times a day for only about
2 minutes at a time for about a week. Then I didn’t see it for 2 months.
The other day it showed up with a good sized flock of Eurasian Collared
Doves at the bridge just down the road. This flock has been feeding at the
neighbors feed wagon and corn field. They roost in the fenceline between
corn fields during the day. I don’t know how much longer the group will
stick around as I’ve heard a couple singing in the last couple days.
Although, winter will probably return soon. Ugh.
It can be viewed from the gravel road and if you want to see it let me
know. I can give you some more hints.
Perhaps a partially leucistic RTHA, since there are rogue white feathers
among the wing and tail feathers. A Krider's would have a pale rufous
tail, not dark. (I am not an expert---just an opinion.)
Roy Adolphson
Polk County
On Sun, Feb 15, 2026 at 7:10 PM 'Christopher Knisley' via IA-BIRD <
<ia-bird...> wrote:
The Iowa Ornithologists' Union (IOU), founded in 1923, encourages interest in the identification, study, and protection of birds in Iowa and seeks to unite those who have these interests in common. The Projects Committee reviews requests for funding from various entities for bird-related activities. These may include providing match money for habitat acquisition, projects to improve important bird habitats, publishing related to birding in Iowa, research projects, or anything else that meets the mission of the Iowa Ornithologists' Union.
The deadline for these funding requests is March 31. Applications will be subsequently reviewed and evaluated by the Projects Committee, which will make recommendations for funding to the Executive Board. Distribution of approved funding will occur after approval by the Board.
The Iowa Ornithologists' Union stipulates that those receiving funds acknowledge financial support from the IOU in all published material associated with the project. Acknowledgement of the IOU on the project itself is expected. Additionally, one paper or report on the project must be submitted to the Projects Committee for publication in the IOU journal, Iowa Bird Life, or the IOU website as appropriate. The Projects Committee may consider a presentation in lieu of a written article.
Date: 2/16/26 7:05 am From: Neil Bernstein <tornataornata...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not a Sighting: Contributors for Iowa Bird Life
Hi, The March issue should be arriving in the next few weeks. Thanks to all the photographers who submit wonderful work. We are always looking for contributions of "Meet and Iowa Birder," book reviews, artwork, poems, reflections/essays, studies, and information about bird watching sites. With regards to the latter, we are interested in articles about birdwatching places with a countywide perspective. These might include lesser-known smaller spots that are away from larger, more often visited locations. You can send contributions to me directly or submit them to the Iowa Ornithologists' Union website. Thanks.
Date: 2/15/26 4:52 pm From: 'Christopher Knisley' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Question on Identification - Hawk was photographed south of Prairie City, Jasper County, at approximately 3:30 pm near the Pleasant Hill Church
Is this a Red-tailed Hawk (Krider’s)
Christopher Knisley
611 Blake St
Colfax, IA 50054
Cell: 515-556-6923
<christopherknisley...>
Date: 2/15/26 10:51 am From: Anna Buckardt <acbuckar...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] [Not a sighting] Save the Date: IOU Spring Meeting April 24-26
And we're thrilled to announce our keynote speaker will be Dexter
Patterson, AKA Wiscobirder. Dexter is a birder, storyteller, educator, host
of the Bird Joy podcast, field guide author, and proud co-founder of the
BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin.
On Sun, Feb 15, 2026, 11:12 AM Anna Buckardt <acbuckar...> wrote:
> Save the Date!
> The Iowa Ornithologists' Union 2026 spring meeting is coming up April
> 24-26.
>
> We'll be spending the weekend in the Driftless Region of Iowa, with the
> meeting hosted at Upper Iowa University in Fayette.
>
> We'll be seeking the rare Iowa Ruffed Grouse in particular, but expect
> great waterfowl, shorebirds, and early returning songbirds. Although field
> trips aren't finalized, we anticipate visiting some great birding hotspots
> like Volga State Recreation Area, Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area, and
> Echo Valley State Park.
>
> Please email me if you have any field trip access needs and we will do our
> best to accommodate.
>
> Watch for more details and registration in Mid-March.
>
> We hope to see you in Fayette!
>
> Anna Buckardt Thomas
> IOU Vice President
>
> --
> Post by sending an email to <ia-bird...>
> To search for an unfamiliar location, go to
> https://iowabirds.org/Places/FindLocation.aspx > This list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union -
> https://iowabirds.org/ - with membership open to all people interested in
> the birds of Iowa. Join today at https://iowabirds.org/IOU/Membership.aspx.
>
> IOU Code of Birding Ethics - https://iowabirds.org/Pages.aspx?pg=6 > ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the
> Google Groups "IA-BIRD" group.
> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit
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> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to
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Date: 2/15/26 9:12 am From: Anna Buckardt <acbuckar...> Subject: [ia-bird] [Not a sighting] Save the Date: IOU Spring Meeting April 24-26
Save the Date! The Iowa Ornithologists' Union 2026 spring meeting is coming up April 24-26.
We'll be spending the weekend in the Driftless Region of Iowa, with the meeting hosted at Upper Iowa University in Fayette.
We'll be seeking the rare Iowa Ruffed Grouse in particular, but expect great waterfowl, shorebirds, and early returning songbirds. Although field trips aren't finalized, we anticipate visiting some great birding hotspots like Volga State Recreation Area, Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area, and Echo Valley State Park.
Please email me if you have any field trip access needs and we will do our best to accommodate.
Watch for more details and registration in Mid-March.
Date: 2/14/26 2:37 pm From: jimforde via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Thayer's Gull in Cedar Rapids
This afternoon I spotted an adult THAYER'S GULL flying below the downtown dam. Later I relocated it at Cedar Lake along with the continuing adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.
Migration seems to be well underway. On Clive Lake the last few days small numbers of 15 species have appeared on the partially open water. Bery Engebetsen Urbandale
Date: 2/13/26 6:11 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 2-13-26
Iowa RBA birds reported from Friday, February 7, to Friday, February 13, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
White-winged Dove
Iceland Gull
Great Black-backed Gull
Golden Eagle
Snowy Owl
***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 <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
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
WINNESHIEK COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along Pole Line Road in Decorah on the 11th.
EAST
CLINTON COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL was seen along 230th St near Dewitt on the 7th.
BUCHANAN COUNTY
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen at the Iron Bridge on the 11th.
SCOTT COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was seen at Lock and Dam 15 on the 8th.
JOHNSON COUNTY
A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at the Iowa River Power Co Dam and at the Riverfront Crossing Park on the 9th.
SOUTHEAST
LEE COUNTY
An ICELAND GULL was at the Ft Madison Riverfront on the 9th.
A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen at the Ft Madison Riverfront on the 9th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 20, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 2/9/26 11:45 am From: Ellen Fuller <cfuller989...> Subject: [ia-bird] Gulls
This morning, even though the riverfront of Ft. Madison (Lee County) was still frozen, there were many Gulls around.. I saw 5 species of gulls: Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Iceland Gull, and 1 1rst winter Great Black-backed Gull. Chuck Fuller Burlington
Date: 2/9/26 10:03 am From: 'Diana Pesek' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Great Black-Backed Gull in Iowa City
A 1W GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was found late yesterday afternoon in Iowa City along the Iowa River on 1st Ave by the dam. It was not relocated there this morning but a few of us did find it farther downstream at Riverfront Crossing Park. Diana PesekCedar Rapids
Date: 2/6/26 11:43 am From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Redpolls in Ogden
For the first time in a few years, we just had 4 Redpolls show up at a feeder in our backyard, sometimes sharing it with our daily Pine Siskins. I took a few photos through our patio door but then had to edit one for adding to this note. Still not a good photo, but worth showing one of the Redpolls here.
Date: 2/6/26 6:13 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 2-6-26
Iowa RBA birds reported from Friday, January 31, to Friday, February 6, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
ACCIDENTAL
**BARROWS GOLDENEYE**
Additional species mentioned
Long-tailed Duck
White-winged Dove
Snowy Owl
Golden Eagle
***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 <http://www.iowabirds.org>
***********************
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
CLAYTON COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along Garber Rd on the 31st.
EAST
BUCHANAN COUNTY
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen at the Iron Bridge on the 5th.
CLINTON COUNTY
A SNOWY OWL was seen along 230th St on the 4th.
SCOTT COUNTY
A BARROWS GOLDENEYE was seen at Lock and Dam 14 on the 5th.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Lock and Dam 14 on the 5th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, February 13, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
