Date: 12/5/25 12:21 pm From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Eurasian Tree Sparrows in Ogden
Since having knee surgery recently, I'm currently stuck at home, not able to go out birding, even by car. But today it was a huge surprise to finally have a large number of Eurasian Tree Sparrows at our backyard feeders and trees. We only had one for just one day here earlier this year, that being the first I'd ever seen in Ogden. But now there are at least 10 or more, allowing me to sit inside by our deck door and get several photos of them. Two are included for you here--one in our magnolia tree and three at a feeder.
Date: 12/5/25 12:20 pm From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 12-5-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, November 29, to Friday, December 5, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
ACCIDENTAL
**SHORT-BILLED GULL**
Additional Species Mentioned
Surf Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
White-winged Dove
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 was seen at a private residence in Brandon on the 5th.
NORTHEAST
DUBUQUE COUNTY
A SHORT-BILLED GULL was seen at AY Macdonald Park on the 4th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Big Creek on the 5th.
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Walnut Woods SP on the 3rd.
NORTHWEST
BUENA VISTA COUNTY
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Storm Lake on the 29th.
2 SURF SCOTERS were seen at Storm Lake on the 30th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, December 12, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
*310th Road & Carroll Ave* *Northern Shrike*, 1 flushed from roadside, carrying a small rodent with its feet!
*Owego Wetlands* *Short-eared Owl*, 1 on gravel road shoulder Rough-legged Hawk, 4-5 Hovering hunting technique over grasslands Northern Harrier, 1 male, 4 females, coursing the grasslands at low altitude
*West of Luton along D-51 or 250th St.* *Snow Bunting*, 2 foraging alone on roadside
*Note: many of these sightings have one thing in common: extensive snow cover forcing birds to forage near plowed roads where feed and gravel (for their crop) are more readily accessed. Other open ground species such as* *Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, Ring-necked Pheasants, Am. Tree Sparrow, Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds can be found by patrolling plowed gravel roads.* *Also, while doing this keep your eyes open for Snowy Owls which have been reported in IA, NE and SD already this winter. These owls avoid trees but can be seen perched on hay bales, irrigators, roof lines, utility poles and roadside signs in open areas. *
Kayla Sheehan, Sioux City, IA Jerry Probst, South Sioux City, NE Bill Huser, South Sioux City, NE
Date: 12/4/25 6:05 pm From: Larry Dau <lgdau9...> Subject: [ia-bird] Boone County Today
Did some cold weather birding near the house and near Iowa Arboretum today. Found the following: Rusty Blackbird 1 Red-winged Blackbird 15 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 Common Grackle 2 Harris's Sparrow 4 White-throated Sparrow 10 Purple Finch 3 Several photos are attached, if you would like to look. Larry Dau Boone Co.
During a beautiful sunset tonight (12/2) at snow-covered Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, there were three Merlins seen at the same time. They flew around a bit, but between 4:54 and 5:06 (ss at 4:45) there was one in the spruce with the forked top in Block 20 and two in separate Amur cork trees in Block 27. Other sightings started as early as 4:35 pm in Block 21and Block 15, and briefly at 5:05 there were two about 3 feet apart in the cork tree in the SW corner of Block 27.
Today i found 3 Snow Buntings and 2 Eurasian Collared Doves near Ogden. At my feeders the last 2 days:1 Purple Finch1 Fox Sparrow1 Cowbird1 Common GrackleAttached photos of the cloudy day Snow Buntings including photos of them on a wire(kind of unusual).Larry DauBoone CountySent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Date: 12/2/25 1:37 pm From: Brian Broderick <brian.j.broderick...> Subject: [ia-bird] Swans on Lake Macbride (Johnson Co.)
Around noon today we saw 4 Trumpeter Swans on the lake: 2 adults and 2 gray young ones almost the size of adults. There's an area of open water on the lake that also attracted a Double Crested Cormorant, Bald Eagles, and Canada (and Cackling) Geese.
Good birding, Brian Broderick and Mary Bowler Solon IA
Date: 12/2/25 1:01 pm From: Seth Brooks <seth.a.brooks...> Subject: [ia-bird] Request for Submissions (not a bird sighting!)
Hello! I am working on a birding guide for Iowa's Loess Hills and Missouri River region.
I am seeking submissions for photos and content that could be included in the birding guide. More information can be found here: www.goldenhillsrcd.org/birding.html
Please forward to anyone that may be interested that has knowledge and/or photos or birding locations western Iowa's Loess Hills and Missouri River region.
Please contact me if you have any questions. Thanks!
Date: 12/1/25 9:37 am From: Wendy VanDeWalle <wtvandewalle...> Subject: [ia-bird] White-winged Dove Buchanan Co
Hi all!
I was quite surprised yesterday to see a White-winged Dove appear at my
feeder!
We got 13 inches of snow and I had not been feeding the birds before that.
I also have an Eurasian Collared Dove that it seemed pretty chummy with
yesterday afternoon. It doesn’t spend much time at the feeder and is hard
to spot when it’s roosting in the trees. New record for Buchanan Co!
Hello all
I spent a couple of hours this afternoon picking through the flocks of Lapland Longspurs and the birds that were “off by themselves” and found 1 snow bunting, 2 American Pipits, and 2 Smith’s Longspurs. There mostly like could have been more with the hundreds of birds along the road because of the snow in the fields
Sarah Bissell
W Burlington
----- Original Message -----
From: Ellen Fuller <cfuller989...>
To: <ia-bird...>
Sent: Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:57:10 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [ia-bird] Lapland Longspurs
This AM in Green Bay Bottoms along the Green Bay Road (Lee County)
there were hundreds (if not thousands) of Lapland Longspurs. They were
along the roadside because of the snow. Also, a small group (8-10)
Brewer's Blackbirds
were along the road as well.
Chuck Fuller
Burlington.
Hello all
I spent a couple of hours this afternoon picking through the flocks of Lapland Longspurs and the birds that were “off by themselves” and found 1 snow bunting, 2 American Pipits, and 2 Smith’s Longspurs. There mostly like could have been more with the hundreds of birds along the road because of the snow in the fields
Sarah Bissell
W Burlington
----- Original Message -----
From: Ellen Fuller <cfuller989...>
To: <ia-bird...>
Sent: Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:57:10 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [ia-bird] Lapland Longspurs
This AM in Green Bay Bottoms along the Green Bay Road (Lee County)
there were hundreds (if not thousands) of Lapland Longspurs. They were
along the roadside because of the snow. Also, a small group (8-10)
Brewer's Blackbirds
were along the road as well.
Chuck Fuller
Burlington.
With the weather change, feeders have been active. In addition to the common species, we have had Pine Siskins, RB Nuthatch, Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwing. What is mostly missing are Cardinals, for some reason. Bery Engebretsen Urbandale
Date: 11/30/25 11:36 am From: 'Art Check' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Feeder Birds
Nothing super rare but amongst the usual suspects today I had a red winged blackbird, grackle, Harris’s Sparrow and Red Breasted Nuthatch at the feeders
Art Check
Nevada
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 11/30/25 7:57 am From: Ellen Fuller <cfuller989...> Subject: [ia-bird] Lapland Longspurs
This AM in Green Bay Bottoms along the Green Bay Road (Lee County) there were hundreds (if not thousands) of Lapland Longspurs. They were along the roadside because of the snow. Also, a small group (8-10) Brewer's Blackbirds were along the road as well. Chuck Fuller Burlington.
Date: 11/29/25 8:03 am From: 'Art Check' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Harris’s Sparrow
First Harris’s Sparrow of the season on my feeders yesterday and today.
Keep your water and feeders full and open!
Art Check
Nevada
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 11/29/25 6:09 am From: Osness <ravenbuddhanow...> Subject: [ia-bird] Eurasian Tree Sparrow Story County
A Eurasian Tree Sparrow appeared this morning in my backyard. Getting some sunflowers during the snow storm. A White-throated Sparrow also joined the crowd of House Sparrows and House Finches. Nick Osness Ames
Date: 11/28/25 10:48 am From: Osness <ravenbuddhanow...> Subject: [ia-bird] Siskins and Bluebirds, Story County
There were 6 Pine Siskins and a like number of Easten Bluebirds drinking from our birdbath this morning. A couple of days ago there were 10 Bluebirds. Nick Osness Ames
Ran some quick pre-storm errands this morning. Most small ponds and pits have a coating of ice on them, a few deeper ones still have enough stored heat to maintain open water but that won't survive this week probably.
Pied-billed Grebe and Belted Kingfisher persist on the W. Des Moines River at the bridge on the northside of Humboldt. There were a handful of thin ice floats on the river that the grebe was ducking and weaving through.
At the intersection of 180th St and Delaware Ave. (SE of Bradgate) I found a Rough-legged Hawk perched, as they are wont to do, on the tippy top of a tree overlooking the 3 Rivers Trail.
Date: 11/28/25 9:22 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 11-28-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, November 22, to Friday, November 28, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
CASUAL
*EVENING GROSBEAK*
Additional Species Mentioned
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Pacific Loon
Western Grebe
Glossy/White-faced Ibis (2nd latest)
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.
EAST
LINN COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Cedar Lake on the 22nd.
2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen at Pleasant Creek SRA on the 28th.
BENTON COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Wildcat Bluff RA on the 22nd.
NORTHEAST
JONES COUNTY
A VARIED THRUSH was seen at Wapsipinicon State Park on the 23rd.
SOUTHEAST
JEFFERSON COUNTY
An EVENING GROSBEAK was seen at a feeder near Fairfield on the 26th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A PACIFIC LOON was seen at Saylorville on the 22nd.
A late GLOSSY/WHITE-FACED IBIS was seen at Ada Hayden Park on the 23rd.
SOUTH CENTRAL
MARION COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Red Rock on the 22nd.
NORTHWEST
BUENA VISTA COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Storm Lake on the 22nd.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Storm Lake on the 27th.
2 SURF SCOTERS were seen at Storm Lake on the 23rd.
A BLACK SCOTER was seen at Storm Lake on the 27th.
A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen at Storm Lake on the 27th.
PLYMOUTH COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen near Westfield on the 26th.
SOUTHWEST
UNION COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Twelve Mile Lake on the 23rd.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, December 5, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 11/23/25 2:37 pm From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: [ia-bird] Ogden's neighborhood hawk visted us again
For years there have been a pair of Cooper's Hawks nesting in trees a few blocks from us. Both the adult male and female, plus new juveniles, really like our yard because of the many birds and squirrels in our trees, at our feeders, and House Sparrows winter-hiding in a brush pile beneath our spruce trees. The very large adult female returned again about 3:15 this afternoon, perched on the brush pile for 10 minutes and allowed me to get several photos of her from our back deck, about 35 ft. away.
Date: 11/23/25 12:53 pm From: Neil Bernstein <tornataornata...> Subject: [ia-bird] new Iowa Bird LIfe
The 95-4 issue of Iowa Bird Life is now available on the IOU website with lots of interesting content including a poem, a haiku, and some artwork along with wonderful photos. The Records Committee has published an interesting report bringing together unusual sightings and updating our Iowa list, and the sighting of the Gray-headed Junco subspecies adds to their work. The board of directors has been busy, and you can read about their work as well as a summary of the Fall meeting. We have an analysis of the diet of the Limpkins that visited Iowa with implications for mussel conservation, and Connor Langan pulled together the field report for Spring 2025. I am happy to have a new installment of the *Meet and Iowa Birder *series as Kathleen Deetz wrote a short autobiographical sketch. I am hoping more of you will be inspired to send a short article about yourselves.
Date: 11/23/25 11:38 am From: Kathryn Deetz <kathryndeetz...> Subject: [ia-bird] Varied Thrush, Jones county
Hi birders,
This morning I found a Varied Thrush, along the creek side. Wapsipinicon state park in Jones county. Thrashing around in the leaves between the golf course and before the bridge.
Tonight (11/22) I observed four Merlins at the same time around sunset (ss 4:49) in Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. One was in the tall spruce in Block 15 from 4:44 to 5:00 (I did not arrive before 4:44). One was in the spruce in the NE corner of Block 21 until about 5:00. One was in the scraggly ash tree in Block G from about 4:50 to 5:00, and one was briefly in a spruce in Block 16 around 4:50 and then went to the big burr oak in Block H, where it sat until 5:11. Friday (11/21) I only found one Merlin at this time under heavily overcast skies. It was in a large deciduous tree in Block A of the Masonic section near the circular roadway, a new venue for me.
Date: 11/21/25 5:03 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 11-21-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, November 15, to Friday, November 21, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional Species Mentioned
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Long-tailed Duck
Pacific Loon
Western Grebe
Red-necked Grebe
Glossy/White-faced Ibis (3rd latest)
Semipalmated Plover (2nd latest)
Iceland Gull
Snowy Owl
Golden Eagle
Red Crossbill
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
LINN COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Cedar Lake on the 20th.
JOHNSON COUNTY
A REDPOLL was seen in Iowa City on the 18th.
A SNOWY OWL was seen at Sycamore Bottoms on the 18th.
NORTHEAST
BLACK HAWK COUNTY
A REDPOLL was seen at Hartman Reserve on the 15th.
DUBUQUE COUNTY
3 RED CROSSBILLS was seen at Deere Dike Park and Riverside Road on the 18th.
An ICELAND GULL was seen at AY McDonald Park on the 20th.
ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
A REDPOLL was observed at Lock and Dam 9 on the 16th.
CENTRAL
DALLAS COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Kuehn Conservation Area on the 15th.
POLK COUNTY
A late SEMIPALMATED PLOVER was seen at Saylorville on the 18th.
A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen at Saylorville on the 16th.
A PACIFIC LOON was seen at Saylorville on the 19th.
2 late GLOSSY/WHITE-FACED IBIS were seen at the Highway 141 Polk City Southbound Exit Ponds on the 19th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
MARION COUNTY
A PACIFIC LOON was seen at Red Rock on the 15th.
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Red Rock on the 16th.
A RED-NECKED GREBE was seen at Red Rock on the 15th.
NORTHWEST
BUENA VISTA COUNTY
A BLACK SCOTER was seen at Storm Lake on the 20th.
A LONG-TAILED DUCK was seen at Storm Lake on the 20th.
A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen at Storm Lake on the 20th.
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Storm Lake on the 20th.
DICKINSON COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Spirit Lake on the 17th.
A SURF SCOTER was seen at Spirit Lake on the 17th.
EMMETT COUNTY
13 LONG-TAILED DUCKS were seen at Ingham Lake on the 17th.
SAC COUNTY
2 BLACK SCOTERS were seen at Black Hawk Lake on the 20th.
SOUTHWEST
UNION COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Twelve Mile Lake on the 20th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, November 28, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 11/17/25 10:48 am From: newtja84 <newtja84...> Subject: [ia-bird] Errand run in Humboldt
Coming home from running some morning errands, had me find a Merlin at Union Cemetery on the northside of Humboldt, a Pied-billed Grebe on the Des Moines River leaving on the NW gravel road, and then a Northern Shrike NW of Rutland on the gravel road hinterlands along the S curve between the hog lot and Florida Avenue on 190th ST. Sunday morning had a small group of five Pine Siskins bopping around in the maple and ash canopies in Ottosen.
-----Original Message-----
From: 'Art Check' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2025 3:38 PM
To: Iowa Bird <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Merlin
Birders
Just had a Merlin probably chasing a little hapless bird off my bird feeders by my deck, fly right into my French doors and knock himself a little silly. My wife saw it happen so I was able to run over and see him sitting on his backside right next to the door. Fortunately, he got up and flew off in just a few seconds. Not the way I thought I would get a new yard Bird but anyway fun to see!
Art Check
Nevada
Sent from my iPhone
Birders
Just had a Merlin probably chasing a little hapless bird off my bird feeders by my deck, fly right into my French doors and knock himself a little silly. My wife saw it happen so I was able to run over and see him sitting on his backside right next to the door. Fortunately, he got up and flew off in just a few seconds. Not the way I thought I would get a new yard Bird but anyway fun to see!
Art Check
Nevada
Sent from my iPhone
Date: 11/14/25 11:02 am From: 'Tucker Lutter' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Westfield Christmas Bird Count - December 16
Hello Folks, Please join us for the Westfield Christmas Bird Count on December 16. Located at the northern terminus of the Loess Hills, the count circle encompasses some of the largest remaining prairies in Iowa, including Broken Kettle Grasslands, which is home to wintering Golden Eagles, Red-shafted Northern Flickers, a herd of American Bison, and formerly Iowa's only breeding population of Black-billed Magpies.
We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Westfield Community Center (215 Linden St., Westfield, IA) before breaking out into birding groups.
We will meet back at the community center at 12:30 pm for a potluck lunch and again at 5 PM for the compilation.
The backup date for inclement weather is Thursday, December 18.
Since we are having a potluck lunch, please plan to bring a main or side dish. Please let me know what you plan on bringing so we can have a well-rounded selection of food.
To RSVP, please respond to this email.
Good birding,
Tucker J. Lutter
Date: 11/14/25 5:59 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 11-14-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, November 8, to Friday, November 14,
2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
CASUAL
*RUFF*
Additional Species Mentioned
Surf Scoter
Black Scoter
Western Grebe
Golden Eagle
Townsend’s Solitaire
***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
LINN COUNTY
A RUFF continues at Power Plant Road Marsh on the 8th.
IOWA COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen near Amana on the 12th.
NORTHEAST
DUBUQUE COUNTY
2 SURF SCOTERS were seen at Deere Dike Park and Riverside Road on the 8th.
BLACK HAWK COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Brinker Lake at George Wyth SP on the 10th.
CENTRAL
BOONE COUNTY
A TOWNSENDS SOLITAIRE was seen just south of Boone on the 12th.
NORTHWEST
BUENA VISTA COUNTY
A SURF SCOTER was seen at Storm Lake on the 11th.
A BLACK SCOTER was seen at Storm Lake on the 11th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday,
November 21, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or
ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Hi yall! I have a day to bird! Saturday. I’d love to know where I can find
a pack of birds. Eagles, Sandhills, or ostriches. I live in central Iowa
and would drive a bit. Eagles would be grand. I know Sandhills is less
likely and Ostriches is for fun.
Rodger
Thanks
Date: 11/12/25 6:41 pm From: <ty.smedes...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not a recent sighting - A morning with a woods full of migrators
I spent a couple hours this morning at Beaver Bottoms Wetland (Dallas County, south of Granger) hoping to photograph a nice buck. He didn't appear but it was fun watching a woods full of migrators around me, consisting mostly of Bluebirds, Yellow-rump Warblers, Rusty Black birds, and a few other species mixed in. Interestingly, they gathered on the ice and along the shore of a bedroom sized pothole, adjacent to my stand. The ice was very thin, and I was surprised to see a few birds begin bathing, as a couple inches of water opened up along the shoreline. And they were mostly surrounded by ice! The distance was too great for photos of the bathing routine, but it was fun to watch anyway! Photos attached.
Ty Smedes
www.smedesphoto.com
"I believe in luck. And I believe the harder I work, the more I have of it."
Date: 11/12/25 2:56 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Two new Bald Eagle nests I photographed with Eagles tending.
In Boone County there is a new Bald Eagle nest being built two blocks North of the Woodward Resource Center WTP.
The second nest is in Polk County on the West side of Big Creek Lake, West of the Little Creek arm. This can best be viewed from the North 100th st Jetty looking West and also half way between NW 146th Ave and the jetty until leaves are on. This could be the pair that has been 1/4 mile North of the lake North of 150th ave. and will be interesting to see if there are two pairs nesting near the lake next Spring.
Date: 11/12/25 9:04 am From: weatherbird58 <weatherbird58...> Subject: [ia-bird] Townsend's Solitaire - Boone County
While trying to get some computer work done this morning, I was looking at a bluebird on a nest box in the front yard. A gray long-tailed bird landed briefly on the nearby mailbox post, and the difference in shape was quite different between the birds. I quickly grabbed my binoculars as it flew up along a maple tree trunk. Noted white eye ring and somewhat buffy tone to undersides, small dull wing patch and white outer tail feathers. Townsend's Solitaire again this fall/winter season! The solitaire jumped out to an open branch and I quickly got a poor quality photo (bird in the shade through the window and backlit by blue sky). It flew off and it hasn't been seen in over an hour. [image: SolitaireKJ.JPG]
Date: 11/12/25 6:02 am From: Sue Yeakel <sueyeakel...> Subject: [ia-bird] Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch! NW Story County, feeding from the tray feeder.
We also have cardinals, flickers, robins, house finches, juncoes, and
collared doves. It’s fun to see so much activity out here ‘on the prairie’.
Sue
Date: 11/10/25 12:01 pm From: Tommy Stone <tomtazzstone...> Subject: [ia-bird] Western Grebe at Brinker lake, George Wyth SP.
There is currently a Western Grebe, on the northeast part of the lake. It's only viewable, by parking at Brinker lake boat ramp parking lot., and walking the shoreline, east. It's is currently associated with a raft of Buffleheads.
Date: 11/10/25 9:20 am From: Brian Broderick <brian.j.broderick...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: RUFF juvenile Linn County - Powerplant Road marsh
Just made the location change in my ebird list with the Ruff. Thanks.
---Brian Broderick,
Solon
On Monday, November 10, 2025 at 9:27:54 AM UTC-6 <caloc......> wrote:
> To all who saw the Ruff and added it on eBird-
>
> Aaron Brees has added an official hotspot for this site, called "Lewis
> Bottoms marsh - private property". It would be useful for record keeping in
> ebird and for Iowa Ornithologists Union to move your sightings to this
> hotspot. In your account, you Manage Sightings, navigate to that sighting
> and Edit Location. You can then use Nearby Location on a Map and zoom in to
> find the new hotspot right near your pin and click on it.
>
> Word was the marsh froze over yesterday, and there was little to see
> there. It may thaw again and attract waterfowl but who knows about the Ruff.
>
> Jesse Ellis
> Coe College Biology
> Cedar Rapids, Iowa
>
> On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 7:31 PM Jesse Ellis <caloc......> wrote:
>
>> Hey all-
>>
>> I found a juvenile RUFF this evening at Power Plant Road and Hollenbeck
>> Road. The bird was on the SE side of the marsh and most easily seen from a
>> little hill on Linn County Learning Farm land to the west of that
>> intersection.
>>
>> It was mostly foraging and only once in a while flew from one spot to
>> another, and only spooked once, doing a circuit of the pond and returning,
>> mostly startled by Rusty Blackbirds, I think. So I'm hoping it sticks until
>> tomorrow. A few other folks from Linn Co made it in time to see it before
>> the light got too low.
>>
>> As I was leaving (well after sunsut) I stopped to chat with a kid who was
>> watching the geese come in to roost, and in one flock were three Cackling
>> Geese. There may have been another or two in other flocks but it's possible
>> they were repeat sightings of some of the first three.
>>
>> THEN, the boy says "what's that?" and points up - high in the air was a
>> heron, of some kind... Not big enough to be a Great Blue, and much more
>> compact, but far too big to be a Green Heron, and had too long of a bill
>> and legs to be a night-heron... a migrating American Bittern!
>>
>> There are bad photos and rough video that I think establish the ID at my
>> ebird list here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S283062979 >>
>> --
>> Jesse Ellis
>> Cedar Rapids
>>
>
>
> --
> Jesse Ellis
>
Date: 11/10/25 7:27 am From: Jesse Ellis <calocitta8...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: RUFF juvenile Linn County - Powerplant Road marsh
To all who saw the Ruff and added it on eBird-
Aaron Brees has added an official hotspot for this site, called "Lewis
Bottoms marsh - private property". It would be useful for record keeping in
ebird and for Iowa Ornithologists Union to move your sightings to this
hotspot. In your account, you Manage Sightings, navigate to that sighting
and Edit Location. You can then use Nearby Location on a Map and zoom in to
find the new hotspot right near your pin and click on it.
Word was the marsh froze over yesterday, and there was little to see there.
It may thaw again and attract waterfowl but who knows about the Ruff.
Jesse Ellis
Coe College Biology
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
On Wed, Nov 5, 2025 at 7:31 PM Jesse Ellis <calocitta8...> wrote:
> Hey all-
>
> I found a juvenile RUFF this evening at Power Plant Road and Hollenbeck
> Road. The bird was on the SE side of the marsh and most easily seen from a
> little hill on Linn County Learning Farm land to the west of that
> intersection.
>
> It was mostly foraging and only once in a while flew from one spot to
> another, and only spooked once, doing a circuit of the pond and returning,
> mostly startled by Rusty Blackbirds, I think. So I'm hoping it sticks until
> tomorrow. A few other folks from Linn Co made it in time to see it before
> the light got too low.
>
> As I was leaving (well after sunsut) I stopped to chat with a kid who was
> watching the geese come in to roost, and in one flock were three Cackling
> Geese. There may have been another or two in other flocks but it's possible
> they were repeat sightings of some of the first three.
>
> THEN, the boy says "what's that?" and points up - high in the air was a
> heron, of some kind... Not big enough to be a Great Blue, and much more
> compact, but far too big to be a Green Heron, and had too long of a bill
> and legs to be a night-heron... a migrating American Bittern!
>
> There are bad photos and rough video that I think establish the ID at my
> ebird list here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S283062979 >
> --
> Jesse Ellis
> Cedar Rapids
>
Date: 11/10/25 6:54 am From: 'Buckardt, Anna' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Question/Observation Jasper County
Hi All,
Good question from Chris.
I'm the avian ecologist for the Iowa DNR and I work closely with our state
wildlife veterinarian. Red-tailed hawks and other raptors are highly
susceptible to avian influenza. We have collected and tested many
red-tailed hawk carcasses over the last couple of years and in most cases,
we are finding they have died of avian influenza. These birds likely prey
on infected birds or mammals and then they themselves get sick and die. We
do not yet have good information on the population impact of highly
pathogenic avian influenza on red-tailed hawks, but we do know that they
are one of the most common species we receive for HPAI testing (and are
often positive) and there seems to be fewer of them around lately, and
these two facts are likely linked. We do also test birds for rodenticides,
and there are some cases that confirm that risk as well, but by far and
away, the red-tailed hawks we receive have died of avian influenza.
> Raptors have intimate contact with birds infected with avian flu, as the
> sick members of a flock are more likely to be preyed upon.
>
> Matt Kenne
>
> Algona, Iowa
>
>
> On 2025-11-08 10:07 am, 'Christopher Knisley' via IA-BIRD wrote:
>
> I’m wondering if our Red-tailed Hawks have succumbed to either the avian
> flu or led poisoning. In the past 11 years I’ve lived in Jasper County I
> have never seen so few. Is this happening in other areas of the state too?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> Chris Knisley
> 611 Blake St.
> Colfax, IA. 50054-1708
> Cell (515) 556-6923
>
> --
> 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
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>
Raptors have intimate contact with birds infected with avian flu, as the sick members of a flock are more likely to be preyed upon.
Matt Kenne
Algona, Iowa
On 2025-11-08 10:07 am, 'Christopher Knisley' via IA-BIRD wrote:
> I'm wondering if our Red-tailed Hawks have succumbed to either the > avian flu or led poisoning. In the past 11 years I've lived in Jasper > County I have never seen so few. Is this happening in other areas of > the state too? > > Sent from my iPhone > Chris Knisley > 611 Blake St. > Colfax, IA. 50054-1708 > Cell (515) 556-6923
Date: 11/8/25 10:32 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Question/Observation Jasper County
Hi Chris, The decline in the number of hawks is directly related to the
Avian Flu but not by contracting the virus. They are not social birds
lilike so many that flock and feed together but generally relating to the
mate or a few mile area. I'd say it is directly related to the number of
confiements in your area. Confinement farms are aggressively killing birds
(primarily sparrows, starlings and pigeons). That said, a hawk is not
going to be ignored by hired hunters like I saw on their roll top bed cover
this summer with 30 pigeons leaving a confinement. Protecting the flock is
number one regardless of the environmental impact by poison that would more
directly impact raptors. I see why this is happening but there's not an
easy answer when it comes to prioritizing what's most important. Each group
sees it differently and a no win situation. Here is an overview of the
number of bird units in Jasper County I genereated by AI. Clayton Will,
Madrid..........The exact number of commercial chicken farms in Jasper
County, Iowa, is not publicly available as the data is withheld by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) to avoid disclosing information for
individual operations. However, official data does show how many farms have
chicken inventory.
According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture for Jasper County:
- There were 3,925 farms with "layers" (hens raised for eggs). This
number represents farms with any amount of layers, from a few backyard
chickens to large commercial operations.
- There were 577 farms with "broilers and other meat-type chickens".
Iowa is a national leader in egg production, with nearly 58 million layers
across the entire state. While the specific commercial farm count for
Jasper County is private, the large number of farms with layers indicates a
significant poultry presence in the area.
On Sat, Nov 8, 2025, 10:07 'Christopher Knisley' via IA-BIRD <
<ia-bird...> wrote:
> I’m wondering if our Red-tailed Hawks have succumbed to either the avian
> flu or led poisoning. In the past 11 years I’ve lived in Jasper County I
> have never seen so few. Is this happening in other areas of the state too?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> Chris Knisley
> 611 Blake St.
> Colfax, IA. 50054-1708
> Cell (515) 556-6923
>
> --
> 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/<9FB3A854-A8EF-4B82-994E-D21D03C00960...> > .
>
Date: 11/8/25 8:07 am From: 'Christopher Knisley' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Question/Observation Jasper County
I’m wondering if our Red-tailed Hawks have succumbed to either the avian flu or led poisoning. In the past 11 years I’ve lived in Jasper County I have never seen so few. Is this happening in other areas of the state too?
Sent from my iPhone
Chris Knisley
611 Blake St.
Colfax, IA. 50054-1708
Cell (515) 556-6923
Date: 11/7/25 5:49 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 11-7-25
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, November 1, to Friday, November 7, 2025:
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
CASUAL
*RUFF*
Additional Species Mentioned
Surf Scoter
White-winged Scoter
Black Scoter
Red-throated Loon
Western Grebe
Glossy/White-faced Ibis
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
LINN COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Wickiup Hill Learning Center on the 4th.
A RUFF was seen at Power Plant Rd Marsh on the 6th.
NORTHEAST
DUBUQUE COUNTY
3 BLACK SCOTERS were seen at Deere Dike Park and Riverside Road on the 3rd.
FAYETTE COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen along G Ave on the 4th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A RED-THROATED LOON was seen at Saylorville on the 6th.
A SURF SCOTER was seen at Saylorville on the 4th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
MARION COUNTY
2 SURF SCOTERS were seen at Red Rock on the 1st.
A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was seen at Red Rock on the 1st.
A BLACK SCOTER was seen at Red Rock on the 4th.
SOUTHWEST
FREMONT COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Waubonsie SP on the 1st
WEST
GUTHRIE COUNTY
A GLOSSY/WHITE-FACED IBIS was seen at Bays Branch on the 4th.
HARRISON COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Desoto NWR on the 6th.
NORTHWEST
PLYMOUTH COUNTY
A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen at Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve on the 2nd.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, November 14, 2025 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 11/6/25 7:42 am From: John Cecil <jcecil01...> Subject: [ia-bird] Keokuk CBC 12-15-2025
Fellow birders,
As winter approaches, it is time for the Annual CBC counts. The Keokuk CBC will be held on Monday, December 15. I have had the privilege of having a small, but very capable crew of birders assist me over the years. However, I would be very happy to accept any additional birders to assist. If you are interested in helping out, feel free to contact me at 515-850-9694.
Date: 11/5/25 5:32 pm From: Jesse Ellis <calocitta8...> Subject: [ia-bird] RUFF juvenile Linn County - Powerplant Road marsh
Hey all-
I found a juvenile RUFF this evening at Power Plant Road and Hollenbeck Road. The bird was on the SE side of the marsh and most easily seen from a little hill on Linn County Learning Farm land to the west of that intersection.
It was mostly foraging and only once in a while flew from one spot to another, and only spooked once, doing a circuit of the pond and returning, mostly startled by Rusty Blackbirds, I think. So I'm hoping it sticks until tomorrow. A few other folks from Linn Co made it in time to see it before the light got too low.
As I was leaving (well after sunsut) I stopped to chat with a kid who was watching the geese come in to roost, and in one flock were three Cackling Geese. There may have been another or two in other flocks but it's possible they were repeat sightings of some of the first three.
THEN, the boy says "what's that?" and points up - high in the air was a heron, of some kind... Not big enough to be a Great Blue, and much more compact, but far too big to be a Green Heron, and had too long of a bill and legs to be a night-heron... a migrating American Bittern!
