Date: 7/16/26 7:24 pm From: 'Tucker Lutter' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] red crossbill help?
Just a clarification, I saw a crossbill in Hawarden in Sioux County today, not at Ledges so I am not sure if those crossbills were relocated.
Tucker Lutter
On Thu, Jul 16, 2026 at 8:55 PM, Tim Houghton<timdhoughton...> wrote: Are the red crossbills still being found, as first reported by Jungbluth, at SE corner of the upper park prairie at Ledges? i noticed that Tucker L. found them at Ledges today.
Thanks a ton for any help. I have never been to Ledges, a long drive from Omaha.
Tim Houghton
Date: 7/16/26 6:55 pm From: Tim Houghton <timdhoughton...> Subject: [ia-bird] red crossbill help?
Are the red crossbills still being found, as first reported by Jungbluth, at SE corner of the upper park prairie at Ledges? i noticed that Tucker L. found them at Ledges today.
Thanks a ton for any help. I have never been to Ledges, a long drive from Omaha.
There are a few field ponds left from the rains we had. Today in one pond I saw a dozen shorebirds and in another larger pond there were about 50 shorebirds. As far as I could tell, weeds and beans in the way, there were greater and lesser yellowlegs, least sandpiper, solitaire, pecs and killdeer.
The regular ponds had nice mud flats but now with the rains they are filled up.
There have been several sightings of partridge this past week. Otherwise, a bit slow.
Date: 7/15/26 12:58 pm From: Karen Fieg <karenlfieg...> Subject: [ia-bird] Discovery Pond at Jester Park Polk County
I thought I'd get a short walk on this hot afternoon and was rewarded with hearing and seeing a Yellow-throated Warbler about midway around the pond in the pines. It was worth the few mosquito bites I got. I've seen these birds at this location in the past.
Date: 7/15/26 6:53 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Red Crossbills at Ledges State Park. Boone County
On Wed, Jul 15, 2026 at 8:50 AM Clayton Will <willcfish...> wrote:
> This morning following up on Karl Jungbluth’s post (Thank you Karl) of Red
> Crossbills at Ledges I was able to get audio twice five minutes apart. I
> had been visiting with campground hosts Rick and Teresa just prior. They
> have a smorgasboard of bird feeders.
> Rick told me there will be many areas of the park closed in August for
> road resurfacing.
>
> Clayton Will
> Madrid
>
>
Date: 7/15/26 6:51 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Red Crossbills at Ledges State Park. Boone County
This morning following up on Karl Jungbluth’s post (Thank you Karl) of Red
Crossbills at Ledges I was able to get audio twice five minutes apart. I
had been visiting with campground hosts Rick and Teresa just prior. They
have a smorgasboard of bird feeders.
Rick told me there will be many areas of the park closed in August for road
resurfacing.
Date: 7/14/26 9:13 am From: jimforde via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Center Point Least Bittern Update
After the fog lifted at the marsh, I had only one sighting of a Least Bittern. At 8:30 a.m. one flew from the bank of cattails that border the east side of the road. It was skulking only a few feet from the road. Calls and songs were infrequent but at 8 a.m. they became very talkative for a brief period.
Date: 7/13/26 9:41 am From: jimforde via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Least Bitterns near Center Point
This morning from sunrise to 7 a.m. I saw a minimum of 2 LEAST BITTERNS at the marsh. I had a total of 3 sightings of flying birds, one being very high and heading south. The others disappeared into the cattails as soon they landed. Also, I heard their song for a short time. All were on the east side of the road and seen from the overlook.
Also in the marsh are 4 juvenile American Coot and a family of Blue-winged Teal.
Date: 7/10/26 6:23 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 7-10-26
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, July 4, to Friday, July 10, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
ACCIDENTAL
**ARCTIC TERN**
Additional species mentioned
Least Tern
Mississippi Kite
White-faced Ibis
Hooded 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 <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
SOUTHEAST
WAPELLO COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen over Memorial Park in Ottumwa on the 5th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A LEAST TERN was seen at Saylorville on the 5th.
An ARCTIC TERN was seen at Saylorville on the 4th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
DECATUR COUNTY
A HOODED WARBLER was seen along 310th St near Davis City on the 4th.
WEST
GUTHRIE COUNTY
A WHITE-FACED IBIS was seen at Bays Branch on the 5th.
NORTHWEST
PLYMOUTH COUNTY
A LEAST TERN was seen at Higman Quarry on the 8th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 17, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 7/4/26 8:56 am From: Karen Fieg <karenlfieg...> Subject: [ia-bird] American Avocets - Bay's Branch
Twelve American Avocets at South end of Bay's Branch, Guthrie County 10:50 am. Also one other larger shorebird I need to ID. Dozens of Killdeer continue. I haven't checked out north end yet, nor far SE corner. All the Canada Geese families are at South end too. This drained water area is making for some good birds!
Date: 7/3/26 7:22 pm From: Anthony Clifton <anthony...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Not a sighting. ? about the Arctic Tern
Good evening,
The gate to the beach is closed at the little toll kiosk but I parked
immediately to the left and walked down about 2/10 mile. Tern was present
at 5:15pm today but its favorite buoy was removed by park staff and it was
flying from beach toward marina shortly to the north.
I almost missed it but noticed it at last moment to capture this meh pic.
Anthony Clifton
Des Moines, Iowa
On Fri, Jul 3, 2026 at 9:11 PM Jeffrey Livingston <jeffandjenia...>
wrote:
Date: 7/3/26 7:11 pm From: Jeffrey Livingston <jeffandjenia...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not a sighting. ? about the Arctic Tern
Jenia and I were planning to drive up and try to see the Arctic Tern tomorrow, Saturday, and are wondering if the location is still accessible with the flooding? If anyone sees it could you please post it? Thanks!
Was present at 5:15pm today flying at good speed from the swimming area at Oak Grove beach toward the marina. The swimming buoys including its favorite were not present. I assume they were removed because the area was closed. Dickcissels and Red-wing Blackbirds were present nearby as well as Killdeer.
Date: 7/3/26 5:41 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 7-3-26
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 27, to Friday, July 3, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
ACCIDENTAL
**ARCTIC TERN**
Additional species mentioned
Snowy Egret
Glossy/White-faced Ibis
Least Tern
Mississippi Kite
***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
SOUTHEAST
WAPELLO COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at the Ottumwa Cemetery on the 2nd.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen at Sheridan Park on the 29th.
An ARCTIC TERN was seen at Saylorville on the 2nd.
A SNOWY EGRET was seen at the Big Creek Spillway on the 29th.
STORY COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI KITES were seen over Ames on the 2nd.
WEST
GUTHRIE COUNTY
A GLOSSY/WHITE-FACED IBIS was seen at Bays Branch on the 1st.
HARRISON COUNTY
A LEAST TERN was seen at Deer Island WA on the 27th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 10, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 7/2/26 11:21 am From: Tyler M. Harms <tyharms...> Subject: [ia-bird] Mississippi Kites - Ames
Birders,
There are currently two Mississippi Kites soaring / foraging in
northeastern Ames near the intersection of Duff and 14th Street. A fun bird
for the neighborhood!
Date: 7/2/26 11:02 am From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] No Artic Tern
The Arctic Tern is still there at 1pm, too, now flying all around over the
lake & catching food. It appears to maybe be in better health than when I
watched it just perched here on Monday.
Doug Harr
On Thu, Jul 2, 2026, 12:18 PM John Bissell <John.N.Bissell...>
wrote:
Employers Mutual Casualty Company | EMC Property & Casualty Company
EMCASCO Insurance Company | Union Insurance Company of Providence
Dakota Fire Insurance Company | Illinois EMCASCO Insurance Company
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of T J
Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2026 11:44 AM
To: Iowa Bird List <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] No Artic Tern
I looked for only 20 minutes but did spot the tern
Glossy Ibis and leucistic Killdeer from this morning at Bay's Branch.
Karen Fieg
On Wed, Jul 1, 2026, 10:06 AM Karen Fieg <karenlfieg...> wrote:
> Bay's Branch has been drained pretty much of most water. I saw this a week
> ago. It's a frog buffet and there are dozens of Great Blue Heron, a nice
> size flock of American White Pelicans. At far far north end, north of
> bridge, I have one ibis and several yellowlegs. I also had a leucistic
> Killdeer.
>
> A man taking down fence last week said he thought they were going to be
> doing repairs; therefore, the drain. But he wasn't positive.
>
> Lots of bullfrogs crossing the gravel at south end to get to the upper
> pond.
>
> Karen Fieg
> Grimes
>
Date: 7/1/26 8:06 am From: Karen Fieg <karenlfieg...> Subject: [ia-bird] Ibis, Bay's Branch Guthrie County
Bay's Branch has been drained pretty much of most water. I saw this a week ago. It's a frog buffet and there are dozens of Great Blue Heron, a nice size flock of American White Pelicans. At far far north end, north of bridge, I have one ibis and several yellowlegs. I also had a leucistic Killdeer.
A man taking down fence last week said he thought they were going to be doing repairs; therefore, the drain. But he wasn't positive.
Lots of bullfrogs crossing the gravel at south end to get to the upper pond.
Date: 6/30/26 7:23 pm From: Anthony Clifton <anthony...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. continues.
Hopefully I'm adding something of value to this thread, but our friend was
present in the aforementioned area from 7pm to 8pm, hanging out on the buoy
at 8pm. Seemed unperturbed by close passing jet skis.
Anthony Clifton
Des Moines, Iowa
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026 at 2:16 PM Russell Benedict <BenedictR...>
wrote:
Date: 6/30/26 12:16 pm From: Russell Benedict <BenedictR...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. continues.
Tern is here, 2:15 pm. South end of marked beach. Currently sitting on yellow buoy. Russ from 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 Tim Houghton <timdhoughton...>
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 12:09 PM
To: Clayton Will <willcfish...>
Cc: IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. continues.
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.
Here now south parking
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 10:54 AM Clayton Will <willcfish...><mailto:<willcfish...>> wrote:
The Arctic Tern is still present at 10:50. Viewed by Wendy, Hank and myself. There have been birders from Washington State, Missouri. Dubuque to Council Bluffs.
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 07:16 Clayton Will <willcfish...><mailto:<willcfish...>> wrote:
At 7 AM the Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. continues. It is presently skimming the water feeding at the South end of the swimming beach. Some good video at 30 yards.
Date: 6/30/26 10:09 am From: Tim Houghton <timdhoughton...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Re: Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. continues.
Here now south parking
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 10:54 AM Clayton Will <willcfish...> wrote:
Date: 6/30/26 8:54 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Re: Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. continues.
The Arctic Tern is still present at 10:50. Viewed by Wendy, Hank and myself. There have been birders from Washington State, Missouri. Dubuque to Council Bluffs.
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026, 07:16 Clayton Will <willcfish...> wrote:
> At 7 AM the Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. > continues. It is presently skimming the water feeding at the South end of > the swimming beach. Some good video at 30 yards. > > Clayton Will > Madrid >
Date: 6/30/26 5:17 am From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. continues.
At 7 AM the Arctic Tern found by Steve Dinsmore at Oak Grove RA Polk Co. continues. It is presently skimming the water feeding at the South end of the swimming beach. Some good video at 30 yards.
I hope to arrive at Oak Grove by NOON tomorrow, leaving to get there around
9:30. Would appreciate reports tomorrow morning before I leave, whether the
bird is seen or not, if anyone looks for it. Thanks.
Tim Houghton
On Mon, Jun 29, 2026 at 1:38 PM Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> wrote:
Date: 6/29/26 11:38 am From: Doug & Nina Harr <dnharr...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Arctic tern
I got to Oak Grove about 9AM this morning and was told it was at the south
end of the parking area, along the beach behind some small trees. And
there it was, perched on an old log on the water's edge. Definitely an
Arctic Tern, with a smaller red bill and short red legs. It perched several
minutes for some nice photo opportunities, one shot included here. I was
afraid it might not be worth my driving down nearly 40 miles after reading
the other emails last night, because I thought it would likely be gone
today. But it wasn't, and well worth my trip for an Iowa lifer and
portraits!
Thanks to Reid & Pam Allen for the first reports yesterday!
Doug Harr
Ogden
On Mon, Jun 29, 2026 at 11:57 AM Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...> wrote:
I was there at 10:45 today, and the bird was not on buoys/beach (there were beachgoers); another birder came up and said they located it to the south of the parking lot/beach. In bright/difficult light conditions, I briefly saw a small tern sitting on the shore in the little cove. I turned around to set up my scope and then it was gone.
Within a few minutes, scanning the lake (very windy, lots of whitecaps), I saw a distant small tern flying about mid-lake with a Caspian Tern. I assume I saw the Arctic Tern. However, as much as I’d like to count the lifer, I did not see any ID marks so it is possible it could have been a Forster’s.
I’ll check back later, hopefully the bird will stick around and I’ll get a good view and photos.
Thanks!
Wyman
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of Clayton Will
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2026 10:47
To: John Bissell <John.N.Bissell...>
Cc: Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...>; <wxqisu...>; IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Arctic tern
Employers Mutual Casualty Company | EMC Property & Casualty Company
EMCASCO Insurance Company | Union Insurance Company of Providence
Dakota Fire Insurance Company | Illinois EMCASCO Insurance Company
If anyone spots the tern this morning, please post it. I live 3 hours away and really want to see it, but don't want to waste the trip.
Thank you very much,
Chad
Unionville, MO
On Sun, Jun 28, 2026 at 7:09 PM <wxqisu...> <mailto:<wxqisu...> > wrote:
Thanks John Bissell’s quick ebird report.
When I got to Oak Grove, the Arctic tern was still on the buoy. These are the best pictures which can be obtained from the shore. It is too far away, but it is much much closer than Arctic🙂
Date: 6/29/26 8:56 am From: Karen Fieg <karenlfieg...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not a sighting - Carnegie Museum, Fairfield
I spent the weekend in Jefferson County/Fairfield for the Iowa Barn Foundation spring tour.
I visited the Carnegie Library/Museum and was very impressed by all of the exhibits on the third floor. There is a wonderful display of over 400 taxidermy birds from the turn of the century. Something else I learned that was fascinating, but sad, is there was a 185-foot light tower on the town square from 1882-1910. Unfortunately, during migration, hundreds of birds were disoriented and crashed into the tower. Local birders William and Carrie Ross would gather the dead birds for identification.
If you are traveling through Fairfield, I recommend visiting the Carnegie Museum.
Employers Mutual Casualty Company | EMC Property & Casualty Company
EMCASCO Insurance Company | Union Insurance Company of Providence
Dakota Fire Insurance Company | Illinois EMCASCO Insurance Company
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of Clayton Will
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2026 7:37 AM
To: Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...>
Cc: <wxqisu...>; IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Arctic tern
[cid:<image002.jpg...>]Arctic Tern continues at Oak Grove, Polk Co.. It flies off for several minutes and then returns. Good video and an audio file.
Clayton Will
Madrid
On Mon, Jun 29, 2026, 06:47 Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...><mailto:<chadvgatlin...>> wrote:
If anyone spots the tern this morning, please post it. I live 3 hours away and really want to see it, but don't want to waste the trip.
Thank you very much,
Chad
Unionville, MO
On Sun, Jun 28, 2026 at 7:09 PM <wxqisu...><mailto:<wxqisu...>> wrote:
Thanks John Bissell’s quick ebird report.
When I got to Oak Grove, the Arctic tern was still on the buoy. These are the best pictures which can be obtained from the shore. It is too far away, but it is much much closer than Arctic🙂
Employers Mutual Casualty Company | EMC Property & Casualty Company
EMCASCO Insurance Company | Union Insurance Company of Providence
Dakota Fire Insurance Company | Illinois EMCASCO Insurance Company
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of Clayton Will
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2026 7:37 AM
To: Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...>
Cc: <wxqisu...>; IA-BIRD <ia-bird...>
Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Arctic tern
[cid:<image002.jpg...>]Arctic Tern continues at Oak Grove, Polk Co.. It flies off for several minutes and then returns. Good video and an audio file.
Clayton Will
Madrid
On Mon, Jun 29, 2026, 06:47 Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...><mailto:<chadvgatlin...>> wrote:
If anyone spots the tern this morning, please post it. I live 3 hours away and really want to see it, but don't want to waste the trip.
Thank you very much,
Chad
Unionville, MO
On Sun, Jun 28, 2026 at 7:09 PM <wxqisu...><mailto:<wxqisu...>> wrote:
Thanks John Bissell’s quick ebird report.
When I got to Oak Grove, the Arctic tern was still on the buoy. These are the best pictures which can be obtained from the shore. It is too far away, but it is much much closer than Arctic🙂
Date: 6/29/26 4:47 am From: Chad Gatlin <chadvgatlin...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Arctic tern
If anyone spots the tern this morning, please post it. I live 3 hours away
and really want to see it, but don't want to waste the trip.
Thank you very much,
Chad
Unionville, MO
On Sun, Jun 28, 2026 at 7:09 PM <wxqisu...> wrote:
Thanks John Bissell’s quick ebird report.
When I got to Oak Grove, the Arctic tern was still on the buoy. These are the best pictures which can be obtained from the shore. It is too far away, but it is much much closer than Arctic🙂
Date: 6/28/26 11:18 am From: 'Reid & Pam Allen' via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Spelling Correction on Arctic Tern
Sorry for screwing up the spelling so badly on the Arctic Tern in Polk County which Reid and I reported around noon today.
Pam Allen
West Des Moines, Iowa
Date: 6/26/26 2:12 pm From: Clayton Will <willcfish...> Subject: [ia-bird] Not a sighting. New rental near Sax-zim Bog along Mcdavitt Road.
There will be a rental on Mcdavitt Road near the Bog for those who might be interested in going there. He states it will be available this coming Winter. It appears this gentleman is a family man and owns an asphalt business in Duluth. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Apv8Kpgmn/
Date: 6/26/26 7:03 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 6-26-26
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 20, to Friday, June 26, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
Western Grebe
White-winged Dove
Black-necked Stilt
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
White-faced Ibis
Glossy Ibis
Mississippi Kite
***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
JOHNSON COUNTY
3 WHITE-FACED IBIS were seen at Hawkeye WA on the 22nd.
SOUTHEAST
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
MISSISSIPPI KITES continue at Sheridan Park on the 23rd.
STORY COUNTY
A WESTERN GREBE was seen at Ada Hayden Park on the 20th.
A YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON was seen at the Nevada Recreational Trail on the 22nd.
SOUTH CENTRAL
APPANOOSE COUNTY
5 YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS were seen at Sedan Bottoms WMA on the 20th.
WEST
MONONA COUNTY
A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen at Lewis and Clark SP on the 21st.
SOUTHWEST
FREMONT COUNTY
2 BLACK-NECKED STILTS were seen at Waubonsie Access WMA on the 25th.
NORTHWEST
WOODBURY COUNTY
A GLOSSY IBIS was seen at the Dairy Ponds at 280th and Eastland Ave on the 23rd.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, July 3, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 6/22/26 6:15 pm From: Anna Buckardt <acbuckar...> Subject: [ia-bird] Good Birds on Nevada Rec Trail
Had a great list of species this evening on the rec trail in Nevada, in Story County. Started with a Carolina wren and yellow-billed cuckoo and ended with a 1st summer yellow-crowned nightheron. All three were in the quarter mile of trail between E Ave and the railroad tracks to the southeast.
Date: 6/21/26 4:09 am From: Paul Hubert <paulhubert123...> Subject: [ia-bird] Black-billed cuckoo Harrison co.
Early Saturday morning at Tyson bend wildlife Management area. I heard a black billed cuckoo. It said "coo, coo, coo", paused, and repeated. It would sing for 30 seconds to a minute stop and then start up again a few minutes later. And here's a cautionary tale. I recorded the song on Merlin. Then I closed the app. On my old iPhone, all my bird songs were automatically saved. But on my new Google phone. I have to select save. I didn't select save. I do have a short video that I believe includes the black Bill singing. If anyone would like to hear it I can upload it. Chip Hubert Omaha, NE
Date: 6/20/26 1:24 pm From: Dennis Thompson <cndthomps...> Subject: Re: [ia-bird] Yellow-crowned Night Heron
The YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS continue at Sedan Bottoms in Appanoose
County. We had five adults roosting together along 269th at the location
Tom Johnson previously reported. We also had two PROTHONOTARY WARBLERS at
the bridge on the way there.
Denny Thompson
Johnston
On Sat, Jun 13, 2026 at 12:41 PM T J <stsparrow47...> wrote:
Date: 6/19/26 5:31 am From: John and Anna Bissell <john.annabissell...> Subject: [ia-bird] Iowa RBA: 6-19-26
Iowa RBA birds reported from Saturday, June 13, to Friday, June 19, 2026
RARE Species Mentioned (documentation required)
NONE
Additional species mentioned
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Laughing Gull
Least Tern
Mississippi Kite
Pine Warbler
Prairie 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 <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.
SOUTHEAST
VAN BUREN COUNTY
A PINE WARBLER was seen at the Farmington Unit of Shimek SF on the 13th.
LEE COUNTY
A PRAIRIE WARBLER was seen at the Croton Unit of Shimek SF on the 17th.
CENTRAL
POLK COUNTY
A YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON was seen along NE Hubbell Rd near Bondurant on the 14th.
A LAUGHING GULL was seen at the Big Creek Spillway on the 18th.
A LEAST TERN was seen at the Big Creek Spillway on the 18th.
SOUTH CENTRAL
APPANOOSE COUNTY
3 YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS were seen at Sedan Bottoms WMA on the 13th.
NORTHWEST
SIOUX COUNTY
A MISSISSIPPI KITE was seen along Avenue M in Hawarden on the 13th.
A LEAST TERN was seen at Big Sioux RA on the 16th.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
A LEAST TERN was seen at Waters Edge Nature Center on the 13th.
The next scheduled report of the Iowa Rare Bird Alert will be for Friday, June 26, 2026 for the weekly report. Should any UNRECORDED or ACCIDENTAL species be reported, an update will be posted.
Date: 6/17/26 1:49 pm From: jimforde via IA-BIRD <ia-bird...> Subject: [ia-bird] Western Kingbird Continues in Cedar Rapids
Around 3:15 p.m. I relocated the WESTERN KINGBIRD along 26th St. S.W. It was working both sides of the road, staying low. Last seen near the 60th Ave. intersection.
Date: 6/16/26 8:06 am From: Neil Bernstein <tornataornata...> Subject: [ia-bird] June Issue of Iowa Bird Life
The June issue of Iowa Bird Life will be available on the website in the next 24 hours. There is a substantial paper documenting decades of Cerulean Warbler populations in northeastern Iowa, a reflection on working in a raptor rehabilitation clinic, and an essay on rescuing a Wood Duck from a chimney. Steve Dinsmore's comments on documenting birds and trends in fall migrants is interesting reading in the Field Reports, and there are two book reviews along with a review of the scientific literature documenting bird declines in NA. There are also poems and photos to savor, and we remember our departed friends Jim Fuller and Ann Johnson.
If you like shorebirds, you will look forward to the September issue.
Please send ideas, comments, poems, essays, and photos to keep IBL diverse and active.
