All roundupsMidwest · week ending September 7, 2026
The week in rare birds
A rare Swallow-tailed Kite graced Wisconsin this week amid an exceptional surge of shorebird activity across the region. Red Crossbills continue their impressive multi-state distribution, while several warbler and flycatcher species signal the onset of fall migration.
A Swallow-tailed Kite appeared near Jefferson, Wisconsin on September 6, marking just the third state in this week's 17 regional reports. This species remains exceptionally rare in the Midwest, with sightings across only three states documented this period.
2376 Wisconsin 106, Jefferson, Wisconsin, US (42.932, -88.656) · September 6, 2026 · 2 birds
Up to 26 Buff-breasted Sandpipers gathered at a Fowlerville, Michigan location on September 6, representing the largest count this week. This shorebird has been reported across six Midwest states with 16 total sightings in seven days.
9380 West Sherwood Road, Fowlerville (42.714, -84.03) · September 6, 2026 · 2 birds
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Red Crossbill Distribution
Red Crossbills continue widespread movement across the Midwest, with 32 reports spanning seven states and counts reaching 25 birds at an Ottawa, Wisconsin trail on September 7. This multi-state pattern reflects ongoing irruptive behavior in the region.
Ottawa horse trail parking lot · September 7, 2026 · 7 birds
A Connecticut Warbler was found at a Little Miami River access point in Ohio on September 7, part of 14 reports across three Midwest states this week. This elusive warbler species marks an important fall migration indicator for the region.
Otto Armleder Memorial Park--Little Miami River Canoe Access · September 7, 2026 · 1 bird
A Red Knot appeared at Walnut Beach Park, Ohio on September 7, part of 16 sightings confined entirely to a single state. This shorebird remains geographically concentrated despite significant week-long activity.
A Neotropic Cormorant was documented at Metro Beach Metropark, Michigan on September 6, one of 13 reports across five Midwest states. This species continues its wider regional presence throughout the week.
Lake St. Clair Metropark (Metro Beach Metropark) · September 6, 2026 · 1 bird
