All roundupsMidwest · week ending September 14, 2026
The week in rare birds
This week brought notable vagrant activity across the Midwest, with shorebirds dominating reports and several raptor sightings adding variety to the season. Multiple Purple Sandpipers at Illinois and strong crossbill numbers in Iowa highlight early fall migration patterns.
Purple Sandpipers continue their extended Illinois presence at Montrose Dunes in Lincoln Park, recorded through September 14. This single-state concentration represents 39 reports, making Illinois a critical monitoring location for this species.
Montrose Dunes, Lincoln Park · September 14, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Notable run
Red Crossbill Flock in Iowa
A significant Red Crossbill gathering of 22 birds appeared at UIU Central Campus in Iowa on September 13. This represents the largest count across 43 reports spanning five states this week.
An inland Brown Pelican was documented at Indianapolis on September 14, marking the sole state record in this week's reports. This represents 20 total sightings concentrated in Indiana.
8201 W 56th St, Indianapolis US-IN 39.85221, -86.30112 · September 14, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Red-necked Phalarope Across Five States
Red-necked Phalaropes appeared at Cass County Shorebird Spot in Indiana on September 13, part of a widespread pattern spanning five states. The 17 reports with maximum counts of two birds indicate consistent migration activity.
Cass County Shorebird Spot · September 13, 2026 · 2 birds
A Philadelphia Vireo was spotted at Rowe Sanctuary in Nebraska on September 13, contributing to 20 reports across two states. This represents a notable eastbound vagrant for the region this season.
Eight Evening Grosbeaks congregated near Jamestown, North Dakota on September 13, the highest count of this week's activity. This represents the largest gathering across 16 reports spanning three states.
1300–1498 First Ave NW, Jamestown US-ND (46.9210,-98.7092) · September 13, 2026 · 8 birds
