All roundupsNationwide · week ending August 21, 2026
The week in rare birds
This week brought widespread activity across the central and eastern United States, with kites drawing particular attention in the Midwest and several coastal terns appearing along Great Lakes and Atlantic shorelines. Notable inland records included an impressive Red Crossbill concentration and multiple wader sightings
Four states reported 10 total sightings of Swallow-tailed Kites this week, with up to 4 birds noted together. The latest record came from Indiana on August 21, reflecting ongoing late-summer dispersal of this southern species northward into the Midwest.
2469–2883 SR-59, Brazil US-IN (39.4213,-87.1268) · August 21, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Red Crossbill concentration in Minnesota
A remarkable flock of 22 Red Crossbills, type 2 (Ponderosa Pine), appeared at Faraway Farm, Minnesota on August 21. This single report represents significant irruptive behavior for the species in the upper Midwest.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Notable run
Baird's Sandpipers in Pennsylvania
Six reports of Baird's Sandpipers came from Pennsylvania this week, with the latest at Bald Eagle State Park Swimming Beach on August 21. This shorebird concentration reflects typical late-summer migration patterns along inland waterways.
Bald Eagle SP--Swimming Beach · August 21, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Sandwich Terns at Point Lookout
Up to 3 Sandwich Terns appeared at Point Lookout State Park Campground, Maryland on August 21. This single state record of this coastal tern represents an uncommon inland occurrence for the week.
Point Lookout SP--Campground · August 21, 2026 · 3 birds
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Least Terns in Ohio
Five reports of Least Terns originated from Ohio this week, with the latest documented at Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area on August 21. This concentration underscores active late-summer tern movements through the Great Lakes region.
Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area · August 21, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Willow Flycatcher in Pennsylvania
Two sightings of Willow Flycatcher were recorded in Pennsylvania, including one at Wilbur Beers Family Nature Area on August 21. This western vagrant represents an unusual eastern occurrence for the breeding season.
Wilbur Beers Family Nature Area · August 21, 2026 · 1 bird
