All roundupsNortheast · week ending August 21, 2026
The week in rare birds
Late August migration is bringing scarce shorebirds and storm-petrels to Northeast coastal areas, with significant activity across multiple states. Stray tropical seabirds and warblers add unexpected diversity to what is shaping up as a notable week.
Up to 22 birds appeared at Winthrop Beach and Five Sisters, Massachusetts on August 21, part of 18 total reports across two states this week. This represents significant coastal pelagic activity during late summer migration.
Winthrop Beach and Five Sisters · August 21, 2026 · 22 birds
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Brown Booby in Rhode Island
Three birds were documented at Jamestown on August 20, contributing to 32 reports across a single state. This tropical seabird remains notably rare for the Northeast during this season.
64 Bay View Dr N, Jamestown US-RI 41.57327, -71.37110 · August 20, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Stilt Sandpiper Movement
Up to three birds were recorded at Delta Park IBA, Vermont on August 21, part of 24 reports spreading across two states. This shorebird is moving through coastal and inland wetlands during migration.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Wood Stork Appearance
One was sighted at Cape Island in New Jersey on August 21, representing one of 15 reports across three states this week. This southern wader continues its uncommon northeastern occurrence.
Cape Island--Lafayette St. bridge/marina · August 21, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Cape May Warbler Activity
Up to four birds were found at Sewickley Heights Borough Park, Pennsylvania on August 21, with nine reports total across three states. Early fall migration is bringing this spruce specialist into varied habitats.
Sewickley Heights Borough Park · August 21, 2026 · 2 birds
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Great White Heron (Great Blue variant)
One bird was documented at Kittery Town Wharf, Maine on August 21, part of 16 reports within a single state. This white morph remains an exceptional sighting for northeastern waters.
