The South experienced a strong week of late-summer vagrant activity, with shorebirds dominating reports across the Carolinas and multiple raptor species appearing in unusual concentrations. Swallow-tailed Kites led the charge with 106 reports across nine states, signaling robust dispersal movement through the region.
Nine states reported 106 sightings of this spectacular raptor, with a maximum of 36 birds. The latest record came from Nicholasville, Kentucky on August 21, representing exceptional numbers for late summer dispersal across the South.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Hudsonian Godwit Peak at North Carolina Shorebird Hotspot
Up to 48 birds recorded at Hooper Lane, North Carolina on August 21, marking the week's highest count for this species. The sighting represents significant staging activity across just two reporting states with 23 total reports.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Mississippi Kite Reported Across Seven States
This species generated 40 reports from seven states with up to 6 birds per sighting. The latest observation came from Nicholasville, Kentucky on August 21, indicating active summer dispersal throughout the region.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Baird's Sandpiper Moving Through the Carolinas
North Carolina's Hooper Lane recorded this shorebird on August 21 during active migration. Across five states, 43 reports documented up to 2 birds per sighting, typical for this species' transient passage.
Hooper Ln, Mills River US-NC (35.3959,-82.5440) · August 21, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Black Tern Congregation in North Carolina
Ecusta Pond hosted up to 16 birds on August 21, the week's highest count for this species across four reporting states. The 13 total reports reflect active late-summer staging along the Atlantic coast region.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Lesser Black-backed Gull Established in Louisiana
Twenty-nine reports concentrated in one state, with up to 2 birds per sighting at a coastal location near coordinates 29.24413, -89.96966. This represents sustained presence through August 19 in the Gulf region.
Auto selected 29.24413, -89.96966 · August 19, 2026 · 1 bird
