The West saw widespread rare shorebird and tern activity this week, with notable concentrations along the Pacific coast and interior basins. Seven states produced multiple sightings of vagrants and early migrants across the region.
Long-tailed Jaeger concentration at Utah reservoir
Twenty-seven reports of Long-tailed Jaeger came from Rockport Reservoir and SP in Utah, with the latest sighting on August 21. This represents an unusual concentration for the species in the interior West.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Elegant Tern surge along Oregon coast
Up to 25 Elegant Terns appeared at Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail, Oregon, on August 21. Reports came from two states, indicating a notable coastal movement event.
Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail · August 21, 2026 · 11 birds
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Notable run
Black Tern activity in Hawaii waterbird sanctuary
Fourteen Black Terns were recorded at Kawai'ele State Waterbird Sanctuary, Hawaii, on August 20. Two states produced fifteen reports of this species over the past week.
Kawai'ele State Waterbird Sanctuary · August 20, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Purple Gallinule at California coastal refuge
Purple Gallinule appeared at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary's Fledgling Loop Trail, California, on August 21. Nineteen reports across two states marked significant activity for this southern vagrant.
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary--Fledgling Loop Trail · August 21, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Snow Goose gathering in Idaho wetland
Up to 28 Snow Geese were documented at Fort Boise WMA, Idaho, on August 21. Reports spanned six western states, indicating early movement from Arctic breeding grounds.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Eastern Kingbird at Point Reyes ranch
An Eastern Kingbird was sighted at Pt. Reyes-Mendoza Ranch, California, on August 21. Five western states generated fourteen reports, suggesting dispersal from breeding areas.
Pt. Reyes--Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch) · August 21, 2026 · 1 bird
