The West's waterbirds dominated this week, with rare jaegers and shearwaters drawing pelagic attention while inland reservoirs hosted early shorebirds and terns. Mountain parks and riparian zones offered unexpected vagrant passerines from the East.
This pelagic specialist appeared across 2 western states with 38 total reports, reaching Rockport Reservoir and SP in Utah on August 23. The species remains scarce inland, making this documentation noteworthy for regional records.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Across the region
Elegant Tern Colony Gathering at Westport Jetty
Up to 80 birds congregated at Westport Jetty, Washington on August 23, representing the week's largest single count for this species. Reports spanned 2 states with 13 total sightings, suggesting significant coastal movement.
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Buller's Shearwater Off Hawaii
A single pelagic hotspot in Hawaii produced 14 reports with a peak of 31 birds on August 22, the week's most concentrated shearwater activity. This species remained confined to Hawaiian waters throughout the reporting period.
Hawaii, US (22.116, -159.81) · August 22, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Notable run
Common Tern at Quartermaster Reach
Two birds appeared at UBIF official Quarter Master reach in California on August 23, part of 25 reports across 2 states. Early-season tern presence suggests imminent fall passage buildup.
UBIF official use only Quarter Master reach · August 23, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
Northern Waterthrush at Provo River Delta
This eastern warbler reached Provo River Delta Gateway Park in Utah on August 23, extending across 5 western states with only 7 records total. The sighting represents significant vagrant activity for an uncommon vagrant species.
Provo River Delta Gateway Park · August 23, 2026 · 1 bird
Flockline species illustration · Not the reported individual.Rare report
South Polar Skua at Grindstone Lake
This exceptional pelagic vagrant appeared at Grindstone Lake, New Mexico on August 23, the only state report among 14 total sightings this week. The inland New Mexico occurrence represents highly unusual distribution for this species.
