All roundups
West · week ending September 21, 2026

The week in rare birds

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Notable run

Piratic Flycatcher dominance

Piratic Flycatcher accumulated 32 reports across two states, with the latest sighting at Base and Meridian WA, Arizona on September 20. This represents an extraordinary reporting surge for the species in the region.

Base and Meridian WA · September 20, 2026 · 1 bird

Across the region

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper concentrated in Washington

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper appeared in 30 reports from Washington alone, with up to two birds at Lummi Flats on September 20. This shorebird showed intense focus in a single state despite the extreme report count.

Lummi Flats · September 20, 2026 · 1 bird

Rare report

Sabine's Gull in Wyoming

Sabine's Gull was recorded at Clear Creek Wetlands, Wyoming on September 21, with up to three birds present. The species appeared across five states with only 15 total reports, making this a locally significant find.

Clear Creek Wetlands · September 21, 2026 · 1 bird

Rare report

White Wagtail in Montana

White Wagtail surfaced at Warm Springs WMA--Arco Ponds, Montana on September 20. This single-state species with 17 reports represents a notable arrival for the northern tier.

Warm Springs WMA--Arco Ponds · September 20, 2026 · 1 bird

Notable run

Evening Grosbeak showing at Idaho orchard

Evening Grosbeak gathered 18 reports across three states, with a flock of 13 birds at an orchard in Idaho on September 20. This movement suggests early season mountain vagrant activity.

the orchard · September 20, 2026 · 1 bird

Rare report

Pectoral Sandpiper in California

Pectoral Sandpiper was detected at Durnel Dr--South of Nelson Rd., California on September 20, with up to four birds counted. The species appeared across three states in 26 reports.

Durnel Dr--South of Nelson Rd. · September 20, 2026 · 1 bird