The list of continuing rarities in the ABA Area this week is a familiar one, with Kelp Gull (ABA Code 4) in Wisconsin and Steller’s Sea-Eagle (4) in Newfoundland back for what seems like forever. But the major highlight is the unexpected return of the Lesser Frigatebird (4) in southern California. The same bird that was seen earlier this summer in San Diego is now being seen on and off north of the city for the last week.

Late summer is shorebird season, and Washington has boasted some very nice species this month, with the state’s 1st record of Terek Sandpiper (3) in Snohomish Co leading the way. Most records of this widespread Old World species come, unsurprisingly, from Alaska, but there have been a handful in the Lower 48 and southern Canada, on both coasts, along with records for Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Additional notable birds in Washington include a Red-necked Stint (3)  in Pacific Co, and a White Wagtail in Grays Harbor Co. 

Up to Alaska where the summer brings a Terek Sandpiper (3) of their own to Anchorage, along with Pacific Swift (4), Common Greenshank (3), and Long-toed Stint (3) on St Paul Island. 

British Columbia also gets in on the shorebird fun with a Little Stint (3) on the southern end of Vancouver Island. 

In Alberta, an Eastern Wood-Pewee in Wetaskiwin Co is a 5th record for the province. 

Ontario’s 4th Broad-billed Hummingbird was seen at a feeder in Kenora. 

Michigan boasted a colorful Curlew Sandpiper (3) at Point Mouillée. 

New Jersey also had a Curlew Sandpiper (3) recently, a bird seen at Forsyth NWR. 

And in Connecticut, a young Wood Stork was a nice find near Waterford. 

Omissions and errors are not intended, but if you find any, please message blog AT aba.org and we will try to fix them as soon as possible. This post is meant to be an account of the most recently reported birds. Continuing birds not mentioned are likely included in previous installments of the ABA Rare Bird Alert. Readers should note that most of these reports have not yet been vetted by a records committee. All birders are urged to submit documentation of rare sightings to the appropriate state or provincial records committees. For full analysis of these and other bird observations, subscribe to North American Birds, the richly illustrated journal of ornithological record published by the ABA.