Indiana Bird Records Committee

The Indiana Bird Records Committee (IBRC) evaluates the evidence for records of birds that are rare or unusual in Indiana and maintains a state checklist. The IBRC also maintains a Review List of birds that require documentation. Anyone observing a bird on the Review List should submit written documentation along with any photographic evidence to the IBRC chairman.

By judging the authenticity of these submitted reports, our aim is to contribute to the study of bird population and vagrancy. For more information about our committee’s purpose and procedures, feel free to browse our Bylaws.

IBRC annual reports are published in the Indiana Audubon Quarterly.

Committee Members

In 2026, the IBRC committee members consist of:

• Ryan Sanderson – Chair*
• Jim Hengeveld
• Susan Hengveld
• Amy Kearns
• Nick Kiehl
• Aidan Rominger
• Frederick Ruckersfeldt
• Bill Sharkey

* Non-voting committee member

Birding Ethics

IBRC encourages birders to follow the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics.

Documentation Tips

Below are some helpful articles to get you started:

• Donna L. Dittmann and Greg W. Lasley. (1992) How to Document Rare Birds.
• Claudia Wilds and Robert Hilton (1992) Emerging from the Silent Majority: Documenting Rarities.
• Mike Patterson (1997) How to Write Convincing Details.
• Claudia Wilds (1985) On Taking a Notebook Afield.
• Indiana Bird Records Committee (2003). How and Why to Document Rare Bird Sightings.

To ensure your rare bird sightings are accurately documented for both your records and the birding community, these articles provide essential guidance and best practices.

Document a Rare Bird

To submit documentation for a rare bird in Indiana, click the button below to access our online form.

Document a Rare Bird

Documentation of rare birds or questions about the IBRC should be directed to the IBRC Chairman at [email protected].

 eBird checklists are eligible rare bird documentation forms, when forwarded to the chair via email. Such checklists should include standard documentation normally found on the official documentation form (e.g., detailed description, habitat, elimination of similar species, etc.).

Resources

• • Review List
  • Official Bird Checklist and Seasonal Bird Checklist
  • Documentation Forms
  • Bylaws (rules of operation)

• IBRC Complete Records Summary Archive (700 records)