INDIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE
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.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
In 2023, the IBRC committee members consist of:
Ryan Sanderson– Chair (non voting)
Matt Igleski
Steve Bell
Brad Bumgardner
Nick Kiehl
Bill Sharkey
Kirk Roth
Libby Keyes
BIRDING ETHICS
IBRC suggests birders follow the ABA Code of Birding Ethics
DOCUMENTATION TIPS
Here are some helpful articles to get you started documenting birds:
- 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.
DOCUMENTATION
Document a Rare Bird
To document a rare bird in Indiana, please use our online documentation form.
Document Rare Bird
Golden-crowned Sparrow, April 2017. Photo by Matt Beatty.
Documentation of rare birds or questions about the IBRC should be directed to the IBRC Chairman at ([email protected]). Beginning in 2018, eBird checklists are eligible rare bird documentation forms, when forwarded to the chair. Such checklists should include standard documentation normally found on the official documentation form (detailed description, habitat, elimination of similar species, etc…).
- Review List
- Official Bird Checklist and Seasonal Bird Checklist
- Documentation Forms
- Bylaws (rules of operation)
- IBRC Summary Record Decisions: 2018 2017 2016 2014 2012, 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
- IBRC Complete Records Summary (700 records)
RECORD NUMBERS
Understanding IBRC Codes
