Iowa Records Committee
learning more about the birds of Iowa
The
Iowa Records Committee was formed in 1982 to evaluate all evidence of birds in the
state from the earliest literature to the present time and beyond. The committee's
work provides a solid, scientific baseline for monitoring the status
and distribution of species throughout the state. The committee works closely with
the seasonal field reports editors, reviewing unusual speices and unusual dates
to determine if enough evidence exists to enter the report into the permanent record.
Contrary to what some may think, the committee's purpose is not to pass judgment
on the validity of an particular sighting but rather on the evidence provided.
To better understand the process of how the Records Committee operates, please take
a few minutes to review our Operations Manual.
Reporting by individuals, through the seasonal
field reports and documentation form,
is critical to building our knowlege base on species occurrence and distribution.
These reports have shown us the rather abrupt retraction of formerly regular but
irruptive species like Evening Grosbeak to the influx of more southern species like
White-winged Dove which has gone from accidental to nesting in the last decade.
A number of different articles and reports are available for persons researching
Iowa's birds.