What and How to Report

The Iowa Ornithologists' Union, which serves as the repository of data on the state's bird population over time,  encourages reporting of bird sightings by beginners as well as experts.

There are several ways to report sightings of the birds you see with the method somewhat dependent upon the rarity. This guide is intended to help you decide which method or methods to use.

Important Dates

  • March 5

    All winter (Dec-Feb) reports and documentations should be entered

  • June 5

    All spring (Mar-May) reports and documentations should be entered

  • August 5

    All summer (Jun-Jul) reports and documentations should be entered

  • December 5

    All fall (Aug-Nov) reports and documentations should be entered



Reporting Tools

  • IA-BIRDIA-BIRD - the listserv is the quickest way to spread the word to many people about a good bird or to provide some insight into seasonal changes as they are happening. The list is also the primary source of reports for the weekly RBA. If you are not subscribed, you may join by clicking here.  Please note that listserv reports are only archived for a short time and ARE NOT used for seasonal reports.
  • Seasonal Field ReportsSeasonal Field Reports - One of the major activities of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union is to maintain seasonal reports of bird activity and populations throughout the state. While reports on the listserv are important for immediate communication, field reports are even more important for archiving the state of bird populations over time. Reports generally consist of unusual sightings or concentrations; first, peak, and last dates of migrants; and early and late dates. If you report an unusual bird to the list, please log into the field reports entry page and add your sighting there as well. Registration is free and you will be adding to the data available for future generations.
  • Rare Bird Documentation FormRare Bird Documentation Form - Occasionally there is a need to capture even more detail of a bird sighting than is possible in the short comments of field reporting. For species categorized as accidental or casual on the state list (see review list), documentation is required. Sometimes, for early and late dates, the seasonal editor may also request that you complete a documentation form. These written descriptions, along with the Records Committee votes and comments, provide archived verification of unusual sightings. To understand better the process of the Records Committee, please see the Records Committee web page.
  • Important Bird Areas Breeding DataImportant Bird Areas Breeding Data - Breeding data is needed on criteria species found in nominated and designated IBAs.  After visiting one of these areas, particularly in the spring and summer, please consider adding your observations to the IOU database through the use of our Seasonal Field Reports application and be a citizen-scientist contributor to long-range conservation of our birds.