How to Report Rare Bird Sightings

1. Determine which species require Rare Species Documentation or Rare Nesting Documentation (PDF).

2. Download either a PDF or MS Word Rare Species Documentation (RSD) form. If you cannot print out a form from this website, please request one from VBRC.

3. Resources to help you complete a high quality report:

An example Vermont RSD form
How to Document Rare Birds - Donna L. Dittmann and Greg W. Lasley
How to Write Convincing Details - Mike Patterson

4. Send completed forms with any other evidence such as photos, videos, and audio recordings as attachments to VBRC.

5. Please enter all of your bird sightings on Vermont eBird. All records reviewed by VBRC are shared in Vermont eBird.

The committee meets in November each year to review Vermont bird records. Reports are accepted throughout the year, and reports received after Oct. 1 will be considered the following year.