Both accepted and not accepted records are published in committee reports. More importantly, evidence for ALL records is permanently filed and available. Those whose reports fail to gain acceptance should not take this as a judgment that the bird was misidentified or that the observer's abilities are questioned but that the submitted evidence was insufficient to support the identification. Remember, these files must measure up to the adequacy of the historical record being maintained. Ultimately all reports become part of the historical record, and as such are very important in writing the ornithological history of Connecticut.
Many people watch birds solely for their own enjoyment, and their lists are their own business.
The Connecticut Warbler , then written descriptions are essential, but your list is your own. Doing one's level best to document a rarity is all we expect. Unfortunately, the committee often is put into the position of being the arbiter of lists not associated with the purpose and intent of its work. When people compare their list of species seen in Connecticut with other birders, the basis for comparison is usually the official state list. As a result, sometimes the committee is put into an uncomfortable position it neither desires or enjoys.