Such records may have local or personal significance, but the number of statewide or regional published records for the period makes subsequent records insignificant on the basis of frequency of occurrence . It should be stressed that this list addresses records only on the basis of rarity, frequency of occurrence, and difficulty in identification. The intent is NOT to discourage reports of common familiar species. Changes in permanent and seasonal bird populations are significant and serve as monitors of serious environmental problems. Unusual behavior and interactions between or among species can be important.
Records involving albinism or melanism are always interesting.
Unusually high concentrations and daily counts make up a large portion of field note reports. And there are many other reasons for submitting records and reports of common or expected species. At any rate, records should be reported if there is any doubt of their significance. Through examination of the list and its codes, most Indiana birders should discover that they have much valuable information to contribute. In addition it should be apparent that there are many gaps in our knowledge of Indiana birds.