In 1970, I was newly arrived in Olympia from DC and pretty lonely. I was working for the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation which was then located in the old Clara Mae Rest Home overlooking the golf course and Mt. Rainier (not a bad first-job office). One morning I looked out and saw a totally improbable bird with a red head, brilliant yellow body and black trim. I was so stunned that I took off to the public library to find a bird book. I was so pleased by the Western Tanager that I ended up joining the Tahoma Chapter Audubon Society led by Helen Engle . (In those days the Olympia Chapter was viewed as subversive or way out or trouble making. I don't remember why except that when I did attend their events, I had a great time. )

Caroline Feiss
Madrona Neighborhood, Seattle
mailto:cfeiss at halycon.com