OK, OK. There are reasons why I suggested dropping the Goldfinch as our
state bird. One is that I hardly ever see them (whereas there are 5 V-G
Swallows swooping outside my office window as I sit here typing). Apparently
others out there in Tweeterland have more luck with them than I do.

The other reason is the one Don Baccus gave, which is that there is nothing
that ties the AMGO *specifically* to Washington. Why couldn't we at least
choose a western species, like Townsend's Warbler, Band-tailed Pigeon, or V-G
Swallow--or better yet, a more specifically Cascadian one like the Varied
Thrush or C-B Chickadee.

I have nothing against goldfinches, but I feel we should be honoring a
species that contributes to Washington's uniqueness.

Nick Pharris
Olympia, WA
NJPharris at aol.com