A bill has been introduced in the State Legislature today, Senate
Bill ("SB") 5066, which would designate a State Ornithologist. The bill says
in part: "In making the appointment the director [of Fish & Wildlife] shall
consider recommendations of candidates from public and private avian research
institutions, the ornithology department at the Burke museum of natural
history and culture, the private research sector, and public organizations
relating to ornithology. The state ornithologist serves at the pleasure of
the director. The position shall be honorary, and the state ornithologist
shall serve without compensation."

The complete text of the bill can be found here:
http://dlr.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/default.aspx?year=2009&bill=5066

Cheers,

Andrea Grad
Shoreline/Tokeland
agrad at helsell.com