I see this (Varied Thrush) as a perfect choice - it is accessible and
identifiable by most WA residents, is held in awe by birder and non-
birder alike, truly seems to represent WA state well, has a mystical
quality, brings out the passion in the Tweeterage and the general
populace (particularly Richard Rowlett - thanks for your 2 eloquent
posts, BTW) and has enough striking coloration to appeal to the kids
and, if it's call/song were to be played in the halls of the Capitol
in Olympia, it seems the many a legislator might even forego a minute
of a coffee break or a heavy discussion on taxes to allow the double-
note reverbs to sweep over them and cause them to dive back down to
the bottom of the stack of proposed bills and plunk it on top. I
think you are right Hal, that a good educational campaign could easily
at least put this state bird topic up for review in the fall, but I
rather think a couple of cleverly publicized appeals, with superb
visuals and sounds, might do the trick right now!

Nice to have a lot of positive energy felt on the list in such a
productive and good-willed way, for this and the more serious issue of
Barred Owl vs Spotted vs Habitat. Is it the sun and the promise of
spring's renewal that is affecting us for the better?

Barb Deihl

North Matthews Beach - Seattle

barbdeihl at comcast .net