Hi, Tweets

I agree with Jim B. re Washington's state bird. When the state bird campaign began in 1928 school children had named the Western Meadowlark to be chosen. Legislator's, however, were perplexed because Oregon had just chosen the meadowlark as its state bird. In 1931 another referendum was sponsored by the Washington Federation of Women's Clubs. This time the American Goldfinch won out over the Song Sparrow, Pileated Woodpecker and Western Tanager, but no political decision was made.

Twenty years later and after two more state-wide contests the state legislature let the children choose. In 1951 the American Goldfinch became our state bird.

Some things just don't need to be changed. The goldfinch is seen all over our state. I think the kids made a good choice. (And I do love Varied Thrushes!).

Cheers, Diann