The Willow Goldfinch can be seen in many areas of Richland, Pasco and Kennewick. It is a delicate little bird with a bright yellow body and black wings. It can be seen in your back yard if you live in the Tri-Cities, Washington. You may watch them in the Hanford Reach or at the National Wildlife Refuge in Burbank, Washington, along with a wide variety of birds and wildlife.
Adoption of the Washington State Bird: The Washington Legislature struggled to adopt an official state bird for at least twenty years, beginning in 1928.
In 1928, the first of three campaigns was produced to decide on an appropriate bird to represent Washington. State legislators approached Washington school children with the question. Overwhelmingly, the children decided that the Western Meadowlark was the best choice. The Meadowlark is a wonderful bird, but legislators were concerned that this bird was popular in too many other states. Two other states had just adopted the Western Meadowlark (1927) as their own. Both the states of Oregon and Wyoming has adopted the Western Meadowlark as their state bird, and it was popular though unofficial, in several other states as well.
The Washington legislature did not take any action on the 1928 vote and, in 1931; the Washington Federation of Women's Clubs sponsored another statewide referendum. In this contest, the Willow Goldfinch made a strong showing over the Western Tanager, the Song Sparrow, the Junco and the Pileated Woodpecker.
By 1951, after two statewide contests, the Washington Legislature still had not approved a bird to officially represent that state. They called for a run-off between the Western Meadowlark and the Willow Goldfinch.
The Willow Goldfinch (American Goldfinch) was adopted as the official state bird of the State of Washington in 1951.
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