The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1934-04-05

cut Iowa, New Jersey and Tennessee-are with
out such feathered representatives, but an EFFORT
is under way to swing them Into line.
The ruby-crowned klnget has been suggested
as an appropriate avian emblem for Connecticut:
1t has been suggested that the Hawkeye state
would be an more appropriate nickname
for Iowa Ii Ii adopted the sparrow hawk for
It's official state bird; the bobonk ('Robert or
Lincoln1 Is a suggestion that Ia meeting with
favor for New Jersey; and Tennessee Is being
urged to choose the painted bunting or nonpareil.
The birds thus honored by the states have
been selected for variety of reasons-because
of traditional associations, for their beauty their
pleasing songs or their economic value In some
cases the campaign to have state bird named
was conducted by the state Audubon society but
In most instances the selection was the direct
result OF the efforts of the State Federation OF
Women's clubs.
An outstanding leader In this movement has
been Mrs Katherine B. Tippetts chairman of
the division OF conservation of the General Fed
Grafton of Womens clubs
Some time ago the American Nature associa-
ton published a booklet called Birds OF the
States-How, When and Why They Were Chosen
as Official Emblems' and In this booklet Mrs.
Tippetts reviews the campaigns which brought
about the selections of the various official state
birds follows;
I'm 1927 ut the request Of the Ladies Memorial
association, the legislature OF Alabama adopted
the Flicker, or yellow hammer the official
state bird The members OF this organization
urged the choice because the Alabama soldiers In
the Confederate army were known as Yellow
Hammers and the yellow lining of the birds
wings and tail recall the uniform colors OF the
Alabama cavalry.
I'm Arizona Mrs D. L Craig chairman OF con-
servation for the state, launched campaign for
state bird and ballots were cast for various
candidates. But when these we're counted the
cactus wren was out In front In a runaway
contest
4In Arkansas the State Federation OF Women's
clubs sponsored the mockingbird for official
honors. A campaign conducted under the
direction of Mrs W. A. Utley, this bird being the
overwhelming choice.
1.-THE California Audubon society and kindred
groups sponsored the campaign for a state bird
for the Golden state The final ballotlng revealed
the valley quail In the lead and on June H.
1884, the governor made the choice official.
I'm Colorado the selection of the lark bunting
came at the climax of campaign which was
conducted by ardent partisans.
I'm Delaware the mocklngbird made an UNI
successful run for state honors against the
cardinal, which was selected by a large majority
Of those voting In the campaign organized by
Mrs l.. Y. Atkins.
sponsored by the Audubon Society of st.
Petersburg, the vote for Floridas state bird was
active and interesting although overwhelmingly
for the mockingbird
Running safely ahead of the redheaded wood
pecker and the purple martin, the brown thrasher
was chosen by the school children Of Georgia
in 1923. The campaign was inaugurated by the
Fifth District Of the State Federation Of Won
ems clubs and sponsored by the Atlanta
Bird club and kindred groups.
"Interest In the campaign In Idaho ran high
AS the state federation conservation chairman
Mrs. e. II. Barton presented the western tanage
as the choice of the womens clubs of the state
But the children overruled her and In the baotlny
the mountain blnebIrd meadowark and robIl
were favorites. The former led the field an,
was generally endorsed, so Mrs. Barton fostere
official approval by the legislature and this be
came law In 1881