OREGON LAWS 2017 SCR 18

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 18 Whereas the osprey evokes Oregon’s lakes, riv- ers, streams and ocean; and Whereas the western meadowlark’s song and Whereas many Oregonians feel that it is time to bright colors have delighted generations of Orego- adopt the osprey as our state bird, valuing the raptor nians; and as a fitting symbol of Oregon’s rugged independence, Whereas the osprey in flight, with its striking strength and resilience; and Whereas other Oregonians favor the western markings against the sky, causes Oregonians to stop meadowlark, already our unofficial state bird, con- and stare in wonder; and sidering the songbird’s peaceful, mellifluous song to Whereas embracing the excellent qualities of one be an emblem of gentle beauty and culture within bird does not derogate those of the other; and this state; and Whereas while most states are content to be Whereas the question of whether the state bird limited to one state bird, Oregon recognizes the need should be a raptor or a songbird presents a false di- for another, understanding that there is room in the chotomy; and hearts of Oregonians for two symbolic birds; now, Whereas sometimes the best answer to an therefore, “either-or” question is “and”; and Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of Whereas Oregon is not wholly represented by the State of Oregon: one climate or region of the state; and That we, the members of the Seventy-ninth Leg- Whereas Oregonians, themselves, cannot be cat- islative Assembly, designate the osprey (Pandion egorized as only one type of person; and haliaetus) as the official state raptor of Oregon; and Whereas a multifaceted Oregon calls for two be it further types of state bird: the state raptor and the state Resolved, That we designate the western mea- songbird; and dowlark (Sturnella neglecta) as the official state Whereas the western meadowlark brings to mind songbird of Oregon. the open fields and meadows spread across the state; Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 18, 2017 and

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