Local schools are invited to help name the four hatchlings of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge’s peregrine falcons.
Elementary and middle school classes can share their suggestions throughout this month as part of the bridge’s annual Falcon Naming Contest. The public will then have an opportunity to vote on the students’ choices during a week-long online poll following Memorial Day.
The project’s previous falcon naming contests included thousands of participants, with the winning classes recognized with award certificates and commemorative posters of the falcons. Previous winning names include: Hudson, Bridge-ette, Zee, Irvwing, Puente and Tarrytalon.
This is the first nesting season for the migratory raptors in their new home, located near the top of one of the bridge’s 419-foot towers. Similar nest boxes have steadily helped grow the state’s falcon population in recent decades.
While the local pair of peregrines roam the area throughout the year, the nest box provides prime real estate for the nesting season, which occurs annually in early spring. Environmental experts suggest that the same pair have resided in the area for many years, as the species tends to mate for life and are territorial. The birds previously lived in a nest box on the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Note: The falcons are wild birds and their behaviors reflect what happens in nature. Some of their actions may be unpleasant to watch and it is possible that some of the fledglings may not survive into adulthood.
You can receive updates on the project by following @NewNYBridge on Twitter.
