Thruway Authority Falcon-Naming Contest In The Works

TARRYTOWN, NY — Third- to sixth-graders across Rockland and Westchester counties have a few more days to submit names for the baby peregrine falcons that were hatched atop the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.

The New York State Thruway Authority said names can be submitted until May 10.

A flier was shared with local school districts by the Thruway Authority outlining the particulars fo the contest.

If a school district didn’t receive one, they can email the Thruway Authority and one will be sent to them, according to a Thruway spokesperson. There is a Google form in the flier for submitting a name.

A panel of judges will review the entries and select the top 10 finalists for the public online poll, which will go live on the bridge’s website May 15.

Voting will be open for a week, closing on May 22.

The Thruway Authority and Veolia, the contest’s sponsor, will announce the winning names on their social media accounts before the Memorial Day weekend.

The bridge will be lit in the colors of the winning school or schools in June, and the winning classrooms will be invited to a special presentation featuring a certified falconer.

Winning names in the past include Luke Flywalker, Talon Zee, Jimmy Falcon, Cardi Beak and Bridge-ette.

Experts say the location of the nest near the top of one of the bridge’s 419-foot towers is ideal for peregrine falcons. The raptors can hunt for food from the high spot, reaching speeds of more than 200 mph in a controlled dive.

The Thruway Authority warns the public about watching the falcons. People should remember that falcons are wild animals and the way they act reflects what happens in nature. Some of their actions may be unpleasant to watch, and some of the fledglings may not survive.

SEE: Falcon Family Complete With 4 Hatched Chicks On Cuomo Bridge