Here’s an update on the American Kestrel that needed a name, that we blogged about earlier.
Conservation Halton (CH) says they’re thrilled to announce that their young American Kestrel finally has a name to call his own: Bean!
Bean was one of the most popular submissions received during the contest to name CH’s new American Kestrel. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre team wants to thank everyone who made a submission to the contest through the Mountsberg Raptor Centre Facebook page , via email or in person.
The Mountsberg Raptor Centre staff agree that the name Bean, which is short, sweet, and cute, suits this little bird’s personality perfectly. Additionally, since the United Nations proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, and with the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN) supporting the naming suggestions, it was a perfect fit!
There were many other submissions that deserve recognition, which were touching, humorous, or otherwise very fitting. Notable Honourable Mentions were:
· Captain Jack Sparrow – another popular suggestion, with key points being the American Kestrel’s colloquial name of ‘sparrow-hawk’, the association between pirates and being blind in one eye, and the dark eye markings around the eyes being reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s character in Pirates of the Caribbean,
· Hathaway – after a classic shirt advertisement with a man wearing an eyepatch,
· and Horus – after the Egyptian falcon-god.
Staff Choice Awards include Polyphemus (both a Cyclops in Greek mythology and a beautiful moth), Amadeus (From Falco’s hit “Rock Me Amadeus” and tied in with the kestrel’s Latin name “Falco sparverius”), Hawkeye (after Alan Alda’s character in M*A*S*H) and Fortinbras (from Shakespeare’s Hamlet).
Bean is blind in his left eye due to impact trauma sustained in an accident when young. American Kestrels are North America’s smallest falcon. They’re active, agile predators that can snatch a sparrow right out of the air! They also feed on large insects and small rodents. American Kestrels have black “malar” stripes under their eyes to protect them from the glare of the sun, just like football players.
About the Mountsberg Raptor Centre
Tucked within Mountsberg Conservation Area, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre is currently home to 14 different species of native birds of prey. Many of the Raptor Centre’s resident birds of prey have permanent injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. In many cases, these injuries were caused by human activity. With the help of these feathered ambassadors, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre teaches the community about the native birds of prey that share our environment and how to reduce the negative impact we can have on them.
Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, five km west of Campbellville, between Hwy 6 south and the Guelph Line.
What do you think of the name Bean? Does it work for you? Do you prefer one of the other names mentioned?
If you’re interested in nature, check out our feature article on the Eastern Massassauga Rattlesnake. And why not subscribe to keep articles like these coming your way? Or ask us for a free sample issue. We’d love to have you join our community!
