The importance of being Ernest

Plump chicks following another good feed

Following a hugely successful naming competition last year which saw thousands of Falconcam viewers cast votes to name our chick Storm, we’re pleased to announce that this year we will again hold a poll to enable you the viewers to name the peregrine falcon chicks.

As many of you will remember, as a fitting tribute last summer we reserved the name Ernest for one of this year’s chicks as a tribute to a follower whose grandfather of that name –  an avid viewer of our falcon family – sadly passed away. Coincidentally, we’re also now informed that the eggs hatched this year on the eve of the gentleman’s birthday anniversary. As you will also recall the name Ernest came a very close second to Storm in our poll, so we’re very pleased to confirm that one of this year’s chicks will take the name which proved so very popular.

So, today we start the search for two new names. During the next seven days we would like you to email us with  your suggestions and we’ll compile a shortlist suitable for an online poll. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Tuesday 21 May and the poll will appear with a fresh blog at some point during the days that follow.

As some of you will remember in 2011 two chicks were named Kate and Will, following the royal wedding which was a tremendous national occasion that year. And last year the name Storm was chosen to reflect the chick’s battle for survival during the turbulent weather.

So inspiration this year may come from the fact that the weather has been diverse since the eggs were laid in late March. Mr and Mrs P had to endure heavy, prolonged snow when they started to lay their eggs, which was a cause of concern among many doting Falconcam viewers. So arguably you may think that names such as Snowy or Frosty could suit.

But following the prolonged cold weather we reportedly enjoyed the warmest bank holiday in years, so equally you may think that names such as Sunny or Spring would be appropriate.

Although one of the three chicks has been named Ernest, there’s nothing to stop you naming the remaining two after a famous trio, such as the Lucky, Dusty or Ned from the Three Amigos. You may even choose the Three Stooges as your inspiration and suggest names such as Moe, Larry or Curly.

Whatever your thoughts are, we’d love to hear them, so please send your suggestions to us as soon as possible.

Chris Birkle
Nottingham Trent University