Public Picks Names For Cuomo Bridge Falcon Chicks

TARRYTOWN, NY — The public has spoken, and the three peregrine falcon chicks born atop the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge have received names.

They are now known as Luke Flywalker, Talon Zee and Jimmy Falcon.

According to the state Thruway Authority, nearly 1,000 visitors to the bridges' bike and walking path voted during the past two weekends. They picked their three favorite names chosen from 50 submitted by local elementary and middle school students.

The Thruway Authority will send certificates of recognition to the winning classes at Cottage Lane Elementary School in the South Orangetown Central School District, F.E. Bellows Elementary School in Rye Neck and Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in Pearl River.

The other names submitted as finalists this year were:

• Justin Beaker
• Lord of the Wings
• Sky
• Wi-Fly
• Zoom

Top vote-getters in years past included Cardi Beak, Bridge-ette and Hudson.

The peregrine falcon nest box is more than 400 feet above the Hudson River. The 24-hour FalconCam provides an insight into the behavior of the parent falcons and their chicks.

Thruway officials said a wildlife specialist from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection visited the three chicks recently and attached bands to their legs. The bands will allow biologists to track the movements of each bird and follow its life history.