The Quest for Canada's National Bird - Vote Whisky Jack

[cral12]

Honestly never gave it a thought before hearing this dude, aptly named David Bird, on CBC Homestretch today as I switched back & forth between the Fan & CBC. Anyway, Canada does not have a national bird, officially and Canada Geographic trying to get one for 2017.

This guy makes a great case for the Whiskey Jack/Gray Jay. Since moving to Alberta a decade ago really appreciate this social and savvy cool bird. They are in every province and do not leave Canada for the winter. Have to admire that! I like seeing them a ton while XC skiing.

They thought it would be cool to get this in place for 2017, 150 year anniversary of Canada.

Right now, the Loon and Snowy Owl are #1 & 2. They are the provincial birds for Ontario & Quebec, respectively.

Let's get the Gray Jay/Whisky Jack at the top...

Vote at:

http://nationalbird.canadiangeographic.ca/

[cral12]

Here's you'll find David Bird's rationale for the Whisky Jack as why he strongly thinks it should be Canada's National Bird:
http://nationalbird.canadiangeograph...ay-jay&id=1026

Never thought I'd care. He convinced me...lol

[calgarygeologist]

That is the slowest loading website I have ever visited.

I'm kind of surprised that the Mallard isn't on the list. I would have voted for the Mallard but instead I'm going with the Whooping Crane.

[mikephoen]

Voted. I wannamaker the Whisky Jay Canada's National Bird!

[cral12]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

That is the slowest loading website I have ever visited.

I'm kind of surprised that the Mallard isn't on the list. I would have voted for the Mallard but instead I'm going with the Whooping Crane.

Found the same thing about the website as well; eventually does load...

[DoubleF]

Voting is closed?

[FlamesAddiction]

I would pick the Snowy Owl. I wouldn't know a Whisky Jack if I saw one.

The Brown-Headed Cow Bird would be appropriate though. Colonized the West by following farmers from the East, then displaced native bird populations.

[Table 5]

Too late to do anything apparently....voting closed yesterday. But at least it was an informative read.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Voting is closed?

yesterday was the deadline

[Regulator75]

Why not the obnoxious Magpie? Or the disgusting flying rat (pigeon) or everyone's favourite, Jim Lahey's ####hawk.

[puffnstuff]

The Northern Flicker. Had a group of them move in to my trees a few weeks back. Theyve been great tenants and Ive had a bug free backyard.

[Locke]

What? The Loon. Its on our money.

[MRCboicgy]

Do people think the actual loon helps us win Olympic medals?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Do people think the actual loon helps us win Olympic medals?

It depends, in any sport associated with quick movement I'd have to give Canada Geese more credit, those guys are mean bastards and you have to run away from them constantly.

[troutman]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_of_Canada

My favorites include:

Green Winged Teal
Harlequin Duck
Spruce Grouse
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Golden Eagle
Kestrel
Merlin
Horned Puffin
Great Grey Owl
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Belted Kingfisher
Pileated Wood######
Steller's Jay
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Mountain Bluebird
Bohemian Waxwing
Western Tanager
Northern Cardinal
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch

[mrkajz44]

I had no idea Whisky Jack was a type of bird until now. I always thought it was a clever name given to a ski run in Panorama. Now it's just a rip off.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by troutman

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Often spotted in the same habitat as the Bushtit.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Often spotted in the same habitat as the Bushtit.

How come you can write Bushtit, and I can't write Wood######?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by troutman

How come you can write Bushtit, and I can't write Wood######?

Sexism.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Locke

Sexism.

Paging MRA's. Could we get all MRA's to the bird thread, please. SJW's also welcome.