Nebraskaland Magazine
This year’s Peregrine Falcon progeny will now be known as “Meadowlark”, “Goldenrod”, and “Cottonwood” for the state bird, state flower and state tree, respectively. This is perhaps the most underwhelming announcement of all time because everyone already knew this information. Nevertheless, the voting was fierce with over 850 ballots cast. Thanks to everyone who submitted entries and voted.
Two individuals submitted the winning entry. Willie Braun of Lincoln, Nebraska, with assistance from Bethany Schmidt, submitted a paper ballot at the Capitol. Jeanne Hibbert of Sprague, Nebraska, submitted her entry online. Both winners will receive a nifty, albeit modest, prize package.
Meadowlark, Goldenrod and Cottonwood will join the other offspring that have all been produced by same pair; the female, Ally (A/Y), and the male, 19/K. Below, is a brief history of offspring and their names:
2005 – Pioneer (because it was the first).
2006 – Willa, Bess, and Sterling (for famous Nebraskans Willa Cather, Bess Streeter Aldrich, and J. Sterling Morton).
2007 – Boreas*, Notus, Eurus and Zephyrus (four wind gods from Greek mythology).
2008 – failed nesting, no offspring.
2009 – Nemaha*, Niobrara, Calamus, and Platte (Nebraska rivers).
2010 – Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka** (stars in the belt of the constellation Orion).
2011 – Lincoln (capitol city).
2012 – Lewis and Clark (famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark).
*Boreas and Nemaha are now the successful reigning pair in Topeka, Kansas.
**Mintaka is now the reigning male at the Woodmen in Omaha.
Who knows where Meadowlark, Goldenrod and Cottonwood may show up in the future?
