A Survey for the Birds

In the past month and a half, we have been talking nearly exclusively about the coronavirus. But we all need a bit of a break. So today I want to talk about something a lot less important, but a lot more fun. It has to do with some baby peregrine falcons recently born in nests located atop power plants across the state. WE Energies wants our help in naming the newly hatched chicks. They are conducting a survey, and want us to choose five names from a list of 15 suggestions. And those names are so Wisconsin you’d think they were chosen by Charlie Behrens himself. The choices include Cheesy, a nod to the state’s dairy industry, Kringle, in honor of our favorite pastry, and forward, in honor of the state’s motto. Also on the list are Polka, our state dance, and Gmutlichkeit to recognize our welcoming spirit. There’s Hoppy, a tribute to the state’s brewing tradition and Blaze, to recognize our love of hunting. Also making the list are the names Bubbler in honor of our fresh, clean water, and Scoop in honor of our delicious custard. But my votes go to Youbetcha to recognize our unusual sayings, Brat, our favorite sausage, Tailgate to honor one of our favorite pastimes, Cream Puff for our favorite fair food and Brandy, our favorite cocktail. You can cast your votes through mid-May. You betcha! This survey may be for the birds, but at least it gives us something to do during our long quarantine.