Chicago Park District has launched an online contest to name the first two bald eagle eaglets born in the city in over a century. Voting runs until June 1, with voters choosing two names from Migizi, Marian, and Clawumet.
On a windy stretch of Chicago’s Southeast Side, two newborn eaglets are drawing attention far beyond their nest.
The Chicago Park District announced Wednesday that it has launched a contest to name the first two eaglets born in Chicago in over a century. Voting is being conducted online at the park district’s website and ends June 1. when voters will submit ballots for the two names they want from three options: Migizi. Marian. and Clawumet.
The choices didn’t come out of thin air. After the park district asked the public to send possible names for the eaglets, thousands of suggestions poured in. By the May 15 deadline, 3,271 names had been received from 1,161 participants. The three names now on the ballot “stood out” from that pool.
The eaglets were first spotted in Park 597, known as “SEPA Station #1” in the South Deering neighborhood. One was seen in late April, the other in early May, according to the park district.
Each name carries a different tie to Chicago and its people. “Migizi” is the word for bald eagle in the language of the Ojibwe, a Native American tribe with Chicago roots. “Marian” honors Marian R. Byrnes. described by the park district as a lifelong Chicago environmentalist and civil rights activist. and the namesake of a 140-acre park district site on the South Side. “Clawumet” is a play on the word Calumet, the Southeast Side region where the eaglets’ nest is located.
For those watching the nest, the stakes are simple but personal: these birds are part of a rare return to Chicago skies. The contest gives the public a chance to put their own stamp on a moment that, by the park district’s count, hasn’t happened in more than a century.
Voting runs through June 1, with ballots submitted through the park district website.
Chicago Park District bald eagle eaglets naming contest Migizi Marian Clawumet Ojibwe Marian R. Byrnes Calumet SEPA Station #1
So they’re naming birds like it’s a reality show? Cool I guess.
Migizi sounds made up lol. Are they sure it’s not just some AI word someone typed in? I’m just glad the eagles are back.
Wait Marian? Like Marian the singer? Or is it that lady Byrnes? Also “Clawumet” like Calumet… I mean it’s cute but how do you even vote without messing it up. I only saw this on my feed, not the article.
I don’t get why the public gets to name them when the birds already have names? Next thing you know they’re gonna auction eagle names or something. Also 3,271 names?? That’s like, all of Chicago bored on purpose. I hope the eaglets are safe though, because honestly SEPA Station #1 sounds sketchy.