The big red bird in Durham Central Park gets an official name Saturday.
Sculptor Michael Waller calls the bird Phat Ryan. Central Park, which commissioned the work, wants the public to have an opportunity to weigh in. We asked for suggestions last week. Here is what you told us.
My son, Frankie (age 4), thinks the bird should be named "Frankie --- because it’s a good bird."
Emily McClernon
We decided that Scarlet, or "Scarlick" as the youngest member of our family likes to call him, is a great name for the new bird in Central Park. What name more intensely evokes thoughts of the South than the main character in Margaret Mitchell's novel? Scarlet also is an homage to the patient and sage driver of the Duke public safety van during the 1990s. He carted home many a college student who had partied too hard. Does he still live in the area? Perhaps he'll read this and be amused.
The Gasch Family -- Erin, Ken, Winston (age 4) and Tate (age 2)
P.S. We talked to Mr. Pickles the turtle and he's a fan of the name Scarlet, too.
Hi, my suggested name is "Catesby." Mark Catesby (1683-1749) was one of the New World's first and most influential naturalists. His early explorations focused heavily on the Carolinas.
Yours in cyberspace, Robin Moran
How about "Big Bill'?
He's big, he has a big bill, and the word bill is only 1 letter different from bull (Bull City).
Carol Williamson
Up until my daughter (age 4) and I came across this article on the recent addition to Central Park, we didn't know the turtle had an official name. We had given him our own affectionate name, which was Çully. So, now that we know he's Mr. Pickles, we're wondering if the cardinal can be named Cully?
Thanks for your consideration of our suggestion!
Emily Geizer


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Pengefinchess
Wed, 04/01/2009 - 15:36 — FurbishLousewartPengefinchess