Did you know that Canada doesn't have a national bird? Crazy, but true! The United States declared the BALD EAGLE as its national bird in 1782. It's time we jumped on that bandwagon! I must congratulate James Cowan, executive director of the 'Canadian Raptor Conservancy', who has launched a campaign to get Canadians talking about it. Even tweeting about it. You can add your suggestion by filling out a form at www.canadianraptorconservancy.com. There are guidelines though- to be considered as Canada's national bird, the bird should be found in EVERY Canadian province (OK, 'most' of them!), the bird can NOT already be a Canadian provincial bird (ie: the loon is Ontario's provincial bird), it can't already be the national bird of ANOTHER country (ie: the bald eagle is already taken!), and the bird should be one that the general public sees on a regular basis, and is easy to identify (so much for the pileated woodpecker!)
With these guidelines in mind, so far the CANADA GOOSE is the clear favorite with 27 percent of the votes! However, someone pointed out one drawback to the Canada Goose being chosen as our national bird: apparently bald eagles make a habit of eating Canada Goose. USA's bald eagle eats Canada's goose. Hmm.
James Cowan's choice? A choice also shared by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty: the red tailed hawk, which is currently in second place.
I love the image of the red-tailed hawk as Canada's national bird.
But not as much as I would love the LOON to take the honour. Is there a sound that defines Canada more than the cry of the loon? (next to the theme from Hockey Night in Canada?) But, the northern loon is currently the provincial bird of Ontario, so under the guidelines it can't be considered.
Here's my suggestion: we ask Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to de-list the loon as our provincial bird, leaving the loon free and clear to be Canada's national bird.
I'm sure that this project would also give Premier McGuinty a welcome distraction from trying to sell Ontarians on the HST.
