Kelly Mcallister wrote:
>
> Dave,
>
> It is my memory that there was a contest to see who could suggest the
> best name for Seattle's football team. I believe that several people
> suggested the name "Seahawk" simply because it starts with the same
> letters as the city name and it brings to mind images of saltwater and
> a fierce, swift predatory bird, all wonderful things to associate the
> local football team with.
>
> After the name was selected there have been several attempts to put some
> real bird's image on paper to go with the name. The osprey has been
> chosen because it occurs here in Washington, it fishes in the saltwater
> environment and it could, conceivably, be called "Seahawk" by people
> who don't know the proper names for birds.
>
> That's my explanation. It may not be a good one but it's the one I
> believe is accurate.
>
> Kelly McAllister
> Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Kelly:

Thanks for your most helpful reply to my quiry regarding the Seahawks.
You provided exactly the information I was looking for. The Seahawk is a
mythical bird of prey that symbolizes the Seattle region and the football
team. And a good symbol it is!!

Thanks again.

David Meggyesy
dmegg at well.com