Seattle high

 

The Seahawk mascot "Taima"

"Taima" is an Auger Hawk, because there isn't actually a raptor called a Seahawk. The closest would be the superb fish-hunting Osprey, but the Fish and Wildlife Department prevents native birds from being used for commercial purposes.  And is anything more commercial than NFL football?

The Auger Hawk (also known as the auger buzzard) is native to Africa, and their markings are similar to the Osprey.  "Taima" was trained at the World Bird Sanctuary and conditioned to be unfazed by the raucous noise of football. She's released from the tunnel ahead of the players at home games.  At the Super Bowl, she made an appearance but was grounded.

And hat's off to the Arabian horse "Thunder," also unfazed by chaos when he gallops on the field in front of the Denver Broncos.  If you've ever seen a horse spooked by a little plastic bag on the ground, you appreciate the training and work behind that entrance. "Thunder" traveled to New York in a Fed Ex plane and appeared on the Today Show.

Well, I don't know about "Thunder" or "Taima," but most of the humans in Seattle are slow out of the gate this morning.  What a game!  What a celebration!  And why not us?  It's a great moment for Seattle.