Silly Raleigh Question
 

I just got a 1970 Raleigh Sports, I love it. Anyhow, I was just curious if anybody knew what type of bird is featured on the chain rings and logos.
I told you it was silly.
j

My guess is a seagull, or some type of bird that is by the water.

Not a silly question.

Raleigh's insignia is the Heron. An elegant bird fitting of an elegant bike

The heron was chosen for its presence in Raleigh Cycle Company founder Frank Bowden's family crest.

Told you it wasn't a silly question.

-Kurt

'tis a Heron.

http://www.livius.org/phi-php/phoenix/heron_s.jpg

No question is silly. Thats what the forums are for .

Thanks for the answer. I felt really silly asking it since I am an amateur ornithologist. My closest guess was a piliated woodpecker. However, I know those don't habitate the UK. Thanks for the help!
j

I would have gone with the ivory billed woodpecker, but they were considered extinct since the 1930s. But they are back in style in the Arkansas deltas these days. Very low numbers, but they are still around. I take my woodpeckers seriously. I have a family of yellow-bellied sapsuckers growing up in my back yard, they are rather awesome.
When bird images and bikes collide into one, I am in love. I mean Raleigh has a heron cut into their chain wheels. I consider that to be f-ing awesome.
I am in Texas, so don't get me started on scissor-tailed fly catchers. If you have never seen one in action I feel badly for you.
j

Pileated woodpeckers are rather impressive birds. They probably have a 20 inch wingspan. I assume woody the woodpecker was based upon one. I think they remain in the south most of the time. It is fairly rare to see one outside of swamps or flooded woods, but they are rather lovely. Something about any woodpecker makes me happy.
Please, no Freud jokes here. Actually, open up with the Freud jokes.
Levity!
j

I thought it was an African Swallow???

Woodpecker it ain't.

Heron it is.

-Kurt