September 1, 2006

Hundreds flock to vote for a County Bird

Competition generates more than 7,000 hits to County’s website

A contest to choose an official Nassau County bird has already generated more than 6,000 hits to the County’s website within a 24-hour period (7,000 by week’s end), an impressive number, according to Information Technology Department spokespersons. While more than 350 visitors voted for their choice of County bird by the end of this week, many more visitors have been lured to the site by the use of the “O RLY?” snowy owl on the County’s homepage. “O RLY” is an internet slang expression for “Oh, Really?” and the cute, quizzical snowy owl has a tremendous cult following of fans on the internet.

Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (Woodbury) said she was thrilled that the internet icon was attracting so many visitors to the website and bird contest.

“I am in favor of anything that puts a spotlight on the need to protect and preserve the habitat of Nassau County’s birds,” she said. “It’s exciting that this little snowy owl is showing people the way and drawing so much positive attention for Nassau.”

The County’s website and bird contest has even been the subject of a “blog” because of its use of the “O RLY” bird.

For more information about the contest, or to cast a vote, visit nassaucountyny.gov. The contest ends on October 15, 2006 at 5 p.m.