The Philadelphia Phoenix of the Ultimate Frisbee Association, has unveiled the city’s newest mascot, Birdy McBirdface, writes Nick Kariuki for Billy Penn at WHYY.

The giant red, orange, and yellow phoenix joins the likes of The Phanatic, Gritty, and Swoop as mascots representing the City of Brotherly Love.

Its name was selected by the local frisbee team’s fan base after the team crowdsourced its Twitter followers to suggest a name and then vote for one among the shortlist of the four best submissions.

“I’ve got to be honest, when I saw Birdy McBirdface I was secretly hoping it would win,” said Adam Booth, the Phoenix’s master of content. “There’s already enough single-named mascots in this town … I needed something with a first name-last name, like a full government name.”

The name, Birdy McBirdface pays homage to Boaty McBoatface, the result of Great Britain’s Natural Environment Research Council internet poll to name a new polar scientific research ship.

While that name didn’t ultimately stick, Phoenix investor Johnny Nottingham said the team made sure to honor the vote and give the mascot the name the people wanted most.

“We’re pleased with the outcome. We think it’s a great name, and I think it’s fitting,” said Nottingham. 

Read more about the Philadelphia Phoenix and its newly-named mascot in Billy Penn at WHYY.

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