A bird of prey recovering from a gunshot wound and set to begin its life in a new Carolina Raptor Center exhibit needs only one more thing: A name.

The young osprey was found shot two years ago in New Mexico. Wildlife rescuers there surgically repaired his wing but said his injuries prevented him from being released back into the wild.

He was sent to the Huntersville center, where an osprey exhibit is scheduled to open later this month.

Last year, a group of Piedmont Natural Gas interns helped clear land and begin building the new osprey enclosure.

In thanks for the company's work and financial support, rescuers gave Piedmont the chance to name the bird.

Now the company is opening the decision up to a public vote, inviting bird enthusiasts to the Piedmont Natural Gas Facebook page to select a name.

"Those who vote will have the opportunity to win free passes to the raptor center - and equally important, will help us name our newest resident," said Ken Valentine, a Piedmont vice president who is a member of the Carolina Raptor Center board.

The bird, who is about 2 years old, will be the first osprey to be displayed at the Raptor Center in more than 20 years, said Michele Miller Houck, the center's community relations director.

Ospreys are large, fish-eating birds of prey found across the world. They're also known as sea hawks.

Voting begins today and ends at midnight Aug. 21. Voters can pick from six names:

Altair, which means "the flyer" in Arabic.

Hemingway, for the avid fisherman and famous author.

Kosumi, a Native American word for "spear fisher."

Monte, taken from the name "Piedmont."

Skye, taken from the word "sky."

Swoop, which means "to sweep through the air."

The winning name will be announced at the dedication of the osprey observation deck on Aug. 27 during the Raptor Center's annual supporter appreciation picnic.

The exhibit will open to the public Aug. 28, and the yet-unnamed osprey will go on exhibit in September.

To vote, visit the company's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PiedmontNG