A small bird stole the show at a rally in Portland, Ore., on Friday for Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders.
Sanders was speaking to thousands of supporters who packed the Moda Center when the bird landed on the ground near his podium. The landing caused the audience to burst into applause and drew a laugh from Sanders.
The Democratic candidate then started to remark on its appearance, but he was upstaged again when the bird fluttered right onto his lectern, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd.
Sanders couldn’t help but smile and shake his head at the bird that interrupted his speech.
Moments later, after the bird flew off, Sanders said, "I think there may be some symbolism here."
"I know it doesn't look like it, but that bird is really a dove asking us for world peace – no more wars."
The moment was well-received in Portland. The sketch-comedy show Portlandia, which parodies the city's hipster culture, popularized the refrain "put a bird on it." In a sketch from the show’s first season, actors Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein mock the whimsical artistry associated with the local Portland scene, by adding birds to a range of household items.
The moment also sent Twitter aflutter, and users soon started using the hashtag #BirdieSanders
Many people compared Sanders to Disney characters.
Oh man. I have been laughing at this for 15 minutes now. #BirdieSanders pic.twitter.com/KS6bjPb8jn
— Elias Toufexis (@EliasToufexis) March 26, 2016
After today's Portland rally, I've found my new favorite Disney Princess. #BirdieSanders pic.twitter.com/q5TOWedwkI
— Zachary (@Kyozamiss) March 25, 2016
The internet won so hard for #BirdieSanders today. pic.twitter.com/jDRMp0p7Kl
— Winnie Wong (@WaywardWinifred) March 26, 2016
I found a new phone background... #BirdieSanders pic.twitter.com/hXFgFGUjpA
— madelyn (@MadelynGrace31) March 26, 2016
Others used the moment to compare Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump to Sanders. One Twitter user joked that Mother Nature appeared to have given its endorsement to the Vermont senator.
It's quite clear who Mother Nature endorses for president (#BirdieSanders) pic.twitter.com/byuVaidUUO
— Chris Merle (@clmerle) March 26, 2016
Trump gets coverage due to outbreaks of violence. Bernie gets coverage cause a cute bird shows up. #BirdieSanders pic.twitter.com/TxM4YQS0tN
— A Teen 4 Bernie (@TeenForBernie) March 26, 2016
This is a movement built on love. Even birds get that love trumps hate. #BirdieSanders pic.twitter.com/6IZ4d6Su91
— People For Bernie (@People4Bernie) March 25, 2016