Bird interrupts Bernie Sanders rally in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore., March 26 (UPI) -- Is it Feel the Bern or Feel the Bird?

Those at a rally in Portland for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders were asking that very question after one of the odder speech interruptions so far in the campaign.

Sanders was delivering a stump speech before a large crowd in a college arena when a small bird landed on stage with him. The crowd reacted and Sanders looked down to spot the bird. Then, as if on cue, the bird flew up and landed on top of Sanders' podium.

The crowd roared its approval as Sanders burst into laughter, shaking his head in disbelief at the sight. After a few seconds, the bird flew up into the rafters of the arena.

The bird seemed familiar with IFC's Portlandia, a satirical comedy sketch show that pokes fun at Portland's tendency toward the odd. The first season features two Portland residents who "put birds on things."

Sanders didn't miss a beat -- or a beak.

"I think there might be some symbolism here. I know it doesn't look like it, but that bird is really a dove asking us for world peace," the anti-war candidate said, to thunderous applause.

"No more war," he concluded.