Mary Bowerman

USA TODAY Network

A small bird was apparently feeling the #Bern when it landed on Bernie Sanders’ podium during a rally in Portland on Friday.

To the delight of thousands in the crowd, the bird first landed on the stage and then perched on the podium.

“I think there may be some symbolism here,” Sanders said. “That bird is really a dove asking us for world peace. No more wars.”

After the incident, the hashtag #BirdieSanders began trending on Twitter as people shared memes and photos of the incident.

According to the Audubon Society, the podium crasher is a female House Finch. That girl has guts!

Sanders was in Portland to campaign before Saturday's Washington caucus and the Oregon primary May 17. A crowd of more than 11,000 attended the rally to hear him speak.

Contributing: Sara Roth.

Follow @MaryBowerman on Twitter.