April 2025, Anyway…

It can hardly be argued that the bald eagle is iconic as a symbol of America. The nation and the image of that splendorous bird of prey are so powerfully linked that they nearly exist simultaneously in our minds. However, I have recently been thinking that there is another bird that better represents the American people; a bird that is productive, prolific, brave, and diverse. A bird that has landed at various points in history on these shores as an immigrant from just about every other land in the world. A bird that is at once both social and yet also staunchly independent. I am talking about...the chicken.

Not only do their traits inspire the sense of confidence and talkativeness often attributed to the American people, but our cultures recent interaction with these birds acts as a perfect representation of the exceptional American spirit. When egg prices raised unacceptably high, people all across the country flocked to their local farming supply stores and bought up every chick they could get their talons on; if eggs were going to be so expensive, we would just make them ourselves, dang it! Some exuberantly rushed into the experience with little planning and forethought; nothing is so American as that. Others garner flocks so productive that they sell their eggs on roadside stands, raising the supply of eggs and helping to finally stop the meteoric rise of prices while making money in a healthy side-hustle.

Yes, I dare say that the chicken is the American bird. So, when egg prices begin to drop once more, do not get rid of your backyard birds and coops. These are your symbols of American exceptionalism and independence. Hold those eggs high and proud; just make sure they are in several different baskets. Have a happy and productive spring.

-Sero