Birds, runners, and politicians
Chicago park officials have repeatedly told runners to stay as far away as possible from the bird sanctuary in the city's Lincoln Park, for fear of disturbing migrating species during their mating seasons.
Races, marathon training programs, and running clubs have complied, avoiding paths close to the bird haven.
But now, the city is whistling a different tune.
It wants to expand the nearby tennis courts and build new facilities to accomodate the 2016 Olympic Games, likely generating a whirlwind of foot and motor traffic in the area, rustling the birds far more than would any group of runners.
Interestingly, enthusiasm for the Olympics is not that high in Chicago. Politicians, contractors, vendors, and those who earn a living in sports welcome the games, but the general public doesn't care that much - and many strongly oppose it because of the negative impact on their neighborhoods and the likelihood the city will lose money (and have to raise taxes?).
Still, city officials are flapping their wings for the tennis courts, despite their previous chirps about the negative impact on the birds. It seems the Olympic Games bring more value to the city than do local runners. Apparently the birds (and the runners) can just take a flying...