If a bird happens to poop on you, don't immediately panic. Many cultures believe this to be a positive omen for future prosperity.

They spent hours collecting hundreds of bird poop samples. They compared E. coli survival in bird droppings on lettuce leaves, soil and plastic mulch to measure pathogen persistence.

What does it mean when a bird poops on you? Birds are generally considered good omens, but there are some caveats to be aware of when one poops on you.

In-flight defecation may help the birds stay away from feces that can contain pathogens such as bird flu while also fertilizing the ocean.