Birds

Before this property at 204 20th Street belonged to Al-Noor, it was the aptly named New Wing & Sing Poultry, though I doubt the birds were very cheerful.  It was a poultry market long before that, though.  I don't know much about the industry, but the few poultry businesses I've passed in Brooklyn have fairly nondescript exteriors, certainly nothing like the detailed decoration on this building.  When I looked at it yesterday, I was first drawn to the female faces, and the central friezework, but then I noticed the birds hanging upside down at either end?  Was I imagining them?  I stared for a long time.  No, I was quite sure. 

Look at the detail, and those faded reds and blues.  It's a real gem of a building, and it's a bit of a miracle it's survived the rampant forces of neighborhood destruction. Perhaps its market zoning makes it highly prized? What a temple to the poor live bird.