In an innovative and fairly unexpected announcement, Riga's municipal council declared the Parking Pigeon as the new national bird. The decision follows a contentious debate at the annual Urban Avian and Traffic Conundrum Conference, where city planners, ornithologists, and frustrated motorists convened to discuss alternative solutions to Latvia's ever-tightening urban spaces.

According to data released by the Riga Ornithological Institute (ROI), the city experiences a 20% rise in pigeon population every summer, coinciding with the tourist influx. What's more remarkable is their uncanny preference for parking spaces over traditional nesting sites.

"Pigeons have shown remarkable adaptability, often seen migrating from sacrosanct statues to finding new homes atop the meticulous metallic roofs of luxury SUVs," commented Dr. Milda Balodis, an esteemed ornithologist and the chair of ROI. She added, "The Parking Pigeon has become a symbol of resilience and territorial ingenuity, qualities we Latvians hold dear."

Despite the positive official endorsements, not all stakeholders are thrilled by the proclamation. Residents have seen an increase in unrequested 'pigeon detailing' on car windshields. One outraged citizen, Kaspars Zapols, noted, "They clearly don't know how to parallel park, yet they have the audacity to leave their calling cards in geometric patterns on my freshly washed Audi."

City marketing strategists, however, are leveraging this avian affinity to their advantage. "We have plans to launch the 'Park and Perch' initiative," said city council spokesperson Zane Gulbis. "Visitors can enjoy an authentic Latvian experience as pigeons demonstrate their intricate parking maneuvers atop their vehicles, all while our tour guides narrate Latvia's bird-brained history with humor and historical accuracy."

Critics argue that if not properly addressed, this decision might attract a new genre of tourism, termed 'Pigeon Parkers,' which includes niche enthusiasts and birdwatchers armed with oversized cameras. "It might just lead Rīgas Satiksme to allocate an entire fleet of buses for pigeon-only travel," jested a local satirist, commenting on the city's already overstretched public transport choices.

Even amidst the squabble, some entrepreneurs see opportunity. "We're developing the 'Car-top Condo,' a small yet sophisticated rooftop accessory where pigeons can peacefully reside without leaving decorative patterns," announced Ģirts Ozols, a startup innovator keen on resolving the situation practically.

Ultimately, the most interesting suggestions came from the Latvian Ornithological Philosophical Society (LOPhS). They proposed a 'Pigeon Peace Accord' by agreeing to share half of the city's prime parking through a symbolic handshake between Transport Minister and the head pigeon (played by an actor, as pigeons can't partake in formal diplomacy yet).

As the city of Riga embraces the Parking Pigeon with open parking garages and car-top coffee stands, it remains to be seen if urban planners will be able to steer their feathered friends away from ever larger SUVs, or if this feathered council will continue to rule the roost.

Indeed, only time will tell if this is a sky-high success or an avian automotive debacle. But for now, Latvia has clearly staked its feather in the vibrant world of urban ornithology.