By PAT NEWMAN

Staff Writer

Keeping in step with the Atlanta Falcons means learning the "Dirty Bird," that wing-flapping, left, right, left right, boogie everybody seems to be doing these days. The half cheer, half funky chicken dance is mandatory at all Falcon gatherings. It's not unlike the spontaneous birth of the Macarena a couple of summers ago.

If you can't do the Dirty Bird, you've got to be a Bronco fan. But take heart. Anybody can learn the intricacies of the Dirty Bird. Just clip out the simple directions below, head for your bedroom mirror, and lock the door. You'll be doing the "Bird" by Sunday at kickoff time. Guaranteed.

1. Shift weight from foot to foot, left to right, left to right.

2. Add the arms. Starting with the right, raise hand up, elbow slightly bent. Move right hand across the chest with elbow bent and out. (Continue rocking from foot to foot.)

3. Repeat with left arm and elbow. (Continue rocking from foot to foot.)

4. Flap "wings" with both arms slightly lower than shoulder height. (Continue rocking.)

5. Repeat steps one through four until the Falcons win.

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