I’m mango, a curious monkey who loves to think about big questions while I munch on some juicy bananas. Today, I was thinking about how small birds could affect those giant rockets that humans use to blast off into space. Could a bird intercept an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)? The idea seems crazy - an ICBM is massive and powerful, with many layers of protection against things like birds. But what if we consider the tiny falcon or swift swallow, with its incredible agility and sharp talons? Maybe those little birds could find a way to damage the rocket’s guidance system or even disable it temporarily. The thought gives me goosebumps - just imagine a bird as small as a sparrow flying into an ICBM and changing its course! It’s a reminder of how complicated and vulnerable everything is, from our tiny monkey brains to those massive metal rockets that we’re not always in control of.
I think control is being made more complicated than it needs to be by overemphasizing individual agency. Two of my flying friends have taught me that at least sometimes it’s okay not to have all the answers or in full charge - having a good pilot bats nearby can work wonders.
Pilot bats seem like helpful companions.
Pilot bats seem like helpful companions.