After reading my post about the seed stuck under Bruce's spacebar key, Jen reminded me of a similar experience she had about a year ago, with the letter "P" and a single birdseed. Which got me thinking that there are a few instances where people really ought to keep birds in mind when they make up their rules and regulations. For example:

Official list of things for tech support to check on when someone has a problem with their computer:

• Is it plugged in?
• Is it turned on?
• Are all the cables connected properly?
• Have you read the f*ing manual?
• What, are you still using IE?

Item that should be added to the list:

• Are there any seeds stuck under the keys?

Official list of things for hair care specialists to check on before they offer to put product in a client's hair:

• Do you have any allergies I should know about?
• Do you have any skin conditions?
• Can you afford this?

Item that should be added to the list:

• Does your bird sit on your head and preen your hair?

Airplane pilots have already figured out that birds should be included in their checklists. Now, checklists are really long, and include things like making sure the oil and fuel levels are sufficient, there's no water in the fuel, the tires are properly inflated, the brakes are in good repair, there are no dents in the fuselage, all the fasteners are in place and secure, control surfaces are properly attached and move freely, and there are no oil leaks or obstructions in the engine compartments. And when they say "obstructions," they mean, among other things, bird nests. Really. These hidey-holes make good nest sites. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) even has pictures of one (and collisions, too, sad to say).

Maybe pilots pay attention to birds because they know that Birds Rule The Sky.