Fawkes and the basilisk

[corinthum]

No: HPFGUIDX 81327

Geoff:

> > > That thought had crossed my mind but to use sonar to navigate 
in 
> on 
> > > the basilisk's eyes would not be feasible, I think. Bats use 
> sound 
> > > to avoid obstacles of any variety; I don't think it could be 
used 
> to
> > > locate a specific target.

Steve:

> > Of course bats can locate specific targets by sonar, how else 
would
> > they be able to catch all those insects at night?
> > 
> > So, bats can located very small objects easily, but the real 
> question
> > is can they detect texture? 

Geoff:

> Sorry, I didn't make myself very clear.... That is what I meant. 
The 
> basilisk's eye is in its face whereas an insect for example is 
> a "whole". I was trying to work out if the sonar (or whatever) 
would 
> allow them to find the eye in the face - your comment about texture 
> is probably what I was after.....

This may be getting a bit off topic, but a few comments on the nature 
of sonar.  Yes, sonar can determine texture by analyzing the amount 
of scattering an object produces.  The smooth surface of an eye would 
produce significanty less scatter than the rougher skin, making it a 
relatively easy target to locate via sonar.

That said, animals that use sonar/hearing to locate objects have 
adapted physiologically for this.  Phoenix song, as it is described, 
is much to diffuse and prolonged to be used as sonar.  Also, Harry 
does not note any of the features needed to receive the signal (some 
sort of ear-like feature, as with owls).  Add to that the fact that 
very few, if any, birds have eyelids.  So no, I don't think Fawkes 
was able to shut his eyes and maneuver by ear.

-Corinth