Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Lessons from the geese?


The geese who inhabit the wildlife preserve where we walk each day are back; not many, but a few as the ice begins to melt. I wonder if you see them yet, returning for spring flying along in "V" formation? Do you know what science has discovered as to why they fly that way?

FACT 1 - As each Goose flaps its wings it creates uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71 per cent greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

FACT 2 - When a Goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

FACT 3 - When the lead Goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another Goose flies to the point position.

FACT 4 - The Geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

FACT 5 - When a Goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two Geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

Are there lessons we can learn from a gaggle of geese? What do you think?

2 comments:

aichelle s. said...

oh that's interesting! a gaggle of geese I love it!!! haha there certainly are lessons we can learn from the geese like helping one another when in need...geese are cooL!

rlodan01 said...

Great post! I wonder if there is a connection between being the scribe for the day and the lead goose? Are comments similar to the geese honking, encouraging the leader? Thanks for the post.