Next fall, when you see geese heading south
For the winter flying along in a "V" formation,
You might be interested in knowing what science
Has discovered about why they fly that way. It has
Been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it
Creates as uplift for the bird immediately following.
By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock
Adds at least 71% greater flying range than if
Each bird flew on its own.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it
Suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to
Go it alone, and quickly gets into formation to
Take advantage of the uplifting power of the bird
Immediately in front. When the lead goose gets
Tired, he rotates back in the wing and another
Goose flies point. The geese honk from behind to encourage
Those up front to keep up their speed.
Finally when a goose gets sick, or is
Wounded by gun shots and falls out, two geese fall
Out of formation and follow him down to help
And protect him. They stay with him until he
Is either able to fly or until he is dead, and they
Launch out on their own or with another
Formation to catch up with the group.