Life Observation # 138 . . . Geese in Flight . . . What a Sight
They are starting to take flight all over Anchorage signaling colder weather to come.
It’s September now and in the parks, lawns, and bodies of water all over town the Canadian Geese are scrambling for that last meal before they take flight and head south. When I returned to work at lunch time it reminded me of several scenes from the movie Fly Away Home.
The resident geese are taking over the skies around here and are they noisy!
There they were several hundred in various groupings in their awesome “V” formations. You can’t help but look up as they pass overhead (hoping they won’t crap on you or your car as there are so many of them). You can see the white turd bombs falling from the formation it is an almost funny sight as long as it is not zooming earthward towards you.
These Canada geese have begun their journey southbound from the farther north land locations for the coming winter. It’s amazing how they use the “V” shape formation so they can fly longer distances. The strongest bird flies in front to lead the flock, and when he gets tired, they change leaders during flight. They will do this over and over as they make their way between seasonal grounds only stopping at night in ponds or lakes to rest for the evening before cranking up the next morning to continue their trek.
Aerodynamically geese fly in “V” formation for several reasons, primarily to boost flight efficiency and improve range through reduced drag. All birds, apart from the lead bird, are flying in the up-wash of the birds ahead. The birds rotate through the lead position to reduce fatigue allowing them to fly farther distances between breaks or rests. The birds are also better able to communicate with each other and to keep an eye on one another in this formation so if one has a problem then the flock can land and assist the others.
They’re birds with bird brains (literally), but they’re very family oriented. When they mate, they stay together until their kids are old enough to fend for themselves.
Quick Fact . . . 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% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Life Observation # 138 . . . People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust (trust) of one another.
And when the time comes for me to fly south . . . you can bet I will be front and center of my V-acation!!
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