The Story of the Geese

Next year, when you see geese flying along in a “V” formation, heading south for the winter, think about what science has learned about why the geese fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an updraft for the bird immediately behind it. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock flies 71% farther than if each bird were to fly on its own. Perhaps people who want to go in the same direction should cooperate just like the geese.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it feels the resistance involved with trying to go it alone. The goose then quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of flying with the clock. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will work with others who want to go in the same direction. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back to the wing and another goose flies on the point. It pays to take turns doing hard jobs for the benefit of the entire team. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

When a goose weakens or is wounded by gunshot and falls out of formation, two geese follow their teammate down to provide protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it can fly again or until it dies. Only then do the geese take off again to catch up with the group. If we had the sense of a goose, we would stand by each other in that way.