Why do geese fly in a V shape? <— I was outside a little bit ago and seen the geese doing that and ive seen it for years now i must know WHY do geese fly in a V shape?
Dan
I have a question for anyone who may know the answer.
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For one thing, it allows them to keep an eye on one another in case something were to distract or attempt to harm them. Also, it apparently has to do with allowing the lead bird to rest once it gets tired, allowing the next one to go up front. This shape allows the tired ones to use less energy because the higher wind resistance up front wears them out. Being to the side and behind a goose will allow the tire ones to feel less wind resistance, therefore less energy is being put to flapping. Then it repeats once they've all been through the first cycle.
Interesting fact. Thak You for teaching me that Weatherfan.
Dan
Yep, that's why geese fly in Vs. It's always interesting to observe when they fly south (and return north in the spring), but they can be very inconsistent. I've seen them fly south well before freezing temperatures come, and I've watched them wait until lakes and ponds were 90% frozen before they finally take off. Last winter when it was warmer than normal, there were still geese and ducks well into December… normally the water is frozen enough to snowmobile on at that point.
my girl has a pet honker
his name is dakota. hes a royal pain in the backside too.