It's quite a sight to see every fall - the V-shaped formation of geese flying overhead
as they migrate south for the winter. I get
awestruck every time.
I have been fascinated by this phenomenon, and I am even more amazed by why they do this. So why do geese fly in a V?
Researchers
have determined from theoretical models and field studies, that flying
in this formation help each individual bird in the flock conserve
energy. By taking advantage of the updraft produced by the bird in
front, each bird behind expends less energy flying than if they were to
fly alone. The birds take turns flying in the front; when the lead bird
is tired, it will fall back as another takes the lead. By working
together, the whole flock benefits.
The
significance of this phenomenon has been noticed. It made its way into
the workplace, with the flying V being used as an analogy for teamwork.
It has also made its way into the big screen, with the flying V as a
maneuver used by a peewee hockey team in The Mighty Ducks
movie.
The flying V truly is incredible.
For more on the flying V:
