Next
fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter... flying
along in a "V" formation... you might consider what science
has discovered as to why they fly that way: As
each bird flaps its wings, it creates an 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. 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 of one another. When
a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and
resistance of flying alone... and quickly gets back
in formation to take advantage of the lifting
power of the bird in front. If
we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation
with those who are headed the
same way we are. When
the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the Wing and
another goose flies point. It
is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs with people
or with geese flying south. Geese
honk from behind to encourage those up
front to keep up their speed. What
do we say when we honk from behind? Finally...
and this is important... when a goose gets sick, or is wounded
by gunshots, and falls out of formation, two other geese
fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and
protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly,
or until it dies; only then do they launch out on their own, or
with another formation to catch up with their group. If
we have the sense of a goose, we
will stand by each other like that.
