The Goose Story
Next fall, when you see Geese heading South for the Winter...
flying along in 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 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 MORE QUICKLY AND EASILY 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 trying to go it alone... and quickly gets back into 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.
Angeles Arrien, based on work of Milton Olson