When you see geese flying along in the V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has to say about that. 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. This comes from Ladner Rotarian and Past District 5040 Governor Penny Offer in her invocation at a club meeting on June 9th,
What we can learn: people who are part of a team and share a common direction get where they are going quicker and easier because they are travelling on the thrust and with the support of one another. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into the formation to take advantage of the power of the flock.
If we have as much sense as the goose, we will share information with those who are headed the same way we are going.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose takes over the lead.
Another point for all of us: It pays to share leadership and take turns doing the hard jobs. The geese honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. So words of support and inspiration help energize those on the front line helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue.
When a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of the formation and follow the injured one down to help and protect it. They stay with the goose until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out with another formation to catch up with their group.
So, once again, if we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other when things get tough.
The next time you see a formation of geese, remember: it is a reward, a challenge and a privilege to be a contributing member of a team.
