Signs of the coming winter

This morning, after opening the garage door I could hear a strange noise. I stopped walking to my car in order to focus in on the sound and interpret what it was. Honking, the honking of geese. Odd because to me it just seemed too dark and early for them to be in flight overhead but within minutes the sky began to brighten and the sun rose shortly there after.

For some reason this year I have noticed more and more of the famous flying V formation that flocks of geese adopt. Last winter was so mild that I don't think many of them took off for southern climes. You could see them foraging for remnants in the corn and other vegetable fields around the area. They were to be seen hanging around local ponds and golf courses. The fields around the high school in Lincoln, RI is inundated with them. They were crossing the street and early this summer when I drove by I saw for the first time a Canada (not Canadian according to the National Geographic's site) goose as a road kill victim.

So what's up with the flying V formation? According to The Library of Congress's fun science facts page on the subject, the formation allows for faster and more efficient flying. The birds in front provide a reduction in strong wind currents allowing for birds in the rear to get a break. Then the birds take turns in the formation in order to share the work. It also helps to keep everyone together and in communication.

One last thing, perhaps you have seen this one at work but it's worth a read. Lessons From the geese is "cute" but it is a good reminder for us from time to time. Being part of a flock can be hard, and sometimes we need to remember to be grateful for the birdbrains around us.