[neilep (OP)]

Why a 'V'



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[elegantlywasted]

Aerodynamics-one bird does alot of work, then they rotate and another takes the front.

Why do geese fly in a V? Because it would be too hard to fly in an S! Just kidding. Scientists have determined that the V-shaped formation that geese use when migrating serves two important purposes:

First, it conserves their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. In this way, the geese can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest.

The second benefit to the V formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason.

from:http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/geese.html

[another_someone]

While I agree about the trailing birds using the turbulence of the bird in front to assist their lift, what leaves me a little puzzled is why a V rather than a delta (the V meals they are only using the turbulence from the outer wing, whereas a delta would mean that the third and subsequent tiers of birds would be able to use turbulence from both wings from the birds ahead?

[kdlynn]

do you know why there is always one side that's longer? i do. there are more geese on that side.

[elegantlywasted]

wow... now that is perception... everybody has a thing or two to learn from kd here! []

[kdlynn]

[Karen W.]

LOL LOL!