About those Canada geese...

 Well, I think I have given you enough time to think about those Canada geese. (That link will tell you all you need, and possibly want, to know about Canada geese.) The answers, please...

1. One side of the line is longer than the other because...Linda guessed it! There are more geese in it! This everyday mystery is solved! Fun Science Facts from the Library of Congress says this.."Why do geese fly in a V?   Energy conservation and visual assurance. 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 authors of a 2001 Nature article stated that pelicans that fly alone beat their wings more frequently and have higher heart rates than those that fly in formation. It follows that birds that fly in formation glide more often and reduce energy expenditure (Weimerskirch, 2001).
   The second benefit to the V formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. Flying in formation may assist with the communication and coordination within the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason." That's all from that above link.
2. I asked a Canadian friend if different sized flocks were from different provinces, and her answer was 'no'. Deadpan.  I got a kick out of thinking it, did you?! Likely, they just found a different thermal or something. This from www.chacha.com/: A flock of geese flying in formation can move faster and maintain flight longer than any one goose flying alone, this is synergy. Answered - 65 days ago at 8:28am on Sep 30 2010 from tribes.tribe.net
3. Yes. Mama geese tire of the constant "MaMaMa" of the little geese. However, I like to think the extended family is flying together, so she couldn't be sure it's her baby or her nephew or niece. So, as is almost always the case, she'll keep her cool longer if it's not her own child, right? Besides, it's kind of hard to 'pull over' in the sky, no?
4. Family meeting of where to go? Doubtful. I think, rather, that they draw straws (or pinfeathers!)
5. Yes. The little geese say, "Are we there yet" about the time they hit WY. (also, see #3.)

If my husband ever contributed to this blog, he'd probably have some great answers involving co-efficient of variation, sine or cosine, HTML coding, or whatever his big brain could think of. Alas, I am blond, mother of two, and pretty simple...

Thanks for checking in. Daddy and Jonathan went up skiing today, so it's the little girl and I at home. Maybe I could get caught up on my blog?

Love your comments! Please leave one so I know who's checking in...
Happy days!

Canada geese...

We interrupt this "catching up" to post some deep thoughts. This weekend, we have observed several flocks of Canada geese flying south. There's something beautiful about their honking, isn't there? (Unless you're from LA; then you'd probably get out your gun and shoot! heehee) OK, serious again. So, we were wondering if maybe someone out there could answer a few questions?

1. Why is one line of the V longer than the other? I know there's a reason they fly in a V; something about catching the draft of the front goose...as they tire, they trade...sort of like cycling in a line. But why is one side longer than the other?
2. Why do you see one small flock of, say, a dozen geese and, just off a little ways, there's a HUGE flock of, say, 312? Are they from different provinces?
3. Do the mama geese get tired of the constant "Ma, Ma, Ma, Ma" of their children? I can hear it now. "Do I need to pull over?" "Would you knock it off?"
4. Do they have a family meeting about where to fly? "Well, Ma. Feels like it's time to fly south, eh? How about heading to Colorado?" "Nah, let's go to Arizona this year. It's warmer there, that's for shure." 
5. Do the little geese ever say, "Are we there yet?"

Just wondering.