The Smart Geese:

Why a HP of Canada Geese? Well why not? For many years, this species did something to me! It started with the many fly-over above the house, with their pretty V-formations. So low, the swoosh of the many wings could easily be heard and the rush of the air could almost be felt! It is impossible not to look up and watch this pretty sight. Many times I wished that one of the geese would be tired and relax on our big lawn, but it was not to be, since we don't have a pond. So I did the next best thing, clamped the camera under my arm and followed my beloved geese, when ever possible. It was a lot of fun to be among them, with my pockets full of bread!

Why geese sometimes are called dumb, is very hard to understand, because...

During Flight, as each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow her. Therefore, by flying in the V- formation, the whole flock adds a 71 % greater flying range, then as if each bird flew alone.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It then moves quickly back into formation, to feel the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

When the lead-goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position. The geese flying in the formation, honk to encourage those up front, to keep up their speed.

When a goose gets sick, or is wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and to protect it. They stay with it, until it is either able to fly again, or dies. Only then do they leave it and try to catch up with their flock, or look for another formation to join. Wouldn't it be nice, if mankind could have an equal amount of compassion for one another, as the smart and not dumb geese do?