The Goose... The Canada Goose is one of our country's most recognized national symbols and heralds the yearly change in seasons.  But, believe it or not, the Canada Goose is much smarter and efficient than the big bird looks.  Read further to find out more...
		Senator Angus nourishing his fellow, fine, feathered friends!

The Story of the Goose
(provided by John F. Fraser Jr.)

Next fall, when you see geese heading south for winter, flying long in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to WHY they fly that way.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.

By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

When the head of the front goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wings and another goose flies point.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
What do we say when we honk from behind?

Finally, and this is important, when a goose is sick, or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection.

They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly again, or it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group.

If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

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© Copyright Senator W. David Angus 2004
Senate of Canada