Geese Formations

[ontheflats]

Here's one only the more experienced hunters may know -

Why is one side of a geese formation always longer than the other?

[KanePole]

because there are more geese flying on that side

[ontheflats]

[Q]KanePole originally wrote:
because there are more geese flying on that side
[/Q]


Good Job!!

[Feeshon]

Great answer. Here is my theory based upon watching geese for forty years in Maryland and Virginia. The lee side line is usually longer, this allows the lee geese to drift on the updraft created by the windward side geese. The geese rotate positions so if they work the windward side on Flight 1 they get the lee side on Flight 2. That is why they are always happy and honking with their own division of labor thing going.

Feeshon

[eastduck]

One theory has been that all but the lead bird are able to gain lift from the wing-tip vortices produced by the bird in front of them. Those vortices are formed by air rushing up over the tip from the high-pressure area under the wing into the low-pressure area above the wing. The following bird, if it is in just the right position, will remain within the upward flow of the vortices. Calculations indicate that such an advantage could greatly boost the range of a flock of birds over that of a bird flying alone. It is estimated that a flock of geese can fly up to 70% longer than a single goose before exsaustion sets in.

It has also been suggested that flying in vee formation is a way of maintaining visual contact and avoiding collisions.

A Vee formation with one arm greatter that the other may suggest a formation which benefits the groups aerodynamics and uperlevel winds patterns. As suggested this may be the leeward side of the prevailing winds.

In reality no one knows and these are just theories. Maybe they are social animals and the they like to fly behind another bird they trust ( I would) is is bigger so they can fly easier.

[MarkTakacs]

Not only are there more geese on the one side thus it is longer but also geese can't count and so they are unable to correct this issue.

Both of these are scientific facts.

Eastduck do you always keep such detailed stats on your duck hunts?........how did Elliots Island treat you this year?

Mark

[eastduck]

Thank you and yes, I do look back at the numbers, the weather daily and yearly, and the location. Then I take this information compare it to the years in the past and look for similar conditions or weather patterns and use this information to plan for the days hunt. Try it the patterns are very predictable if you write them down.

The Island was great. And it's fun to read the reports that there are no duck down there. That is one place that unless you scout you won't shoot a thing but if you scout take into consideration historical and similar weather, tides, and wind data you will have good quality shoots ever time. But sometimes you still shoot nothing that’s when the beauty of FB pays for the trip.

How did you guy’s do? Shoot any big dear? How’s the hunting club?