• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Nature Talks and Walks

Guided Nature Tours

  • Home
  • About
    • Who Delivers the Events?
    • Where are our Events Held?
    • Featured On
      • Nature Writing
      • Wildlife Presenting
  • Schools
    • Nursery Fun and Games
    • Primary School Education
      • Key Stage 1
      • Lower Key Stage 2
      • Upper Key Stage 2
    • Out of School Groups
    • Related School Services
  • Organisations
    • Adult Education
    • Comunity Groups
    • Holiday Activities
    • Museums and Information Centres
    • Retirement Homes
    • Scouts and Guides
    • Wildlife Charities and Societies
    • Garden Centres
    • Walking Groups
  • Services
    • Wildlife Walks
    • Nature Presentations
    • Educational Workshops
    • Wildlife Holiday Tours
    • Training Days
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Get in touch

Why do Geese Fly in a V?

By Russ Leave a Comment

Brent Geese can be recognised by a black head with a white ring around the neck.Over the next few weeks, tens of thousands of geese will be migrating to our shores. Huge numbers of Barnacle, Brent and Pink-Footed Geese can be spotted along our shoreline. In winter, their home in the Arctic becomes much colder and every year there is a mass exodus, as thousands of birds escape the winter darkness. Many come to the UK because it’s warmer, lighter and has much more food than they could find at home.

When waterfowl fly in a 'V' formation, they are called a Skein.We can spot these birds whilst out walking or even when driving. Their honking calls come first, followed by the unmistakable ‘V-shape’ flying formation, known as a Skein. Like the Red Arrows, they streak across the sky. The most likely explanation for this behaviour is that this formation reduces the energy used to fly. Each bird can effectively ‘ride’ the air that passes the wings of the bird in front, which gives it a slight lift. This means they don’t need to use as much energy to fly and any energy they can save could make the difference between surviving a migration or not.

Each goose takes a turn at flying at the front of the Skein.But for the bird at the front of the ‘V’, they won’t benefit. However, it’s been found that each bird in the formation will take it’s turn at the front of the line. This sharing behaviour could demonstrate close bonds between individuals, or just be a case of some aerial pushing and shoving. Whatever it is, it produces some of the most stunning scenes of our Autumn.

Don’t forget…

Leave a question or comment below if you’ve seen any migrating geese yet and you could be featured in our future blogs! You can send any queries or pictures to:

Also remember to subscribe to our blog at the top right of the screen for updates on events,  your pictures, wildlife and much more.

Take care and remember, stay on the wild side.

facebookShare on Facebook
TwitterTweet

Filed Under: British Birds, Ecology, Winter Tagged With: barnacle goose, brent goose, canada geese, goose migration, greylag geese, migrating birds, migration, pink footed geese, whooper swan, Why do Geese fly in a V?

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

How Can We Help You?

Find out more about our services and how we can help you.

Get in Touch

Please follow and like our social media!

Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
YouTube
YouTube
LinkedIn
LinkedIn
Share
Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Nature Talks & Walks. All rights reserved.

Guided Nature Tours in Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Lancashire Website Built & Supported By: WebCentric360.com