"A Lesson From the Geese"
by Joseph Farrugia, TCF Malta

Loving father of Nigel,
born 3-24-96 and died 6-10-96

Have you ever wondered why migrating geese fly in V formation ? As with most animal behaviour, there is a good reason which we can learn a valuable principle of mutual aid.

• As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the bird following. By flying in their V group formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if each bird flew alone.
• Whenever a goose falls out of the group formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the "lifting power" of the bird immediately in front.
• When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the point position.
• The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed.
• When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own, with another group, or catch up with the flock.

And so it is with The Compassionate Friends.

[ reprinted here with permission ]