Why Wild Geese?

Why Wild Geese?

I’ve always loved birds, both in natural settings and in the city. As a city dweller, I especially take pleasure in watching our birds in the city. Their constant presence – migrating, nesting with their babes, flocking, hunting, paddling about the ponds, rivers, and oceans – reminds me that no matter how extensively humans may have paved over the natural world, it is still all around us.

Geese – wild geese – have an even more special place in my heart. Their calls as they fly overhead, their exquisite V formations, and their social interdependency – excite and inspire me. Their essential ground rules are instructive for everyone.

Wild geese know the strength of the group. They fly in a V formation because it is much easier than flying solo. There is less wind resistance on each goose, so they fly faster, longer and with less individual effort than they would if each flew alone.

Wild geese share leadership. They take turns leading. When a goose tires, it goes to the back of the V formation and another goose comes forward to take its place at the front.

Wild geese encourage each other. Geese in the V formation honk while flying. This motivates the geese at the front to keep up their speed.

Wild geese take care of one another. When a goose is hurt or ill, two geese fall back and protect the wounded one, until it is able to fly again. Then all three set forth together.

Wild geese watch each other’s backs. When geese are feeding on the ground, they post sentinels to warn of dangers.

Consider flying with me, as the wild geese do!