It’s almost springtime. Witness the Mystery of Flocking.

What makes birds fly in flocks?  

Looks like spring is on the way, because geese began returning.  

To be honest, I enjoy watching them fly in a flock. I find it fascinating that they have perfectly straight lines, a precise distance between each other, and an effective navigation system. They are strong and gorgeous birds. 

Scientists have been baffled for many years as to why birds align and fly in the flock.  

The answer was truly surprising.  It turns out that this is how nature created a great method for birds to travel long distances without losing their way.  

Each bird beating its wings generates a lift for the bird right behind it.  

In other words, the wedge shape allows the entire flock to boost its flying speed by at least 71% when compared to the speed that each bird can reach independently.  

This significantly reduces the stress on the birds, allowing them to fly over thousands of kilometers. 

The strongest and most resilient member of the flock takes the first flight.  

The flapping of its wings creates tremendous air gusts, providing additional wind to those flying behind.  The second row of birds facilitates the functioning of the third, and so forth.  

The oldest and weakest birds always fly near the end of the wedge, where there is less air resistance.  The birds flying behind essentially float on the air waves generated by those flying ahead. 

It’s also amazing that birds flying in a conical shape can reach speeds of 80 km/h and maintain it throughout their flight.  

Usually, the leader of the flock is an old bird, but still strong and knows exactly where to go. 

Also, the flock has several of these birds and they all fly at the head.  

When the leader becomes exhausted, he retreats and flies to the end of the wedge to rest, while another takes his place.  

So, they rotated during the entire journey. 

It’s also a fascinating fact that the sound that we hear from a wedge in the sky is only made by birds flying behind.  In this way, they encourage the birds to fly ahead and not slow down.  When one bird falls out of the flock and tries to fly alone, it immediately feels heaviness and resistance.  And it returns to the group. 

Isn’t it amazing ? 

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