Fact #1: As each bird flaps it’s wings, it creates an uplift draft for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds a greater flying range than if one bird flies. Lesson #1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they’re going quicker and more easily because they are traveling on the strength of one another.
Fact #2: Whenever a goose falls out of 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. Lesson #2: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation and be willing to accept help when we need it and give help when it is needed.
Fact #3: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies into the point position. Lesson #3: Geese instinctively share the task of leadership and do not resent the leader.
Fact #4: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Lesson #4: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something else.
Fact #5: When a goose gets sick, is wounded or is shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to earth and protect it. They stay with their disabled companion until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out on their own or with another formation or catch up with the flock. Lesson #5: If we have as much sense as geese, we, too, will stand by one another in difficult times and help the one who has dropped out regain his place in the formation.