Me, spilling out all my thoughts, inner and outer, on just about anything! Lots of poetry, short stories from past experiences, anecdotes about teaching elementary school, music, relationships....garage sale type thing...Something For Everyone!

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Sure Sign of Fall




The Canada Geese are beginning to flock. They are practising flying in their famous V formation. I sigh as I watch their wonderful performance. What fascinates me is that they've been doing this for the past few weeks and will continue until "freeze up" which is not until the end of December here. Some will leave before and some after that.

So why do they start so early? Just to be "a get in my face" daily reminder that fall is here with winter to follow? Or do they really need that much practice?

When flying in a V, the lead goose reduces the wind resistance on the geese behind it, allowing them to use less energy in flight. This must mean that the lead bird has to be very strong to break the wind's resistance alone. The next two that follow are likely fairly strong as well, but the rest are just drafting. (Now I know why bikers get mad when others draft them in the important races, save energy, only to pull out, push it, and beat them in the end!)

While you watch Canada geese in flight, you notice their long necks and slow wing beats. Next, you will hear their trademark, deep musical honking sounds. It is surely a chorus in unison at this time of year!

Mother of Invention, listening the flocks flying overhead even as I type this!

18 Comments:

Blogger Girlie said...

These are beautiful!

Sunday, September 24, 2006

 
Blogger Stephen Newton said...

When I lived in Pennsylvania, the geese flying south in the fall were always a harbinger of winter and their return in the spring made me happy to know summer was on its way. I could hear their honking way before I would see them.

Thanks for the memory, Mother.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

 
Blogger Mother of Invention said...

Stephen: Glad this evoked a fond memory. Their honking really is unique! I always wonder what they're saying ..to each other ...to us?

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Stephen Newton said...

Mother,
Yes, the Mexican food was a bonus after our eventful hike in the mountains. Regaarding the moving incident, my persistence in using the Internet has brought a numbr of victims together and I recently heard from the company that they "found" our kayak. I'm letting our attorney handle the details, since I don't trust the owner or his company.

May I put a link to http://felinehangout.blogspot.com/ on my blog>

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Old Lady said...

We have a flock or two down here that stay year round.

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Mother of Invention said...

Stephen: Good news on the plight of Moving! They probably had to "rescue" your kayak from the "to hock" pile!
Of course you may link! Thanks!

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Mother of Invention said...

Old Lady: Those are the smart Canada geese! Either that or retired!!

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Barbara said...

How do you suppose they communicate with each other? How do they decide where to go? How long to stay? How does one goose get to be the leader? Great pics -- did you take them?

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Mother of Invention said...

I wonder that too, because one honk sure sounds like another!! I'd imagine it's all instinct and we (I) fancy putting human qualitites upon them like..."Hmmm, Martha, they've got a good deal on in that place we stayed last year if you stay an extra month...a fish special every night!" or "Vote for me for lead bird! I'll take ya where you want to go and schedule lots of rest spots!"

No, I didn't take these...google images and the last one is actually of a painting.

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger brooksba said...

Ah yes, a sure sign of the winter to come. In Minnesota, we'll start seeing the geese heading south, in that classic V. It does seem that quite a few of them take up residence here for the summers. I'll start hearing them more and more though now, as the ones from even farther north (by you!) start flying by.

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Diana said...

Somehow, in the fall, their flocking doesn't make me nearly as giddy as it does in the spring.

Our starlings are also flocking. We had literally a few thousand in our backyard last week, hunting bugs. Too bad I can't hire them on for the season.

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Mother of Invention said...

Brooksba: Yes, our guys have a much longer flight! It amazes me how they can fly that far.

Diana: I can understand! The announcement of fall isn't nearly as exciting as the christening of Spring! (Unless you're a skier!)
yeah, I'd let them have a coference on my lawn if they'd get mosqitoes!

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Stephen Newton said...

Now we're linked. Thanks!

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Lynnea said...

Oh how I love the sound of their honks overhead. You reminded me. Each year where we live, we only see them flying south, never practice flocking, but then that's because they just aren't here for us to see till south flying time. But the sheer masses of them flying over and their crisp little song and perfect formations, gets me twitter pated coming and going!

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Mother of Invention said...

Stephen: Great!

Maggie: It is kinda neat. I guess I notice them way more in the fall too. In spring, they just sort of appear, but in fall, they make a bigger deal about it and honk louder to say good-bye!

Monday, September 25, 2006

 
Blogger Stephen Newton said...

Our kayak is a double seater. We love it and have put miles of Florida river time on it. Looking forward to exploring these mountain lakes and streams.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

 
Blogger Lynn said...

Funny you said that about the geese. I too have wondered why they form up so early.
The other day I noticed the geese that hang out at Upper Canada Mall had a second gaggle. There are very young gozlings on the grass. I have never seen that before.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

 
Blogger Mother of Invention said...

Stephen: I'd love a kayak! We just have a canoe and love it too. (A 1954 Bob model Chestnut Cedar Strip)

Lynn: Weird! Maybe it's the Young Mall Rats Flock!

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

 

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