Dec.15 Mon. Rain/Sun/Rain
十二月十五日 星期一 雨後晴後雨
In the hustled duck pond,
擁擠的鴨塘,
Came a flock of Canada geese.
飛來一群大雁.
On their way to farther South,
南去的路上,
Took a quick break cautiously.
謹慎戒備暫歇.
Snowcapped
山頭覆雪
Clearing up
漸晴
Interesting facts about Canada Geese
As each goose flaps its wings it creates an “uplift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
SOMETHING TOLD THE WILD GEESE
By Rachel Field
Something told the wild geese
It was time to go,
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, “snow.”
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, “frost.”
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spices,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly,
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.
Thank you for the facts about Canada Geese’ V flight. No wonder we have seen different three Canada Geese on the farm sometimes in summer. Generally speaking, they’re in trouble. We help them if we can, or leave them alone.
“SOMETHING TOLD THE WILD GEESE” is so beautiful.