Geese aerial acrobatics

[simmered]

I was talking with a guy at work today about geese coming into land, we've both noticed that, some not all, in a formation will flip almost upside down and then start flying normal. Does anyone know why they do this and is it a specific species of goose that does it or do they all do it?

[madatter]

We used to say the geese were doing "the dance".
Always wondered why they do it too.
Seen all types do it ,some maybe more than others.

[Versatile]

They do it to loose altitude fast. When they are coming in quick and high they will flip, twist and turn like that to loose some altitiude. Watch them over a lake or field they will do it there too.

[BUD]

Originally Posted by Versatile

They do it to loose altitude fast. When they are coming in quick and high they will flip, twist and turn like that to loose some altitiude. Watch them over a lake or field they will do it there too.

THATS RIGHT ! in my last life , l was a Goose.

[simmered]

yeah i've seen them do it over land and water. Thats cool! so obvouisly its not a species specific behaviour, all geese do it if they feel the need?

What I find interesting is that only a few geese in the flock do it. Why just certian ones?

[winged1]

young ones that 'know it all'?

[killerbren]

ducks do it too, just faster

[lyons6]

It is a interesting sight, but not as good as the look on thier faces when you pop out of your blind!

[Rockymtnx]

You will notice that they will fold one wing in or under their body.
This causes them to drop like a stone. Actually they will fall at d = v1*t + (1/2)at^2
When they do this it makes it for some skill when shooting. Well maybe some luck too.

There were some great pictures posted by someone yesterday showing geese doing this at their best.