Stragglers

Summary

Two geese are struggling to catch up with their migrating flock, highlighting the importance of the V-formation for their survival.

Abstract

The narrative describes two straggler geese observed during spring migration, attempting to rejoin their flock after falling behind. These geese, unlike their counterparts who travel in a protective and energy-efficient V-formation, appear worried and desperate as they fly alone. The author speculates on the reasons for their delay, ranging from personal issues to individualistic choices, and emphasizes the birds' instinctual understanding that being part of the flock is crucial for their journey's success. The geese's predicament serves as a metaphor for the need for collective support in overcoming challenges.

Opinions

The author expresses empathy towards the geese, reflecting on their potential distress and the reasons for their lag.
There is a sense of admiration for the collective behavior of migrating geese and the efficiency of the V-formation.
The author suggests that individualism, while possibly the cause for the geese's situation, may not be sustainable without the support of the group.
The article implies that survival and success often depend on the ability to work within a community rather than in isolation.
The author assumes a grim outcome for the geese if they fail to rejoin a flock, underscoring the harsh realities of nature.

Hey, Wait Up…

In the cool, V-less air two geese winging desperately to catch up

Stragglers. Are you happy now? one unhappy bird squawks at the other. Had to stay a little longer, did we?

Come spring, where I live and thousands upon thousands of geese wing their way north in high, glorious (and noisy) vee-formations. Lots of bickering and gibbering in Geese and all one hundred, two hundred, three hundred birds that form a particular V seem to have gotten the memo.

Not so these two.

Really.

I have no idea: overslept? overate? pissed off? super-individualistic? rebellious? kicked out? just for the hell of it? domestic trouble?

Whatever the reason, they looked worried now, perhaps even verging on desperate. Did I imagine the cussing and baiting? Probably. But not their frantic need to catch up, for each bird is born with the cellular knowledge that without the flock, without the V-formed peloton to shield you and pull you along (the welcoming vacuum created by many birds ahead of you), they would not make it. Alone, they would soon fall prey to predators, to exhaustion, to hunger, thirst, to desperation.

Eventually, I assume, these two birds will either catch up with their own flock and rejoin the formation or they will be overtaken by another — which, again I assume, would let them join. If neither of the above, again I assume, they will fall prey to misfortune.

All this is going through my head as I watch them.

All this is going through their heads as I watch them.

Stragglers

Hey, Wait Up…

Wolfstuff

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