Pat Shingleton for Nov. 9, 2012

This weekend the Luke Guarisco Duck Calling Competition begins at the Avoca and Pecan Island Duck Club. Field trials also will designate the Hank the Wonder Dog Award.

Geese fly in a “V” formation, providing the flock with 80 percent greater flying range than if each were on its own.

As noted in a previous column, flying out of formation causes resistance drag. Geese return to take advantage of the lifting power from the bird in front of them.

When a lead goose tires, it rotates back and another assumes the point position.

Geese in the rear honk to encourage those ahead to hold their speed.

If a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese leave the formation to lend help, staying with it until death or flying again. Fastcast: Warmer.