Form an orderly "V" please!

I don't believe it!  I'm sat inside typing when outside the sky is blue with a few whispy clouds - hubby is out in the garden pruning a hedge in a tee shirt - is it nearly the end of October?  Walking the dog this morning, I had a lovely view of a flock of barnacle geese and a small flock of pink footed geese stopping off to feed before they move on, maybe to the RSPB reserve at Mersehead. 

There is something quite magical about seeing that wonderful "V" formation in the sky.  Have you ever wondered why they fly in a "V" shape?  Flying in a flock can help reduce the energy that is needed for a long flight.  It is estimated by flying in a "V" formation can help save an individual bird between 12-20% of the energy they would need if they flew  alone.  According to scientists, flying in a "V" formation helps birds conserve their energy.  Each bird flies slightly above the one in front of him or her.  This results in a reduction of wind resistance.  The birds also take turns being at the front of the "V" and will fall back when they get tired.  The young, inexperienced juveniles tend to fly towards the back so they dont have to take up the lead position.  Again, it is estimated that a flock of geese can fly 70% farther in the "V" formation than flying alone!  The other advantage of flying in a "V" is that each bird will have a clear field of vision, allowing them to see each other and communicate in flight.  Apparently fighter pilots will use this formation for the same reason.  How clever is that?

With Autumn in full swing and as we creep towards winter, I find it a reassuring time - Mother Nature continues her work year round with the changing seasons, the change in behaviour of wildlife too.  My thoughts turn to Skye and Frisa - it won't be long now before they start thinking of building a new nest.  Heather is still very much part of the family, but in time, she will gradually move away and leave Skye and Frisa to start the whole process again.  With the Scottish schools on holiday, we had a great number of visitors to the Hide and they were rewarded with some beautiful views of our family, either sat on the lochside or just flying against a beautiful blue sky.  Don't forget you can still visit the Hide at Loch Frisa - we are staying open and you can hopefully see some wonderful views of nature - from our white tailed sea eagle family, migrating geese flying over, divers on the loch, down to the beautiful colours of the bracken and trees at this time of year.  Full details here http://www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature/sites/mull/index.asp 

A reminder of Loch Frisa in the Autumn

Photo - Debby Thorne

Dont forget to encourage family and friends to help protect our Birds of Prey by signing the pledge here http://www.rspb.org.uk/supporting/campaigns/birdsofprey/index.asp

Debby Thorne, White Tailed Eagle Information Officer

Isle of Mull