Incoming Geese

[Jonners]

I was driving along at around 6:30 on the afternoon/evening of 5th September, when I saw some geese in a stubble field. I pulled over and as more Greylags came in I managed to get a few half decent photos, albeit in not very good light.

Some would come in very serenely,

before lowering their undercarriage

and landing in a flurry of wings amongst their already landed colleagues


Some however seemed like they were enjoying the journey far too much, twisting and turning as they came in to land. Look at the goose at the top of the second photo below... it's body is completely upside down, although its head is still looking ahead almost on the level.






Its almost like they were children messing about on their way home, before their long suffering parents graciously brought up the rear.

[Adam Cheeseman]

It's called Whiffling, Jonners. It's their way of letting them slow down as they come into land. A sort of air brake if you will. Sorry if this sounds a rather fuzzy explanation at this time of the morning - not awake yet!

Cheers,

Adam

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

It's called Whiffling, Jonners. It's their way of letting them slow down as they come into land. A sort of air brake if you will. Sorry if this sounds a rather fuzzy explanation at this time of the morning - not awake yet!

Cheers,

Adam

That's an interesting name. Haven't heard of that before Adam, although I've seen geese doing this.

[Jonners]

Thank you Adam and Wild Woman. Whiffling eh? better not tell Boris Johnston or he'll be wanting to bring it into the 2012 Olympics. Oh no, that was Whiff Waff!