LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-birds-v-formation-flight-northern-bald-ibis-nature-bioinspired-20140115,0,3808246.story#ixzz2qwYMT9rP
The central idea of this article published in the Los
Angeles Times 'Science Now' section on January 15th, 2014 is that scientists
may have discovered why birds fly in a V-shaped formation when migrating. The scientists in this study believe that
birds do this to save energy when flying on long migratory routes. The Austrian
scientists used a critically endangered species - the northern bald ibis - to
study how the birds migrated. The
article reports that sixteen birds which were raised by humans from chicks were
released in the wild with monitors attached to them to record their vital
functions. The article started with a general statement (that the scientists
had discovered why birds fly in a V-formation), and refined the article to go
into more detail about the testing and results. I found the article to be
interesting since I wondered why birds fly in this formation; however, I would
like to see testing done on other species, or I would like to see wind tunnel
studies of bird wings.
The article went into more detail on how the tests worked
out for both the ibises and the scientists, including comments on what the
scientists themselves experienced. For example, Steven Portugal, a biomechanics
at the University of London's Royal Veterinary College, told LA Times, "We
really wanted to see whether there really was any truth to this idea that
they're working together for a benefit". He also commented on the length
of the procedure for the biological monitors, "It sounds insane, but it
took 3 1/2 weeks to get 7 minutes of top-quality, best data".
Data showed that the leader (the one in the front of the
'V') sends air currents spiraling off the tips of its wings and following birds
will 'surf' on the spirals as they flap their own wings. The monitors showed that the following birds’
heart rates were lower than the leading birds.
This is important for the animal's survival especially in long-distance
flights which might provide no chance for rest during the flight.
"Why Do Birds Fly in a V? Endangered Ibis Reveals Its Amazing Secret." LA Times. N.p., 15 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. <http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-birds-v-formation-flight-northern-bald-ibis-nature-bioinspired-20140115,0,3808246.story#axzz2qwXyL2v1>.
Unsoeld, Markus. Northern Bald Ibises. 2014. Photograph. Los Angelos. LA Times. 15 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Jan. 2014. <http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-birds-v-formation-flight-northern-bald-ibis-nature-bioinspired-20140115,0,3808246.story#axzz2qwXyL2v1>.
