Current Event #1

Why do birds fly in a V? Endangered ibis reveals its amazing secret
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>.