Goose flies upside-down
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
This greylag goose was captured by wildlife photographer Brian McFarlane in a manoeuvre known as whiffling' - June 2009
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This is the moment a goose was caught performing an extraordinary upside-down contortion as it battled to land in heavy winds.
The bird was captured by a wildlife photographer flying with its neck twisted 180 degrees and its body seemingly facing the wrong way.
The manoeuvre may look painful but it is a known tried and tested way of braking, called whiffling.
In amazing twists and turns, birds spill air out of their wings and can slow down rapidly and reduce height. The results, however, are not usually this extreme.
This bird, a greylag goose, was photographed as it came in to land on a freshwater lake at an RSPB reserve in Strumpshaw, Norfolk. It was captured by wildlife photographer Brian McFarlane (73) who said he couldn’t believe his eyes.
“I cannot believe how this goose got into such an incredible position. It was a windy day and it was making life difficult for the birds. Some were more expert at controlling their flight while others were tossed around in mid-air.”
Paul Stancliffe, of the British Trust of Ornithology said he had seen the extraordinary move many times in 36 years of bird watching. “I have, however, never seen a photograph of a bird in mid-whiffle like this. It is an amazing photograph.”
Mr Stancliffe said whiffling makes the bird “drop like a stone so that they instantly lose height”.
“They look like they are out of control but they are actually very much in control,” he added.
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hey this is a great capture. wonderful timing, peace, cheyanne
Posted by http://newmexicomtngirl.com | 31.05.09, 15:58 GMT
Another explanation: this is a controlled crash!
The worse air disasters are the result of landing in strong cross winds ("wind shears") that can easily flip the largest jumbo airliner upside down. This large bird, like the pilot of a airliner (like this bird is also engineered to fly exclusively forward and upright), is doing his very best to right itself and land. In short, the bird is not flying, it is trying to avoid crashing.
Posted by SurfaceEarth.com | 22.05.09, 19:35 GMT
An odd adaptation considering the anatomy of this bird has been engineered to fly exclusively forward and upright, as oppose to forward & hover (humming bird) or forward & accelerating dive (birds of prey). How then does this bird adapt to flying upside down, but not seeing upside down whilst in flight? Pilots and circus performers easily do so. Flying upside down/seeing upside is both simpler and more symmetrical than the complicated/asymmetrical 180 degree neck twist. Nature loves symmetry.
Posted by SurfaceEarth.com | 22.05.09, 19:32 GMT
What, is this for real....i think some on ehas been on the grey goose never mind snapping it?!
Posted by Chris B (Duck) | 21.05.09, 14:42 GMT
it looks as thought somebody built the bird without looking at the directions.
Posted by Terry Burger | 20.05.09, 19:23 GMT
wow what an amazing feat, and i thought i was the only one with "2 left feet". no pun intended.lol
Posted by clare | 20.05.09, 17:21 GMT
Needs more MiG.
Posted by Eddie Van Helsing | 20.05.09, 15:29 GMT
No. This is Goose flying upside down http://imgur.com/96nam.jpg
Also, while we are on the subject - did you guys know that a guy from Top Gun is in space repairing Hubble? CNN link at http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/05/11/space.shuttle.altman/index.html
Posted by Jammie Dodger | 20.05.09, 14:10 GMT
That goose reminds me of the Republican party in the US. upside-down and "very much in control"
Posted by plomperton flats | 20.05.09, 13:54 GMT
What are all them other photies about?
Posted by Glen Callen | 20.05.09, 12:40 GMT
Just like an upside down aerofoil. Clever.
Posted by Jim | 20.05.09, 12:32 GMT
Well pigs will fly!
Posted by Lennie | 20.05.09, 12:15 GMT
Daft : The photograph is upside down, not the goose !
Posted by Malachy McAnespie | 20.05.09, 11:59 GMT
I thinks its hada litl bit toooo much to drink, hicup!
Posted by dave | 20.05.09, 11:24 GMT
Amazing. Great story and great pics!!
Posted by Liam | 20.05.09, 11:18 GMT