Some aspects of close order flying

Jack Prescott
(Internet Published) Oct 2001

Many species of birds and animals, including humans, have a better chance of survival if they keep close together. It is the stragglers, the bunch quitters and the free thinkers that are at risk. Predators are quick to notice individuals that stray from the main flock or herd and will attack these. Even the weakest or very young will probably survive of only they will keep up with the flock or herd.

Some of the strongest become more adventurous, more brave and more individualistic, but in many cases these do not survive. Racing pigeons released from a race location are better if they stick together for the vast majority of the distance leading to home. The collective navigational instinct is far stronger than individual navigational instinct. Migratory animals and birds always move in great number. Very few racing pigeons would reach home of they were released individually from great distance away from home. From my own observations "kit pigeons" such as Tipplers, Rollers, Tumblers must be essentially intensely gregarious. None of them will win contests if they fail to form a close order of flying.

I find that at low altitudes and short ranges this is essential close packing is easy. When, however, the team or as we say "kit", gets into some kind of up-draught it may rise to a great altitude where sight of home ground may not be clear. Likewise, in a strong wind or abnormal conditions the kit may fly far away from the loft area.

For reasons that I do not fully understand these high flying kit pigeons become very nervous some times and are likely to bolt either at high or low altitudes. My own worry is when the kit splits up because that is when losses occur. If only the kit would stick together I wouldn't worry.

Another hazard is the appearance of a Falcon. This often causes the kit to split and scatter. The Falcon may chase loose individuals and it may catch one. However, even if the Falcon dies not attack the damage is done and the kit may be scattered. Individuals become disorientated and we probably will never see them again.

[Internet Published Oct 2001 at http://www.tipplers.com/jack/]